Can You Get Braces When You're Affected by Periodontal Disease?

If you're told you need braces, chances are that you'll want to begin treatment as soon as possible. After all, you'll be wearing them anywhere between one and three years. But to successfully have those braces in your mouth, your mouth needs to be ready. When you're affected by periodontal disease that might prevent you from receiving braces. So, what are your options?

Determine if You're an Unsuitable Candidate 

Periodontal disease can mean you're an unsuitable candidate for braces. Given that braces work by applying light pressure to your teeth in order to gradually shift them into the correct alignment, your teeth need to be healthy for this process to be effective. The surfaces of your teeth need to be strong and intact, as do your periodontal ligaments (the fibrous tissues that hold your teeth in place). When your teeth, gum tissue, and periodontal ligaments have been compromised, orthodontic treatment will generally not be successful.

Controlling Your Periodontal Disease

The good thing is that periodontal disease can be treated, and it must be controlled before your braces can be fitted. It might not even need to be entirely eradicated, but it should be under control and essentially in retreat before braces can be an option.

Receiving Treatment

The most appropriate treatment will depend on your particular form of periodontal disease. It might be as simple as getting a deep cleaning, involving root planing and scaling, in conjunction with a course of antibiotics. Some surface restoration work might also be needed for teeth that have lost their protective enamel. In extreme cases, tissue grafting can become necessary, but this is only with advanced periodontal disease that has led to tissue loss inside your mouth.

Oral Hygiene 

Proper oral hygiene is the best means of combating periodontal disease, and so once your condition has been brought under control, you will need to maintain the health of your teeth, especially once the braces have been fitted. If you neglect your oral health, you're also sharply reducing the effectiveness of your new braces. Regular checkups become even more important when you have braces since unless your smile remains strong and healthy, your braces will not be able to do what they're supposed to do. 

Even if periodontal disease has made you an unsuitable candidate for braces, just remember that once it has been brought under control, you will certainly become a suitable candidate. Contact clinics that provide braces to learn more about your options.