Yes, you can get Invisalign if you have gum disease, but the gum disease must be treated and stabilized first. Moving teeth through bone that is compromised by active infection can cause further damage and make the gum disease worse. Once your gums are healthy and stable, Invisalign treatment can proceed safely. In fact, straightening your teeth can actually help improve your gum health in the long run by making them easier to clean.
Why Gum Disease Must Be Treated First
Gum disease weakens the bone and tissue that support your teeth. Orthodontic treatment works by applying gentle pressure to move teeth through the jawbone. If that bone is already compromised by infection and inflammation, moving teeth can accelerate bone loss and worsen your condition.
Active gum disease also causes bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Wearing Invisalign aligners over inflamed gums would be uncomfortable and could trap bacteria against your gum tissue, making the infection worse.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It begins when plaque builds up along and under the gum line. If not removed through regular brushing and professional cleanings, plaque hardens into tartar and causes the gums to become inflamed.
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) causes red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. This leads to bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss.
How Gum Disease Is Treated Before Invisalign
Treatment depends on the severity of your gum disease. Mild cases may be managed with a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces to help gums reattach.
More advanced cases may require additional periodontal treatment, including antibiotics, gum surgery, or bone grafting. Your periodontist will determine the appropriate treatment based on your specific situation.
How Long Do I Have to Wait After Gum Treatment?
After your gum disease is treated, you will need to wait for your gums to heal and stabilize before starting Invisalign. This healing period typically ranges from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of your condition and the treatment you received.
Can Invisalign Actually Help My Gum Health?
Yes. One of the benefits of straightening your teeth is that properly aligned teeth are easier to clean. Crooked or crowded teeth create tight spaces where plaque and bacteria can hide, making it difficult to brush and floss effectively.
Why Invisalign May Be Better Than Braces for Gum Disease Patients
For patients with a history of gum disease, Invisalign has some advantages over traditional braces. Clear aligners are removable, so you can take them out to brush and floss thoroughly. This makes it easier to maintain excellent oral hygiene during treatment.
Why a Multi-Specialty Practice Matters
At Gentle Dental of NJ, your gum treatment and orthodontic care can be coordinated under one roof. Dr. Mark Pakan, our periodontist, specializes in treating gum disease. Dr. Ilya Lipkin, our board-certified orthodontist, provides Invisalign treatment.
Having both specialists in the same practice means they can communicate directly about your care, review your progress together, and ensure your treatment is coordinated for the best possible outcome.
Invisalign and Gum Disease Treatment in Newark, NJ
If you have gum disease and are interested in straightening your teeth, Gentle Dental of NJ can help. We will evaluate your gum health, recommend appropriate treatment, and develop a plan to get you into Invisalign safely.
Call us at 973-817-8888 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Common signs include red, swollen, or tender gums, gums that bleed when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental exam for evaluation.
Can gum disease come back during Invisalign treatment?
If you maintain good oral hygiene and keep up with regular dental visits, you can prevent gum disease from returning. Invisalign actually makes it easier to keep your teeth clean because you remove the aligners to brush and floss.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on your case, but most patients complete Invisalign in 12-18 months. Your orthodontist will give you a more specific timeline after evaluating your teeth.
Is Invisalign covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign the same way they cover traditional braces. Our team can help verify your benefits and explain your coverage before you begin treatment.