Can Braces Cause Gum Recession?

If you have crooked teeth, getting braces is a great option to straighten them out and give you a beautiful smile. However, many people are hesitant to get them because braces can cause gum recession. Various studies have shown that there is a relationship between getting braces and receding gums. First, it is hard to properly clean the teeth while wearing braces and poor hygiene can cause gum recession. Also, braces stress the gums and detach them from the teeth. There are also studies showing that there are no increased risks of gum recession after getting braces.

What is the Gum Recession?

Receding gum is a condition where the margin of gum tissue around the teeth pulls back or wears away, showing more of the tooth. In this condition, the gap that is formed between the gum line and teeth makes a good place for bacteria to grow and multiply. Orthodontic treatment can cause some predisposing factors but there really is no concrete reason that it is the sole cause of receding gums. After all, your orthodontist will first ensure that your gum health is in good condition before proceeding with orthodontic treatment.

Tooth sensitivity is the most common sign of gum recession. When this happens, your teeth become more sensitive to hot, cold, acidic, and spicy food and beverages. Another significant sign is that your teeth look longer than before, and a dark line appears on the teeth along the gum line.

How Braces Cause Gum Recession?

Even though orthodontic treatments like braces give a beautiful smile by correcting your bite and straightening your teeth, they can sometimes cause gum recession. Braces pull the tooth from its natural position to a new one. Also, braces apply permanent compressive forces to the jawbone, leading to inflammation and causing the bone to degrade. In this condition, the gums also follow the bone, leading to gum recession.

Preventing Gum Recession with Braces

Braces might cause gum recession, but this is not the main reason for it. Oral hygiene remains to be the main cause. So if you are conscious of your oral health and ensure that your gums are healthy, you can effectively prevent gum recession even when you are wearing braces. Also, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions to keep your teeth clean and to periodically visit their clinic for regular cleaning and checkup.

Treatment for Gum Recession

Most of the time, mild gum recession does not need any specific treatment. However, you need to carefully monitor your gums and gently brush your teeth. If you do get gum recession and you need treatment, there are some options that you can look into. Ask your dentist for the ones that are most effective for you.

Composite restoration. These cover the root surface and close black gaps between teeth.
Desensitizing agents and dentin bonding agents. These products reduce the sensitivity of the exposed tooth root. They treat nerve symptoms and ease the brushing of sensitive teeth.
Removable gum veneers. Usually made of silicone or acrylic, these replace large areas of missing gum tissue from recession.
Pink porcelain or composite. These have the same color as the gums and fill the gap or receded gums.

If you are considering getting braces but have some reservations because of the possibility of gum recession, it is important to note that gum recession is not caused by orthodontic treatment alone. Most of the time, a reputable orthodontist will ask about your history of gum recession and gum disease along with your family history. Following a precise dental checkup and assessment, after you are cleared, is only when your dentist will push through with the orthodontic treatment.