Clear aligners are a popular choice for straightening teeth. However, some people may notice receding or swollen gums during your braces journey, which could possibly affect your oral health and the end result.
So, can braces cause gum recession? And what should you do if your gums become swollen? This guide explains the possible causes, treatment options and ways to care for your gums before, during and after braces.
Your gums form a protective layer around the roots of your teeth. Gum recession happens when the gum tissue pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root.
You may notice that your teeth look longer, the roots become visible or the spaces between your teeth appear larger. Other symptoms may include sensitivity to cold drinks or sweet and acidic foods. Bleeding, redness, swelling or pus around the gums may also indicate gum disease.
Gum recession can occur while wearing braces , but it does not happen to everyone. Poor oral hygiene, substantial tooth movement and naturally thin gums may increase the risk. That is why it is important to maintain good cleaning habits and pay attention to changes in your gums throughout your teeth-straightening journey.
When teeth are not cleaned thoroughly while wearing braces, plaque can build up and harden into tartar. This can contribute to gum inflammation and gum disease. Gum disease can damage the bone supporting your teeth. As this support is lost, the gums may also recede.
If you already have receding gums before starting braces, the recession may worsen as your teeth move. Localised gum recession can occur around crooked or crowded teeth, where cleaning is more difficult and plaque is more likely to accumulate. The bone and gum tissue on the outer surfaces of your teeth may also be thin, making these areas more vulnerable to recession.
People with naturally thin gums may be more susceptible to gum recession during orthodontic treatment. Thinner gum tissue can be more vulnerable to irritation and the effects of tooth movement.
Your dentist will assess the direction and extent of tooth movement when planning treatment. However, factors such as the size of your dental arch, the size of your teeth and your bite mean that some risk may remain even with careful planning.
If you have thin gums, discuss this with your dentist before starting braces so you understand your gum condition and the potential risks.
Cases involving substantial tooth movement, changes in tooth angles or jaw surgery may carry a greater risk of changes to the bone and gums around the teeth.
For more complex cases, your dentist will assess your oral health in detail and carefully plan the proposed tooth movements to minimise these risks.
The right approach depends on the cause and severity of your gum recession.
If gum disease has already caused significant damage to the supporting bone, restoring the lost tissue can be more difficult. Early treatment is important to control the disease and help prevent further recession.
Treatment generally falls into two categories: non-surgical care and surgical treatment.
A periodontist, or gum specialist, can assess your gums and recommend suitable care. This may involve procedures at the dental clinic alongside changes to your home care routine.
Your dentist will recommend an approach based on the underlying cause. If your teeth are misaligned, they may assess whether adjusting the position of your teeth and roots could make them easier to clean.
For sensitivity associated with exposed roots, your dentist may apply fluoride varnish or a dental bonding agent to protect the exposed dentine and reduce irritation.
Desensitising toothpaste may help manage sensitivity caused by exposed roots. These toothpastes generally work by either:
These products need consistent use, and improvement may take several weeks.
If you have naturally thin gums, existing recession or a complex treatment plan, your dentist may recommend a procedure to thicken the gum tissue before you start wearing braces. This may help reduce the risk of further recession.
If significant recession develops during or after braces, surgery may be considered to cover exposed roots or strengthen the gum tissue around the teeth.
These procedures require assessment by a periodontist, followed by appropriate care during recovery. Where conditions are suitable, root coverage surgery may restore some of the lost gum coverage.
Gum thickness varies from person to person. People with thinner gums may be more vulnerable to recession, making careful cleaning and regular monitoring particularly important while wearing braces. Here are five ways to look after your teeth and gums.
Keeping your teeth and gumline clean is important, but your brushing technique should also be gentle. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with soft bristles. Avoid hard bristles that can repeatedly irritate the gums.
One approach is the Bass brushing technique:
Floss or a water flosser can also help clean areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush, reducing plaque build-up and supporting gum health.
If you wear clear aligners, cleaning them properly helps prevent plaque build-up and repeated gum irritation. Rinse your aligners with cool or lukewarm water to remove food debris. You can then soak them in a cleaning solution made with an aligner cleaning tablet before rinsing them thoroughly. Use the soaking time specified for your cleaning product.
Read more: How to Clean Your Invisible Braces Properly
Regular dental reviews allow your dentist to monitor your gum health and check for changes along the gumline. Professional scaling removes plaque and tartar that can contribute to gum inflammation and gum disease. The source recommends a cleaning interval of six to 12 months; your dentist can assess the appropriate schedule for your gums.
Keeping up with these appointments can help reduce the risk of gum problems during your braces journey.
Fluoride products can support your oral care routine by helping strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Depending on your needs, your dentist may recommend fluoride mouthwash or customised trays used with fluoride gel.
Remineralisation is the process of replacing minerals lost from tooth enamel. Acids produced by bacteria can remove minerals from enamel, a process known as demineralisation. Remineralisation helps replenish these minerals, strengthening enamel and improving its resistance to acid damage and decay.
Gum recession is more common in older adults, but it can also affect teenagers and young adults. Smoking is associated with gum recession and more severe gum disease. Avoiding smoking is an important part of protecting your gum health.
Reducing sugary drinks and snacks can also help support oral health and reduce the risk of dental problems.
Alongside exposed roots and sensitivity, gum recession can create noticeable spaces known as “black triangles”. These are dark-looking gaps between teeth where gum tissue would normally fill the space. They can affect the appearance of your smile and trap food, making cleaning more difficult.
Receding gums do not naturally grow back. However, controlling gum disease and improving your cleaning and lifestyle habits can help stabilise your gum health and prevent further deterioration. Treatment options for black triangles may include gum grafting, hyaluronic acid fillers or composite resin restorations. The appropriate approach depends on your individual condition.
If you notice black triangles during or after your braces journey, speak to your dentist about whether gum treatment or cosmetic restoration could help.
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