Your Route to Orthodontic Treatment Success
As part of your evaluation for orthodontic treatment ( Braces, Invisalign® or Other Orthodontics ) and your road to a beautiful smile, your orthodontist may advise you to see a Periodontist. This referral is to ensure that you do not have any underlying periodontal gum problems, thin gums or need for implant replacement of missing teeth.
Why?
Orthodontic treatment is used to straighten your teeth, fix your bite, etc. These each involve the movement of your teeth through the bone. When this happens, it is important that you do not have anyunderlying gum disease or infection that can compromise the success of your orthodontic treatment.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth; which causes bone loss, significant gum recession and tooth mobility. Your ability to have orthodontics ( braces ) depends on the health of your gums and bone. Before you get braces, the Orthodontist will decide if you need to see a Periodontist, to get any periodontal disease you may have under control and stable.
How do your Orthodontist & Periodontist Work Together?
Your Orthodontist and Periodontist will work closely together while you are in treatment in order to give you the best long term results. This may include dental implants, bone or soft tissue grafting, simple cleanings or 3-month maintenance visits.