When it comes to braces and Invisalign, there is no need to worry about teeth weakening, loosening, or falling out in healthy individuals. However, for those with poor periodontal health, braces may be a better option. Excessive force in orthodontic treatment with Invisalign or braces can cause serious damage to the root and pulp of the teeth, as well as to the supporting bones, but only for a short time. In order for teeth to move, the tissues that hold them in place must be weakened.
Orthopedic appliances weaken the tissues around the teeth, rather than the teeth themselves, allowing for movement. When wearing braces, some movement is expected, leading people to wonder if their teeth will become unstable. Orthodontic treatment involves gentle pressure on the teeth that causes the soft tissues in the mouth to relax and move. This movement does not cause instability.
One of the great advantages of clear aligners for many patients is the smoother relationship between the appliance and their teeth. The periodontal ligament tissue needs time to adjust and stabilize to the new position of the teeth, so the same transparent alignment trays are used for a few weeks before changing them. If you have minor malocclusions, clear plastic aligners can be used to repair your teeth and treatment time lasts from six months to a year. It would be inaccurate to say that clear aligners directly help counteract periodontal disease.
However, it would also be inaccurate to say that clear aligners can directly cause gum disease. Despite this, some may still have the wrong impression that clear aligners require less hygienic maintenance than braces since they are less susceptible to food debris being trapped in them. If your orthodontist notices a gum recession at your initial consultation, you'll want to resolve it before starting treatment with a clear aligner. As with severe recession, your orthodontist may want to treat severe periodontal disease and try to stop it before beginning a clear aligner treatment.
