Can You Get a Gum Lift Before Invisalign or Braces?

The first thing to do if you are considering braces is to go to a ADA recognized orthodontic specialist that does only braces and get a very complete evaluation.     Although you can certainly do the "gum lift" before braces the best timing depends a lot on what type of treatment you need to have done.  If you don't have a very "gummy smile" it may not make much difference when you do it. If you do have a very severe "gummy smile" some orthodontic intrusion of the teeth will likely be needed to help correct the problem.  In cases of that type doing the "gum lift" after the braces would likely be best.    Get a good orthodontist to carefully plan out your treatment ahead of time and have him show you pictures of similar cases that he has personally treated and see if you like how they look after treatment.  

: Hi, Live and Learn. As others have
pointed out, the first step before getting either braces or a gum lift is to
have a thorough examination by qualified specialists to ensure that your
treatment plan is appropriate. A periodontist can decide if treatment for a
gummy smile is appropriate, and an orthodontist can subsequently discuss how
Invisalign or braces can help. It's also possible that you'll be happy with
your smile after a gum lift and elect not to have your teeth straightened.

Proper diagnosis has to be made before doing anything.  If the issue is skeletal, then you should have the braces and surgery done to re-position your upper jaw.  The orthodontic treatment for surgery is completely different than a non surgical case.  If orthodontic is done first without consultation with a surgeon and you  are left with a gummy smile, then the whole treamtent has to be reversed.  If the issue is not skeletal, then orthodontic treatment should be completed first. I hope this answered your question.

As you indicate, your two options are to try the gum lift (crown lengthening) and see if the results are satisfactory, or do the braces first.  Ask yourself and your dentist if you really need the braces for other reasons.  If you do, it would make sense to take care of all your needs with one straightforward treatment plan: braces, followed by a gum lift.  If the only reason to get braces is to reduce the gumminess of your smile it might make sense to just do the gum lift and then see if the results satisfy you.  If they don't you can always do the braces, and the effects of the gum lift might still be present, avoiding the need for another gum lift.

You can do it before or after the braces.  If you are doing the braces in the near future, it is best to do it afterwards because your teeth and gums will shift.  If you are not sure that you will be doing the braces, I would do it now.  A gum lift or gum recontouring is a great way to enhance your smile.  You will show more teeth and less gums.  We like to do this procedure with a laser in our office because there is less shrinkage and quick healing.  Also it could be touched up easily when you do the braces in the future.