Is It Possible for Patient with Gum Disease to Get Invisalign?

One of the main risk factors for Invisalign patients is the presence of gum disease (untreated). If you have a minor case (gingivitis), you may begin treatment of the gingivitis at the same time you begin Invisalign treatment. However, if you have an area or areas of moderate or severe gum disease (periodontitis), you have to have these areas successfully treated first. If you begin Invisalign treatment at the same time, you may exacerbate the periodontitis.

It is not recommended that a patient with
ACTIVE gum disease get Invisalign or braces. This can cause increased bone loss
around the teeth. However, a previous history of gum disease that is now stable,
is not a contraindication for Invisalign.

Although Invisalign is a remarkable innovation in the orthodontic world, it has it's limitations. Some movements are inherently more difficult to achieve with plastic shells that snap over the teeth. For a person with periodontal disease however, Invisalign may be the treatment of choice. In addition to looking better and allowing patients to eat whatever they want, Invisalign offers patients the most flexibiltiy possible when it comes to keeping their teeth clean. That is essential for periodontal patients. Ask your orthodontist if your malocclusion is one that could be treated with aligners.