Is It Possible for Patient with Gum Disease to Get 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.

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.

Invisalign needs only to be done on healthy gums. Make sure you listen to the dentist who is telling you to take good care of your gums even if the time frame is 6 months. Trying invisalign on unhealthy gums  or any orthodontic treatment, will not go well. Once you have your gums healthy and get the dentist's ok, then go for the invisalign procedure.  It is a wonderful way to keep your gums in good shape once your teeth are straight.  You will be able to brush and floss properly and have a beautiful healthy smile!  Good Luck!

If your perio pockets depths have shrunken to a managable level and there isn't any active perio disease -- many gum problems are improved by straight teeth so it makes sense to get perio treatment first and Invisalign second.

It is important to have periodontal disease cleared up before beginning treatment. Depending on the severity of the disease, you may need to wait longer.  
It is possible that the treatment could fix some of the peridontal problems, or make it easier to maintain and keep problems from getting bigger. 

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.

Imagine that the periodontium (gums and underlying bone) is the foundation in which teeth are stabilised. If the foundation is not healthy and stable, any further work will collapse or make periodontal issues worse. As far as waiting 6 months, it mat be exagerated, as any advanced periodontal therapy should be under control within a few months.

Before beginning any orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, periodontal disease must be under control. Once the dentist or periodontist has done a thorough exam, done deep cleaning if necessary, and verified that the patient's periodontal disease is under control, it is then okay to proceed with invisalign. It is important to continue to see the periodontist or dentist to monitor the periodontal disease throughout treatment.

To do Invisalign Orthodontics or any kind of orthodontic movement in the presence of active Periodontal Disease is to invite disaster.  The destructive activity of Periodontal Disease could be accelerated during Invisalign or any Orthodontic movement of the teeth.  If would be wise to find a General Dentist who can help you get your mouth healthy first and who is also capable of doing your Invisalign treatment as he can closely monitor your periodontal health during the course of your Invisalign treatment.

It is imperative that any periodontal concerns be taken care of and that you are cleared by your dentist or periodontist before beginning orthodontic treatment. Moderate to advance periodontal disease involves loss of bone support for the teeth, and attempting to move teeth just causes more inflamation. This may result in an acclerated rate of periodontal break down and eventual loss of teeth. Once your perio situation is cured and you choose to begin Invisalign treatment, it is important to continue to see your dentist or periodontist every 4 months or so to be sure it does not recur.