Can Invisalign Cause Gum Infection?

Gum infections are usually caused by bacteria entering the gums and causing an infection. It is rare for gum infection to be caused by Invisalign

No, Invisalign® cannot cause gum infection as long as you follow the guidelines and care instructions given.

Gum disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth that make harmful substances called acids. These acids can damage the teeth and gums, leading to cavities, bone loss, and gum disease.

Gum tissue is thin and sensitive, so it is more susceptible to bacteria. The bacteria can get under the gum line, and it is difficult to remove them without professional treatment. Gum disease can also cause bad breath if it goes untreated.

It is important to note that there is no evidence suggesting that Invisalign causes gum disease. However, if the patient happens to have gum disease while wearing their aligners, it can make the disease more severe.

The main reason behind this is that the aligners are worn in the mouth for long periods, leading to bacteria buildup.

Therefore, it is advised that you clean your mouth with water and toothpaste after each meal while wearing your aligners.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection in your mouth and can cause gums to recede and bone to deteriorate.

Gum disease is categorized into stages–gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the milder form of gum disease, and it just affects the gums, but Periodontitis is more severe and leads to tooth loss when not treated.

When plaques accumulate in the gum line, they can harden and form tartar. It is the tartar that causes gum disease. If you don’t practice proper oral hygiene, you can develop gingivitis and periodontitis.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a mouthpiece that helps move your teeth without braces or wires. This type of dental treatment allows you to achieve straight teeth while having less visibility. The design of the aligners means you can eat, drink, and brush your teeth as usual throughout the process.

Straighter teeth are usually better for both health and appearance reasons. Aligned teeth can make you feel confident about yourself in social settings. It is also easier to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing Invisalign aligners because there are fewer places for food to get stuck.

How is Invisalign and Gum Disease Linked?

It is rare for you to develop gum disease when using Invisalign in Salt Lake City, UT. However, you can develop infections that lead to gum disease if you do not follow the instructions. Invisalign aligners require high levels of hygiene and discipline for the treatment to be successful.

While Invisalign gives you the freedom to eat what you want, you need to remember to take them off when doing so. This will prevent discoloration and damage to the teeth.

It is also vital to clean the aligners every day when brushing to remove any plaques from accumulating in the aligners. Also, keep the aligners in a denture solution to keep them moist.

It is recommended that you wear the aligners for 22 hours every day and remove them when eating and brushing. Do not forget to visit the Taylorsville dentist every six to eight weeks for monitoring.

How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?

There are many ways to prevent the onset of gum disease. Following a regular toothbrush routine and brushing and flossing at least twice a day is a good start.

As well as following good hygiene, it is important to limit sugary drinks and snacks, as these can cause the protective bacteria in the mouth to become less effective.

Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day to kill bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Also, visit a dentist at least twice a year for professional cleaning and exam, which will remove plaque buildup from between the teeth and below the gum line.

Certain medications can also be an underlying factor, such as certain antibiotics, and accelerate gum disease. If you are on such, it is crucial to discuss this with your dentist in Salt Lake City, UT, and determine if there is anything that they may recommend.

Schedule an Appointment 

Visit Warm Family Dentistry for more information about gum disease and how you can prevent it.