Gums Growing Over Braces

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Orthodontia, or braces, can greatly improve the appearance and function of the teeth and build your confidence. However, orthodontic appliances may also contribute to your gums growing over your braces, enlarged gums, or even gum recession. The fact is, wearing braces can make cleaning or brushing your teeth more difficult. When you can’t clean your teeth thoroughly, bacteria can gather and irritate the gum tissue causing it to become inflamed and overgrown or swollen. This gum tissue growing over your braces makes it even more difficult to clean your teeth causing added irritation.    

Gums Swelling Over Braces

  Another issue that could cause your gums to grow over the braces could be the proximity of the hardware on the teeth. While your gums may return to their normal, healthy state after your braces are taken off, we do see a number of patients with persistent gum overgrowth during and after their braces are removed. You can treat this very successfully with a procedure called crown lengthening.  

Receding Gums Due To Braces

  Your braces can also contribute to the opposite problem – gum recession. With orthodontics, your teeth are moved out of their natural position and pushed into a new one. The strength used to straighten the teeth can cause stress on the surrounding bone and gum, contributing to recession. Gum recession can cause various problems including tooth decay, sensitivity, an undesirable appearance, bone loss, and possibly even tooth loss. Thankfully, your gum recession can now be treated with the minimally-invasive Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Procedure. gums growing over braces

Home Treatment

  If you have this issue, you’re not alone. We get many questions on our YouTube channel asking how to stop your gums from growing over your braces without professional care.  

Here’s What You Can Do

You can start by brushing aggressively in the areas where your gums are growing over your braces or swelling, making sure that you clean those areas as thoroughly as possible with a Waterpik on high pressure. It may be tender or bleed at first but this is the best way to reduce the gum swelling. In the places where your gums are receding make sure you brush very gently and use the Waterpik on low pressure. Check out our video on brushing with recession. In this video, Dr. Nemeth goes into more detail about proper brushing technique:  

Dr Nemeth was interviewed on Vice and was asked more questions regarding braces and gum swelling.

  We care about our patients and see many during and after their orthodontia treatment. Often times they need further treatment after their braces are removed. Dr. Nemeth has helped hundreds of patients complete their smile transformation.  If you’re noticing your gums growing over your braces, there are steps you can take now to reduce the rate of gum growth. For more information about hyperplasia or gum swelling or to schedule an appointment, please call (248) 357-3100.     [/et_pb_text][et_pb_button admin_label=”Button” button_url=”https://www.drnemeth.com/#footer-main” url_new_window=”off” button_text=”Schedule Your Appointment Today!” button_alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” custom_button=”off” button_letter_spacing=”0″ button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ saved_tabs=”all”] [/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]