Can Aligners Help with Gum Recession?

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Do Aligners Help with Gum Recession?

Gum recession—where the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the roots—is a common concern, especially in adults. It can cause sensitivity, increase the risk of decay, and affect the appearance of your smile. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, you might wonder: Can clear aligners help with gum recession? Clear aligners do not treat gum recession directly, but they can support gum health by addressing one of the leading causes: misaligned teeth.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession can develop due to a variety of factors, including:

• Aggressive tooth brushing

• Gum disease (periodontitis)

• Smoking or tobacco use

• Genetic predisposition

• Poor oral hygiene

• Misaligned teeth or bite pressure

• Tooth grinding (bruxism)

Once gum tissue has receded, it does not grow back naturally. However, managing the underlying causes can prevent further damage and support long-term oral health.

How Aligners Can Help

While aligners cannot regenerate lost gum tissue, they can help correct misalignment that may be placing stress on the gums. For example:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth can make it difficult to clean properly, leading to inflammation or recession.

• Teeth that tilt outward or press against the gum line can create excessive force, damaging soft tissues over time.

• Malocclusion or bite problems can distribute pressure unevenly, affecting gum support.

Clear aligners work by gradually moving teeth into better alignment, helping reduce this strain on the gums and creating a healthier foundation.

Aligners and Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is essential for preventing gum disease and recession. One of the key benefits of clear aligners compared to braces is that they are:

• Removable, making it easier to brush and floss

• Smooth, without wires or brackets that can irritate the gums

• Custom-fitted, minimizing unnecessary contact with sensitive gum areas

By improving both alignment and hygiene, aligners contribute to a healthier environment for your gums.

What Aligners Cannot Do

It’s important to understand that aligners:

• Do not reverse existing gum recession

• Cannot replace periodontal treatment for gum disease

• Should not be used in isolation if active gum infection or bone loss is present

If you already have gum recession, a consultation with a periodontist is necessary. Treatments may include:

• Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)

• Gum grafting

• Laser therapy

• Ongoing periodontal maintenance

Orthodontic care should only begin once your gum health is stable.

Dr. Bak’s Integrated Approach

With over 25 years of experience in orthodontics, Dr. Bak Nguyen carefully assesses gum health as part of every aligner treatment plan. If gum recession is present, he works in collaboration with periodontists to ensure that tooth movement is safe and appropriate. His goal is to align your teeth while protecting—and preserving—your gums.

Book a free virtual consultation to learn more about your case, its treatment time and cost with Dr Bak Nguyen (the real one).

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