Invisalign and Gum Recession – Is There Any Relation?
Gum recession refers to a state in which the gums retract or recede away from the teeth, revealing a greater portion of the tooth's root. This can lead to increased risk of decay, gum sensitivity, and aesthetic concerns. Detecting and treating gum recession early is vital for preventing further damage and maintaining your oral health. While anyone, regardless of their age, can suffer from gum recession, in this article, we will be discussing the eight main causes.
8 Gum Recession Causes
There are several causes of gum recession, some of which you might have never considered. Here are eight of the most common gum recession causes:
1. Aggressive Brushing
When brushing your teeth, how often do you think about the right technique? Not that often, right? But did you know it’s important to take care of the pressure you apply while brushing your teeth? One of the most common causes of gum recession is aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush. It not only wears down your teeth but also damages them and may lead to gum recession if continued for a long period.
2. Misaligned Teeth
Another reason for gum recession is tooth misalignment. As your toothbrush is unable to access the misaligned surface of such teeth, food debris can deposit around them, leading to receding gum.
3. Gum Disease
With improper oral care, there can be extreme build-up of tartar and plaque, making your gums a breeding factory for bacteria that can lead to gum disease, inflammation, and sometimes gum line cavity. If left untreated, this build-up can cause pocketing in the gums, leading to gum recession.
4. Hormonal Changes
Menopause, pregnancy, and puberty can cause hormonal fluctuations, leading to sensitive gums. When your gums are sensitive, they may recede.
5. Age
The older you grow, the more your gums recede. However, to stop gum recession during old age, maintain a good oral health routine. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily. Maintaining good oral hygiene is non-negotiable as it may not just prevent gum recession due to old age but also keep you away from oral problems.
6. Tongue or Lip Piercing
Tongue or lip piercing can cause injury to your gums on the lower front teeth. If the trauma keeps repeating around the injured area, it can lead to further pulling back of the gums.
7. Teeth Grinding
Bruxism or grinding/clenching of your teeth can create pressure on your gums that can cause your gums to recede.
8. Tobacco Consumption
The chemicals used in tobacco products can cause gum recession over a period of time.
Does Invisalign Have to Do Anything with Receding Gums?
While the above reasons are the main causes of gum recession, a lot of people assume Invisalign might also contribute to worsening the condition. But how true is that? Let’s find out.
● Can Invisalign cause gum recession?
Invisalign might not be directly related to gum recession, but if these invisible aligners are not properly fitted for your jaw and teeth, they may cause receding gums. Too tight aligners can apply more than needed pressure on your teeth, which can cause gum recession.
● Can Invisalign worsen the state of gum recession?
Invisalign is meant to improve your teeth alignment for a better smile and enhanced oral hygiene. If they are too tight and not properly fitting, they may cause gum recession.
● How to avoid gum recession with Invisalign?
Follow proper oral hygiene, including:
- Flossing daily
- Brushing teeth twice a day
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Avoiding excess pressure while brushing your teeth
- Using an antimicrobial mouthwash
Additionally, applying dental wax over the edges of your aligners can protect your gums from the irritation and friction caused by the aligners coming into contact with your gums.
Bottom Line
Using properly fitted Invisalign will not directly cause receding gums, but you need to take proper measures, such as avoiding unnecessary pressure during brushing, following proper oral hygiene, and ensuring there’s no plaque build-up.