Quick Answer
Yes, braces can increase the risk of gum recession in some people, but they do not automatically cause it. The risk is higher when you have thin gum tissue, existing gum problems, or significant tooth movement toward the front of the jaw.
Braces can straighten your teeth and improve your bite, but it is also natural to wonder what all that tooth movement means for your gums. About 400,000 people in the U.S. develop gum recession from braces every year, which represents around 10 percent of all orthodontic patients. In this blog, we will explain whether braces can cause gum recession, when the risk is higher, how you can protect your gums during treatment, and what to do if you notice changes.
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession happens when the gum tissue around a tooth pulls back and exposes more of the tooth or its root. You may notice that a tooth looks longer than it used to, and you may develop sensitivity when eating or drinking something cold, hot, or sweet.
Can Braces Cause Gum Recession?
Yes, braces can contribute to gum recession in certain situations, but wearing braces does not automatically mean your gums will recede.
Orthodontic treatment moves your teeth through the bone and surrounding tissues. In some cases, particularly when a tooth is moved too far toward the front of the jaw, the gum tissue around it may become thinner or less able to cover the tooth properly.
There are usually several factors involved. The condition of your gums before treatment, the thickness of your gum tissue, your brushing habits, and the amount and direction of tooth movement can all affect your risk.
This is why your orthodontist should look at your gums as well as your teeth throughout treatment.
In Which Situations Can Braces Cause Gum Recession?
Here’s a closer look at the situations in which braces may increase the risk of gum recession.
1. Thin Gum Tissue
Some people naturally have thinner gum tissue around certain teeth. This gives the gums less tissue to work with as the teeth move.
Research has found that a thin gingival biotype, previous recession, and certain measurements of the gum tissue can be associated with a higher risk of recession after orthodontic treatment.
If your orthodontist identifies thin gum tissue before treatment, they can take that into account when planning how your teeth should move.
2. Brushing Too Hard
Braces can make cleaning your teeth feel more difficult, so you may be tempted to brush harder to remove plaque around the brackets.
That can actually create another problem.
Aggressive brushing can irritate or wear away gum tissue over time. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure is a better approach.
3. Significant Tooth Movement Toward the Front of the Jaw
The direction in which your teeth move can also matter.
When a tooth is moved significantly toward the front of the jaw, also known as proclination, the bone and gum tissue surrounding it may become thinner in some cases. If there is already limited tissue in that area, the risk of recession may be higher.
Your orthodontist can consider this when deciding how much and in which direction a tooth should move.
4. Pre-Existing Gum Disease or a Family History of Recession
If your gums are already inflamed or you have existing gum recession, orthodontic treatment needs to be planned carefully.
A family history can also matter because some people naturally have gum tissue that is more prone to recession. Treating inflammation and checking your periodontal health before or during orthodontic treatment can help reduce avoidable problems.
How to Prevent Gum Recession While Wearing Braces
Here’s how you can take better care of your gums while wearing braces:
1. Brush Gently With a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
You still need to clean thoroughly around your brackets and along the gumline, but there is no need to scrub. Use gentle, controlled movements instead of putting heavy pressure on the gums.
2. Use Fluoride Toothpaste and Floss Daily
Braces can make it easier for plaque to collect around brackets and between teeth. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth every day can help keep your gums healthy.
3. Visit Your Dentist and Periodontist for Regular Checkups
Your orthodontist focuses on tooth movement, while your dentist and periodontist can assess your overall gum health. Regular checkups can help identify inflammation or recession before it becomes a bigger concern.
4. Use an Electric Toothbrush With a Pressure Sensor, If Possible
If you tend to brush with too much force, an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor can be useful. It can alert you when you’re pressing harder than you should.
5. Address Signs of Gum Inflammation Early
Red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums should not simply be ignored. Let your dental or orthodontic team know if these changes continue. Keeping inflammation under control is an important part of maintaining healthy gums during orthodontic treatment.
What to Do If You Notice Gum Recession During Braces?
If one tooth suddenly looks longer than it did before, or you notice that the gumline seems to have moved around a specific tooth, bring it up with your orthodontist.
The same applies if you develop new sensitivity to cold drinks, sweets, or brushing in one particular area.
Not every change means you have gum recession. Inflammation around the gums can sometimes make the area look different, and that is often easier to address. Your orthodontist can determine whether you’re dealing with normal inflammation, early recession that can simply be monitored, or something that needs a closer look from a periodontist.
If genuine recession is caught early, your dental team may have more options for managing the situation. In some cases, the orthodontic treatment plan may also need to be adjusted to reduce further stress on the affected area.
Concerned About Gum Recession During Braces Treatment? We’re Here to Help
At Vail Orthodontics, we understand that noticing changes in your gums during braces treatment can raise questions. A tooth that suddenly looks longer, a change in the gumline, or new sensitivity can make you wonder if something is going wrong. The good news is that these changes do not always mean you have developed gum recession. The team at Vail Orthodontics can examine your teeth and gums to understand what is happening and determine whether it is normal inflammation, early recession that can be monitored, or something that may need a closer look from a periodontist. Your treatment plan can also be reviewed if needed to help reduce further stress on an area of concern. With regular monitoring and the right care throughout treatment, you can work toward a straighter smile while keeping your gums healthy along the way.
Concerned About Gum Recession During Braces?
Get expert guidance from Vail Orthodontics and keep your gums healthy while working toward a straighter smile.
Closing Thoughts
Braces can be associated with gum recession, but they are only one part of the picture. Your gum thickness, oral hygiene, brushing habits, existing gum health, and the amount and direction of tooth movement can all influence your risk. Keeping your gums clean, brushing gently, and telling your orthodontist about changes early can help you stay on top of your gum health while working toward a straighter smile.
FAQs
Why do braces cause gums to recede?
When recession occurs during orthodontic treatment, it can be related to factors such as thin gum tissue or moving a tooth toward the outer edge of the supporting bone. Poor oral hygiene and aggressive brushing can also contribute to gum problems.
Can Invisalign or clear aligners also cause gum recession?
Clear aligners can also move teeth and therefore may carry a risk of gum recession in certain situations. The risk is not limited to traditional braces. The direction and extent of tooth movement, along with your existing gum health, matter more than whether you use brackets or aligners.
What are the first signs of gum recession from braces?
A tooth may start to look longer, or you may notice that the gumline has moved lower around one tooth. New sensitivity to cold, hot foods, sweets, or brushing can also be a sign.
Is gum recession from braces permanent?
Gum tissue that has genuinely receded does not usually grow back on its own. However, not every change in how your gums look during braces is permanent recession. An orthodontist or periodontist can determine what is actually happening and discuss treatment options if needed.
Can gum recession from braces lead to tooth sensitivity?
Yes. When recession exposes part of the tooth root, the area can become more sensitive to cold drinks, hot foods, sweets, or brushing.
What is the best treatment for gum recession after braces?
The right treatment depends on why the recession occurred and how severe it is. Mild cases may simply need monitoring and better gum care. More significant recession may require evaluation by a periodontist, who can discuss treatments such as gum grafting when appropriate.
Should I avoid braces if I already have gum recession?
Not necessarily. Having some gum recession does not automatically mean you cannot have orthodontic treatment. However, your gums should be assessed before treatment so your orthodontist can understand the existing recession and plan tooth movement accordingly.
Can crooked teeth be treated without increasing the risk of gum recession?
In many cases, yes. The goal is to move the teeth while staying within the limits of the supporting bone and gum tissue. Your orthodontist can evaluate your individual anatomy and choose an appropriate treatment approach.
Can you get braces with gum recession?
Yes, some people with existing gum recession can still get braces. The decision depends on the condition of your gums, the location and severity of the recession, and the type of tooth movement required. Your orthodontist may also recommend periodontal evaluation before starting treatment.
