Periodontal Care

Orthodontics, in recent decades, has undergone important changes and has started to incorporate patients of all ages. With the appearance of direct adhesion, ceramic brackets and lingual orthodontics, more and more adults accept orthodontic treatment, which has led the specialist to have to take on new challenges, such as the treatment of periodontal patients.

Orthodontic appliances are the instrument available to the orthodontist to correct malocclusion and, with their action, not only the condition of the teeth is improved, but also of the gums and jawbones, although extreme care must be taken in cleaning the teeth to avoid food retention. In general terms, it can be stated that orthodontics only increases the risk of suffering from periodontal disease if an inadequate brushing technique is carried out, dental floss is not used or the orthodontist does not attend check-ups.

However, on occasions, orthodontic movements can be related to the appearance of periodontal problems, hence the orthodontist must take into account not only the situation of the bone and dental tissues, but also of the periodontal soft tissues.

If the inflammation of the periodontium is uncontrolled; if there is a lack of occlusal control in periodontally susceptible individuals, or if there is an impossibility of retention of the teeth after treatment, severe skeletal dysplasias or problems with muscular habits, orthodontic treatment in periodontal patients will be contraindicated. In contrast, in periodontally stable patients, orthodontics is a safe treatment.

Performing a periodontal evaluation prior to orthodontic treatment will avoid or reduce the chances of suffering periodontal sequelae triggered by orthodontic movements.