Gum Recession

[smilelikeyoumeanit]

Has anyone experienced gum recession since getting braces? Looking in the mirror last night, it looked to me like my gums have receded significantly (at least in my mind) since getting braces.

I had a regular dental check-up and cleaning a little less than 2 weeks ago and was told everything was looking good and that my hygiene was especially good.

Thanks!

[Crazy4Snow]

I've thought the same thing and asked both my dentist and ortho about it and was told that the gums haven't receded so to speak, the teeth have been brought down making it look like the gums have receded. However, if you notice a "ridge" at the gumline and sensitivity, then your case may be different. Just check with your ortho and dentist and see what they say. If you're brushing and flossing religously and correctly you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

[drgnchsr36]

I noticed the same thing, and was told it's because I was obsessing with my teeth that I noticed it lately...

But, I had both the ortho and dentist take a look and both said that it hadn't changed since I got my braces on...

[BaliGirl]

I noticed the same thing, but because my hygiene is good, my concern was dismissed as being in my head. I was told that if I had a little recession, it will reverse itself after treatment is over. I have 2 crowns that were completely covered by gum tissue before treatment started, and now the gums have receded above the crown margin - so I know it's not all in my head.

I've never heard of gum recession reversing itself. Anyone else?

[Timetoshine]

Bump!

[Leebie3]

same thing... my ortho says it's very mild, caused by the teeth moving as much as they have too and that it'll settle once the treatment is finished.

[Timetoshine]

Thanks Leebie ... when he says 'settle' does he mean as long as you don;t scrub the bejessus out of them anymore and leave them well alone?! Does he mean revert back to what they were, or remain slightly recessed?

[Leebie3]

LOL good point! I was a bit vague in hindsight

Settle as in go back to normal. He did say I'm pretty rough when I clean my teeth too which will be contributing.

[beckyboo0205]

I totally thought I had some gum recession too on my front bottom teeth but the ortho assistant said they looked great! I think it was just in my head.

[sirwired]

Those that spot "recession" may be observing extrusion instead. Extrusion is a common part of orthodontic treatment. Actual recession is quite easy for a dentist to spot; they look at how much "hard gum" you have and where it connects to the tooth. Dentists aren't too concerned about the amount of "squishy pink gum"; that comes and goes. It's the "hard" gum that actually attaches teeth to bone. ("Squishy Pink Gum" is important if has gingivitis or periodontitis of course... that will eventually lead to actual recession.)