Gum grafts - Before or after braces?

[BraceFace2o1o]

Has anyone here had gum grafts because of gum recession? (either prior to braces or after).

If anyone from the UK has had gum grafts, what were you charged for this? (I have no idea of the cost ranges, but can guess they are expensive ).

I have had some gum recession on my lower front teeth for a few years, and I was told by my dentist this was because of brushing too hard and my deep overbite.

I was inspecting my teeth earlier and noticed some gum recession on my upper front two teeth ... although I had noticed the gum recession on my left tooth a couple of years ago, today I noticed that the gum on my right tooth has started to receed also . When I discovered the recession on my left tooth a couple of years ago, it didn't really bother me because I just thought it was due to the tooth being out of line/crooked.

I went to see my dentist in July because I had a few issues I was worried about. I was convinced I had gum disease. He checked my mouth and said I didn't have gum disease and told me he probed/pressed my gums quite hard but they did not bleed. He always say my teeth and gums are fine

Here are a couple of photos showing the recession on my two upper front teeth:

Here you can see the recession on the right front tooth (I am aware the teeth next to the front teeth have recession too)


Here you can see the recession on the left front tooth (I wanted to get a photo from the side, but my cameras battery died. It looks worse from the side because of how the tooth is positioned/angled!)


I haven't got a brace yet, my 2nd consultation (with a different Ortho) is in 2 weeks. I have read many a time that braces can cause some recession, so I am worried mine will get worse!

If you have gum recession prior to getting a brace, do Orthodontists normally suggest you get a gum graft prior to having the brace fitted? or do they suggest to wait until Orthodontic treatment is finished?

[BraceFace2o1o]

Just lately (before studying my teeth in the mirror and noticing the recession on my upper right front tooth) I have noticed a sensation of tightening at the gum line above the right tooth, it feels as if the gum is 'tight'. It doesn't bleed when I brush or floss. Just feels dry/tight sometimes.

[drrick]

The majority of the time I prefer the grafting to be done before braces.
this is particularly true if the teeth need to be moved 'forward' and opposed to retracted.

[wired nana]

On the advice of my peridontist, I had the gum graft done before I got my braces on. I thought it was going to be horrible, but it actually was not that bad, and my gums look so much better now.

[BraceFace2o1o]

Thank you both for your replies.

It's all getting me down lately. I keep finding things or coming up against things that are going to cause an issue, plus alot of money I don't have... A few weeks back I thought the only thing making me wait was the consultations! Now I've noticed receeding gums and God knows what else.

I don't have a periodontist. I have never seen one, or been referred to one. I have tried to Google the prices of gum grafts in the UK and all I have managed to find is £350-£600 per area/tooth! that is so expensive.
Basically, if I need gum grafts, I will have to forget having Orthodontic treatment, as I cannot afford both . I would have to leave the brace and do the gum grafts, but if my teeth alignment/bite is causing some of the recession, I'll be back to square one again anyway... hmm. I simply just can't afford both.

[wired nana]

I looked back through my records and found the statement from the gum graft. It was $1700 US (not sure what that would be in your currency). I was very lucky that our dental insurance paid most of it. I hope that you will find a way to be able to pay for your graft AND braces.

[lindesd]

Chrystal,

I too had some recession, but it was on one of my bottom teeth. I have been in braces for 24 months now and they should be coming off very soon. The recesssion did not get any worse.

With that said, I had a graft done just last Wednesday (9/1). My Peridontist was ok with the braces being on. He utilized my braces to help with the procedure by having the bandage attached somehow. Dr. Rick probably knows what I am talking about. Anyway, the procedure was $1200 U.S. dollars. With insurance, I was out $400. I would go ahead and get the braces and towards the end of your treatment have the graft. By then, you will be able to save money for the graft. Also, keep in mind that a lot of Peridontist will work out a payment plan. They do in the U.S anyway. Please let me know how things turn out and GOOD LUCK!

[TrolleyDolly]

Hi Chrystal,

As treatment for gum recession isn't something that can be classed as cosmetic, could this be something you can receive NHS treatment for with a referral from your dentist/ortho?? Just a thought!

[PaultheCanuck]

I got 2 sets of gum grafts before my braces. I did not find the first experience very pleasant. I have a very narrow mouth and lost the protective "flaps" on the donor site after eating the first couple of times. This resulted in chaffing and quite a bit of pain on the roof of my mouth.

The second time I had a stent created to protect the donor site and allow it to heal properly. I highly recommend this. I also had aneasthia so I don't recall a thing from the second sugery. I highly recommend this as well. It costs a bit more but it is definitely worth it!

Good luck!

[lindesd]

I too found that the donor site was more painful than the actual graft site. If you can get tissue that is already harvested instead, do that.

[BraceFace2o1o]

Thanks everyone for your replies and input, I really appreciate it!

Chrystal,

I too had some recession, but it was on one of my bottom teeth. I have been in braces for 24 months now and they should be coming off very soon. The recesssion did not get any worse.

I would go ahead and get the braces and towards the end of your treatment have the graft. By then, you will be able to save money for the graft. Also, keep in mind that a lot of Peridontist will work out a payment plan. They do in the U.S anyway. Please let me know how things turn out and GOOD LUCK!

Thank you for posting, the fact that your recession didn't get any worse while having braces is reassuring to me.

I have my consultation in about a week, so I will see what the Orthodontist says. If he says the recession I have at the moment isn't going to cause a problem then I will just leave it and see how it goes.

If after braces I have more recession I will look into gum grafts, and like you say, I will be able to save money because my braces payments will be over.

Hi Chrystal,

As treatment for gum recession isn't something that can be classed as cosmetic, could this be something you can receive NHS treatment for with a referral from your dentist/ortho?? Just a thought!

Hi TrolleyDolly,

I will suggest it to my dentist and see what he says. When he said he could refer me to a periodontist in July (he said this because I was convinced I had gum disease! lol. He didn't offer to refer me because of my recession - he has never said it was a problem and never mentioned it until I brought it up) I automatically thought it would be under private treatment/prices and far too expensive so I didn't bother and said I will see how things go. I didn't think to ask would it be NHS prices or private , so I will ask when I see him in October. I believe a Periodontist is the one to do gum grafts if they are needed.

Thanks again all and I will update after my consultation in a weeks time.