Invisalign And Bleeding Gums: Is There A Link?

Posted on: 9 November 2022

Invisalign treatment is usually predictable, with no significant side effects. Some patients might notice increased tooth sensitivity when they change to a new tray, but this is only ever minor and temporary, since your teeth and gums will very quickly adapt. It can be worrying when you encounter an unexpected side effect with Invisalign—namely, bleeding gums. Don't worry, there's nothing sinister happening, and such a problem is usually easy to solve.

Light Bleeding

Your Invisalign trays are at their tightest when they're first put on, such as when you change to the next tray in your treatment series. There may be light bleeding when you change to a new tray, caused by direct pressure on your gingival tissues. Your gums will quickly adapt, and any bleeding should not be ongoing. But what happens if it continues?

Heavier Bleeding

Invisalign itself isn't known for causing bleeding gums. The edges of the thermoplastic trays will be pressing against your gingival tissues, but this shouldn't create enough friction for the trays to cut your gums. The aligner trays need to be tight to work, but if they do seem to be directly cutting your gums, please see your orthodontist. Your trays may need to be adjusted or remade. The trays may have been miscalibrated and could extend too far over your gum line. But sometimes, bleeding gums during your Invisalign treatment have nothing to do with your trays.

Gum Disease

Gums can bleed due to inflammation and disease. Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease, and it's caused by excessive oral bacteria accumulating on your teeth in the form of plaque and tartar. Your gums then become infected and inflamed, and bleeding with minimal pressure is a sign of this. Your Invisalign trays pressing on your gums may be illustrating the problem, without actually causing it.

Professional Cleaning

Just because you're undergoing orthodontic treatment, it's not a green light to neglect your dental care, and regular checkups are a fundamental part of this care. Gingivitis can be managed with a professional dental cleaning, which removes plaque and tartar to manage your influx of oral bacteria. The inflammation in your gums will then subside. Your teeth may temporarily be more sensitive after a professional cleaning, but this isn't an excuse to take a break from wearing your trays.

Short-lived light bleeding when changing your Invisalign trays isn't out of the ordinary. Prolonged bleeding can have several possible causes, and must be investigated. To learn more, reach out to a local dentist that offers Invisalign treatment.

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