How long after periodontitis treatment can orthodontic treatment begin?
Oct 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
In general, orthodontic treatment can begin 1 to 3 months after periodontitis therapy, but the exact timing should be determined based on the severity of periodontitis and the individual's recovery progress. If periodontitis is mild, with only symptoms such as gingival redness and swelling and minimal dental calculus, and if gingival inflammation resolves quickly after basic treatment and the oral environment becomes stable, orthodontic suitability can typically be evaluated around one month after treatment.
Generally, orthodontic treatment can begin 1 to 3 months after periodontitis therapy. However, the exact timing depends on the severity of periodontitis and the individual's recovery progress. Specific details are as follows:
If periodontitis is mild, with only symptoms such as red and swollen gums and minor dental calculus, gingival inflammation usually resolves quickly after basic treatment, and the oral environment stabilizes. In such cases, an evaluation for orthodontic suitability can typically be made around one month post-treatment. However, if periodontitis is more severe, involving gum recession and alveolar bone loss, patients must first complete basic periodontal therapy; some may also require periodontal surgery. After surgery, a waiting period of 2–3 months is necessary to allow full healing of periodontal tissues and stabilization of bone volume before starting orthodontic treatment. A thorough periodontal examination must be performed prior to orthodontics to ensure that inflammation is fully controlled, thus avoiding tooth mobility during orthodontic movement due to insufficient periodontal support.
During both the treatment phase and orthodontic process, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and undergoing regular periodontal maintenance are essential to prevent recurrence of periodontitis and to provide a solid foundation for successful orthodontic outcomes.
