Patients with braces are not left behind in the technological revolution that is sweeping dentistry. Lasers are not used to move teeth into a straighter position, but they are used to prevent damage to teeth during the time a person wears braces. Often the gums grow up in between the braces much higher than they ever would normally. This is usually considered a natural biological response. Certainly, braces are not a harmful procedure, but the way the gums respond to them may not be what we would wish. After the braces come off the gums will always return to their natural shape without intervention from a dentist. But in the real world, sometimes this return to normal contour reveals chalky white de-calcified areas or even outright decay, which the overgrowth of gums and less than perfect brushing has allowed to happen. Before lasers were available the choice of trimming this excess gum tissue required a scalpel, and a shot. It was almost always decided by the orthodontist that it was better to ignore this option and stress proper brushing instead. The surgery, although not complicated, is somewhat bloody, requires multiple shots, and leaves behind sore gums for a few days. And there is nothing to stop the gums from growing back. The availability of lasers doesn’t prevent the gums from growing back either. But they do make a very important change in the situation. They make the surgery extremely simple. It is almost entirely without blood, there is no pain, healing is extremely rapid. In short, all the inconvenience is taken out of the surgery procedure. If it must be repeated from time to time, during the course of braces, so be it. This is a small price to pay for preventing outright decay, or permanent chalky spots at the gumline. Your orthodontist may, or may not be aware of this new option which patients have in the management of these overgrown gums under braces. It is an extremely new option, which you have at any rate. If you feel gums are growing excessively under braces during orthodontic treatment seek out a Waterlase dentist. He can remove the excess gum tissue with no pain, no bleeding and usually no soreness in a few minutes. After you have had the procedure done once, you will not be reluctant to have it repeated.