“I am diabetic and have to undergo an orthodontic treatment. Will my diabetes affect my healing process?”

If your diabetes is controlled then no, typically ortho treatment can be done just fine.

Yes, how much depends on your type and control. Not a reason not to treat, but need great oral hygiene.

If the diabetes is under control, you can proceed with your orthodontic treatment.

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene will be essential. As long as the gums are healthy throughout treatment, there is nothing to “heal.”

Unfortunately, diabetes can slow all healing and orthopedic/orthodontic processes. Having said that, if your A1C scores are consistently lower than 8, you should have very minimal difficulties with your treatment. As always, good control leads to a good life!!

Dr. Eric Dellinger

It depends on if your DM is controlled or not. You should consult with your physician and orthodontist.

If your diabetes is well controlled you should be just fine. In general though, adults tend to have longer periods where their teeth feel sensitive than children do, but everyone is different, and some people just have higher pain tolerances than others. If you feel like you would like your orthodontist to take it easy, just let them know.

When considering orthodontic treatment for the diabetic patient, it is important to find a doctor who will take the extra time needed to treat you in a safe and courteous manner. Going on a consultation with a potential orthodontist should allow you to determine if you trust that orthodontist.

Considerations before deciding orthodontic treatment:

-Ensure good oral hygiene and dental health (most potent)
-Tight control of diabetes
-Exclude periodontitis
-Monitor blood glucose before going into active orthodontic treatment


Considerations during the process of orthodontic treatment:

-Apply light physiological forces
-Antibiotic prophylaxis before: orthodontic bed placement; separator placement; screw insertion
-Antibiotic prophylaxis is not needed in: simple adjustment of appliances; simple replacement of appliances


Considerations to prevent or manage emergencies during the process (especially hypoglycemia):

-Morning meal on day of orthodontic treatment

If symptoms of hypoglycemia occurred: IV dextrose; IM glucagon 1 mg
"Diabetes mellitus is commonly encountered in patients seeking orthodontic treatment. Because diabetes exerts a considerable negative effect on bone remodeling, diabetic patients’ teeth are very likely to be misaligned and to require dental correction. Thus, it is necessary for dentists to have a basic and solid background knowledge about diabetes diagnosis, management, dental consequences, and the considerations to be taken into account during treating those patients. Diabetes is not a contraindication to orthodontic treatment. However, uncontrolled diabetes may have significant negative consequences on the outcomes of the procedures. Dentists should be aware about the importance of tight control of diabetes before conducting any dental procedure, and to exclude periodontitis. During orthodontic treatment, they should be careful not to overload the weakened teeth, to give prophylactic antibiotics when required, and to be aware with early signs of hypoglycemia."

Well-controlled diabetes is not a contraindication to orthodontic treatment. As long as your orthodontist is satisfied with your HbA1c numbers and you maintain those during treatment, along with maintaining good oral hygiene and seeing either a periodontist or general dentist throughout orthodontic treatment, you should be able to undergo the treatment.

If your diabetes is undercontrol, it shouldn't affect your orthodontic treatment.  

Hello!
Could it be possible that you might be confusing orthodontic treatment with something else that requires 'healing'? The process of orthodontics is a slow, methodical, controlled movement of the teeth that should not require any 'healing'. To answer your question, No...diabetes would not affect orthodontic treatment in any way.

Yes, diabetes, particularly if not under control negatively affects the healing process. I have treated a patient with diabetes and the treatment did not go as well as I wanted. Diabetics are infection prone. Moving teeth successfully and retention after tooth movement requires that a healing process take place. I believe diabetes can slow the healing process.
 

I would consult with your primary care physician to determine if your blood sugar levels are under control. I would be concerned with your periodontal health during orthodontic treatment depending your current periodontal (gum and bone surrounding the teeth) condition. Consult with your primary care physician and local orthodontist to determine your treatment options. Hope this helps...Dr.B.

If your diabetes is well controlled then no, orthodontic treatment will not be affected and your recovery process will not be affected.

Not if your diabetes is under control.