Teeth, gums and other treatmentsQuestion after the braces come off

How long does it take for swollen gums to go down?

Answered byDr Ivelina Ivanova-Koycheva, Orthodontist (MSc)Master's degrees in orthodontics in Rome and in aligner treatment in Turin, international lecturerPublished on 12 November 2026

Appliances in the mouth – braces, archwires, aligners – as well as the larger number of bacteria that build up because cleaning is more difficult, can make the gums react by becoming swollen and red. Once the orthodontic appliance has been removed and the teeth have been thoroughly cleaned of tartar, stains, deposits and plaque, both on their surfaces and between them, the cause of the swelling has been removed and the gums can return to normal. This process takes a few weeks – at least 3–4. If gum trimming is planned, periodontists advise waiting 6 months after the end of orthodontic treatment.

This answer is for general information. Your own case needs an examination by an orthodontist.