If you had plans to undergo orthodontic treatment but have recently become pregnant, you may be wondering: can you get braces while pregnant?
You’ll be pleased to learn that you can safely have braces during pregnancy; it is perfectly safe to undergo orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth at this time! Read on to learn more about getting braces while pregnant.
Should Expectant Women Shy Away From Braces?
Good news; it is perfectly safe to undergo or continue orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth during pregnancy. Expanding your family does not mean that you will have to delay the dental treatment that you want or need!
As long as you have received full approval from your obstetrician, there is typically no reason as to why you should avoid braces during pregnancy.
In fact, it is believed that teeth can actually be more responsive to orthodontic treatment while you are pregnant, as they are more inclined to move due to significant hormonal changes in the body. In some cases, pregnancy can actually allow you to enjoy an overall accelerated orthodontic treatment experience.
It is also important to keep in mind that once your little bundle of joy arrives, things may be a bit hectic for a while until everyone is able to adjust to the new addition. The needs of your baby will of course take precedence, and you may find that the orthodontic treatment you want to pursue will take a backseat.
For these reasons, it may be best to get braces while you are pregnant and before your baby arrives. Beginning your treatment now will ensure that you will probably be able to have your braces removed before your baby enters the toddler stage – which can be a significant challenge on its own.
Things to Consider For Orthodontic Treatment During Pregnancy
While having braces while pregnant is not technically frowned upon, there is one precaution that should always be taken for pregnant women: x-rays should be avoided until the pregnancy is complete in order to protect the baby from potential radiation exposure. Otherwise, having or getting braces usually won’t affect your pregnancy in any way.
If you have already had x-rays taken of your teeth recently, you will likely not have to worry about them at all. Sometimes, an x-ray of certain teeth may be crucial for treatment. In cases such as this, your orthodontist will ensure that you have permission from your obstetrician before taking the teeth x-rays.
Below are some other important things to consider before getting braces while pregnant:
1. Braces can be a bit uncomfortable after they have first been applied to the teeth or after they have been tightened. If you are already feeling generally uncomfortable to begin with, this may be something that will have to wait until after the baby arrives. (It’s also important to keep in mind that Ibuprofen and Tylenol are discouraged during pregnancy).
2. Like pregnancy, braces will come along with a set of dietary restrictions to protect the brackets, wires, and teeth. If you are prone to food cravings or do not wish to further restrict your diet and make things harder on yourself, you will want to put off your orthodontic treatment until after the pregnancy is complete. Alternatively, if you do choose to pursue orthodontic treatment while pregnant, you will need to confer with your obstetrician to ensure that you are still receiving the nutrients and vitamins that you need from your diet.
3. One significant aspect of pregnancy is ensuring that you attend all of your appointments with your OBGYN. Towards the end of the pregnancy, you can expect to visit your obstetrician at least once per week until the baby arrives. If you think that adding orthodontic appointments to your schedule may complicate things or be a bit overwhelming, it might be best to put off getting braces for now.
4. Hormone changes in the body can sometimes cause the teeth to become loose. We previously discussed how these hormone changes can help promote accelerated orthodontics for some, but it’s important to keep in mind that some patients may need to wear a retainer, or will have to undergo a longer treatment time until the hormones have subsided and the teeth have regained their normal structure.
Managing Your Oral Health During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, there is an increased risk of developing tooth decay and/or gum disease due to hormonal changes.
Braces can make it difficult to thoroughly clean all surfaces of the teeth, which also heightens the risk of cavities and gum disease.
In order to keep your teeth healthy during pregnancy, it is absolutely crucial to keep up with brushing and flossing twice daily at a minimum. When you brush, be sure to reach all surfaces of the teeth, setting a timer for a full two minutes. Be sure to floss between each tooth, as well.
If you feel that you may have difficulty properly cleaning your teeth during treatment, you may want to wait until your pregnancy is complete.
For many women, along with pregnancy comes morning sickness – especially during the first trimester.
Increased acidity within the mouth from stomach bile places the teeth at a heightened risk for decay, and the presence of braces can make it difficult to thoroughly brush and floss.
If you have severe morning sickness, you may want to wait until the second trimester before beginning orthodontic treatment. To keep your teeth protected despite morning sickness, be sure to thoroughly rinse your mouth after you have vomited to rid the mouth of acidic stomach bile. If possible, it is highly recommended to brush your teeth at this time, as well.
If you find that nausea continues well into your pregnancy and is difficult to manage or keep up with, it might be best to wait until the pregnancy is altogether over before pursuing orthodontic treatment.
Can I Get Invisalign Teeth Aligners While Pregnant?
If you are looking to an alternative to traditional braces, you may benefit from pursuing Invisalign teeth straightening treatment.
In fact, many women may agree that Invisalign treatment is a bit more enjoyable during pregnancy, as there are no metal brackets or wires to contend with and the clear Invisalign trays can be removed at any time.
There are also less in-office visits and very little dietary restrictions during Invisalign treatment – two major drawing factors for anyone, let alone pregnant women.
Because the Invisalign trays can easily be removed, brushing and flossing the teeth can be carried out as normal. This helps avoid the development of tooth decay or gum disease during treatment. The trays are completely BPA-free – another positive aspect of treatment that ensures the safety and health of both you and your baby.
Invisalign is also incredibly discreet, which will allow you to straighten your teeth with little to no change to your overall appearance. Pregnancy can be an incredibly vulnerable period of time in a woman’s life, so the ability to discreetly pursue orthodontic treatment during this time is absolutely invaluable.
When it comes to the official debate of braces vs. Invisalign during pregnancy, it comes down to your personal preferences, as well as what you need and want to achieve with your orthodontic treatment overall.
The best way to determine which method of teeth straightening will be best for you during your pregnancy is to consult both your obstetrician and your orthodontist.
Improving Your Confidence With Braces
It’s certainly no secret that along with pregnancy comes a myriad of changes, both in your lifestyle and your body. While this is undoubtedly a beautiful and wonderful time in your life, it can also be a significantly vulnerable time, as well. For many women, it can be difficult to keep up with taking care of yourself and looking your best.
If you have struggled with the look of your smile, pursuing orthodontic treatment may be exactly what you need for improving your confidence and helping you feel more like yourself, both during and after pregnancy.
Whether you choose to pursue traditional braces or Invisalign, it is probable that you will come away from your orthodontic treatment feeling better than ever, excited to show off your beautiful new smile that is designed specifically for you to complement your natural features.
Wellness Dental: Best Orthodontist in Arizona
As you have learned here, you’re absolutely safe to start orthodontic treatment during your pregnancy.
When you are ready to begin your journey towards the perfect smile, the Wellness Dental team is here for you. For the best orthodontics during pregnancy in Arizona, place your trust in the dental experts at Wellness Dental.
We will help you design and achieve the gorgeous smile that you have always dreamed of – even during pregnancy. Together, we can design a treatment plan that works best for you and your pregnancy schedule.
For more information about Invisalign and braces during pregnancy or to get scheduled for a consultation in one of our dental clinics, give us a call today.
