Can You Start Orthodontic Treatment While During Pregnancy?

Bringing a new baby into the world is an incredibly exciting time, filled with anticipation and a lot of questions about your health and well-being. At the same time, many people dream of achieving a straighter, more confident smile. If you’re pregnant or planning to be, you might be wondering: Is it safe to start orthodontic treatment during pregnancy?

Orthodontic treatment is all about gently moving your teeth into better positions, and is not usually harmful to a pregnancy. Modern orthodontics offers safe ways for expecting mothers to work towards their dream smile. The most important things are careful planning and keeping an open conversation with both your doctor and your orthodontic team.

How Pregnancy Can Influence Your Oral Health

Your body goes through amazing changes during pregnancy, and some of these can affect your mouth and teeth. It’s helpful to understand why:

Hormonal Shifts: They can increase blood flow to your gums, making them more likely to become a little swollen, red, or even bleed easily. This common condition is often called “pregnancy gingivitis.”

Increased Sensitivity: You might notice that your teeth and gums feel more sensitive than usual.

Morning Sickness: If you experience nausea and vomiting, it can make it tough to keep your mouth feeling clean. Also, stomach acid can expose your teeth, which might increase the risk of wear on your enamel.

Feeling Tired and Cravings: Changes in your energy levels and new food cravings can sometimes make it harder to stick to your regular brushing and flossing routine.

Key Factors To Consider Before Starting Orthodontic Treatment During Pregnancy

Talk to Your OB/GYN First: Before you begin any new medical or dental treatment, always get the guide from your obstetrician. They know your overall health history best and can confirm if starting orthodontics is a good idea for you at this time.

Maintain Oral Hygiene: Pregnancy can make your gums more sensitive, so maintaining excellent brushing and flossing habits is even more important. You’ll need to be extra diligent to prevent gum inflammation during treatment.

Managing Discomfort and Nausea: If you experience morning sickness or general discomfort, consider how this might affect your ability to wear aligners consistently or manage any initial soreness from braces. Your orthodontist can offer tips and adjustments to help.

Dietary Considerations: Pregnancy often comes with unique food cravings or aversions. If you’re getting braces, you’ll need to be mindful of foods that can damage them. With aligners, you’ll still need to remove them for all meals and drinks (except water).

Attending Appointments: Orthodontic treatment requires regular check-ups and adjustments. Factor in potential fatigue or other pregnancy-related appointments when planning your orthodontic visits.

Different Paths to a Straighter Smile: Braces or Clear Aligners

When it comes to straightening your teeth, you generally have a couple of main options:

Traditional Braces: These are the familiar metal or clear brackets and wires. They are generally safe during pregnancy. However, because they have brackets and wires, it’s extra important to be very thorough with your brushing and flossing. If your gums are already sensitive from pregnancy, you might notice a bit more irritation.

Clear Aligners (like Invisalign): Many pregnant patients find clear aligners to be a great choice. Since they are removable, it’s much easier to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. They also tend to cause less irritation to your gums and the inside of your mouth. Plus, the flexibility of removable aligners can be a nice bonus if you’re dealing with fatigue or morning sickness.

Common Concerns Pregnant Women Might Have About Starting Orthodontic Treatment

It’s natural to have questions about how orthodontic treatment fits into your pregnancy journey. Here are some common concerns we hear:

Can I have dental X-rays while pregnant?

While orthodontic treatment often involves X-rays to plan your care, your orthodontist will always take precautions. This includes using a lead apron to protect you and your baby. In many cases, if possible, X-rays might even be postponed until after you’ve given birth. Digital X-rays, which are commonly used today, also involve very low levels of radiation. Your safety is always the top priority.

Can you get braces tightened while pregnant?

Yes, you can generally continue with your regular adjustments (sometimes called “tightenings”) during pregnancy. The process of adjusting braces or switching to new aligners is about applying gentle, consistent pressure to move teeth, which doesn’t directly affect your pregnancy. Your orthodontist will be mindful of any increased gum sensitivity you might be experiencing.

Do I need to let my orthodontist know I’m pregnant?

Absolutely, yes! It’s very important to tell your orthodontist as soon as you know you’re pregnant or if you’re planning to become pregnant. This allows your orthodontic team to work closely with you and your OB/GYN to make sure your treatment plan is as safe and comfortable as possible throughout your pregnancy.

Thinking About Starting Orthodontics? Contact Us in Ahwatukee, Phoenix, AZ

The most important steps are clear communication with both your OB/GYN and your orthodontic team, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene throughout.

At Woolaver Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing personalized, safe, and effective care for all our patients across Ahwatukee, Phoenix Central City, and surrounding areas. We understand this is a special time, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Contact us to schedule a consultation and visit our dental office. Get directions to our dental office in Ahwatukee Phoenix here.