Can You Get Braces While Pregnant? 3 Things To Be Aware Of

If you’re expecting, there may be lots you’re considering with the arrival of a newborn baby. Perhaps receiving orthodontic treatment might be something that has crossed your mind recently.

Typically when pregnant, you’re advised against doing a few things and are told to be cautious.

However, one thing you aren’t restricted from doing is receiving orthodontic treatment.

In this blog, we discuss whether receiving orthodontic treatment is safe, and give our expert advice about wearing braces whilst pregnant.

Is Getting Braces Safe Whilst Being Pregnant?

Overall, getting braces won’t impact your pregnancy. They are completely safe for both you and your baby. Regardless of pregnancy, the condition of your teeth determines whether you require orthodontic treatment.

However, we do advise that you have X-rays taken of your teeth before your pregnancy. Even the smallest exposure to radiation is best to avoid. If it is necessary to have an X-ray while you are pregnant, orthodontists do have protective devices to cover your abdominals to ensure your baby is not exposed to any X-ray imaging.

Before your treatment, you should discuss with your orthodontist if you have any dental issues that could affect you during your pregnancy. If you have any concerns, you should always visit your orthodontist to check these issues regularly.

Why It’s Worth Getting Braces While Pregnant?

Getting braces when pregnant is a good opportunity for practical reasons. It allows you to attend your regular orthodontic appointments without having to bring your newborn baby with you.

Plus, now is a good time to receive orthodontic treatment especially as your teeth tend to move due to fluctuations of hormones that occur during pregnancy.

3 Things To Be Aware of When Wearing Braces As A Pregnant Patient

When getting braces as a pregnant patient, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects that may occur. There are 3 main side effects pregnant patients should be aware of:

Increased Gum Inflammation

Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can increase your risk of swollen gums and irritation between the gums and braces.

Due to the increase in estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy, gingival tissue can be inflamed in pregnant women. This means that gums become extra sensitive to normal amounts of plaque and calculus during pregnancy compared to the same amount of gingivitis in non-pregnant people.

If a proper oral hygiene routine is not established and inflammation persists, gum health can worsen and can lead to gum disease

Before getting your braces, it’s best to have an orthodontist appointment to check if you have any periodontal conditions.

Morning Sickness

A common (yet unfortunate) side effect that women experience during early pregnancy is morning sickness. When this occurs your teeth are exposed to the powerful acid from your stomach bile which can cause acid erosion of your teeth. Essentially, this causes the thinning of teeth and can destroy the metal from which braces are made.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can become a concern during pregnancy, primarily due to a common condition known as dry mouth (xerostomia). This condition occurs when there is a noticeable decrease in saliva production, which is a frequent side effect of pregnancy. Saliva plays a critical role in maintaining oral health by neutralising acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, washing away food particles, and providing disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth. When saliva production is reduced, the risk of tooth decay significantly increases.

7 Tips To Look After Your Teeth While Being Pregnant

Despite these side effects, you can safely have braces whilst looking after your teeth and your baby. Here are some tips to help you minimise the side effects that affect you during pregnancy:

1. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly: Having a good oral hygiene routine will be beneficial to achieve great oral health. Having a rigorous oral hygiene routine that includes brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing once a day can prevent the effects of pregnancy gingivitis and remove plaque.
2. Consider a soft-bristle toothbrush: Pregnancy can cause your gums to become more sensitive, so using a soft-bristle toothbrush can help prevent irritation while still effectively cleaning your teeth.
3. Rinsing with Fluoride mouthwash: Morning sickness can expose your teeth to stomach acids, which may weaken enamel and increase the risk of decay. After an episode of morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water to neutralise the acids. Follow up with a fluoride mouthwash to help strengthen your enamel and protect against acid erosion.
4. Chew sugar-free gum: Dry mouth is a common issue during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production and wash away food particles. Look for gum that contains xylitol, a natural sweetener that also helps prevent cavities.
5. Avoid damaging foods: Even though you’re eating for two people, be mindful to avoid foods that damage braces such as popcorn, sweets and crisps. It’s better to opt for nutritious foods that keep you and your baby healthy! Also, spicy and acidic foods can irritate sensitive gums, so it’s best to minimise these in your diet if you’re experiencing discomfort.
6. Be cautious of heightened sensitivity: We do advise that you are cautious when getting braces as a pregnant patient. The heightened sensitivity that occurs around your teeth when wearing braces whilst pregnant can make it more uncomfortable for you to wear braces than normal. Therefore, painkillers are your best friend when it comes to minimising pain. You can also gently massage your gums with a clean finger or a soft toothbrush can stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation.
7. Schedule regular dental check-ups: During your pregnancy, make sure to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups. Your dentist can help monitor your oral health and address any concerns that arise.

Orthodontic Treatment to Consider During Pregnancy

Before undergoing any orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will talk to you about a variety of available treatments and alternatives to braces. Here are some effective orthodontic treatments to consider during your pregnancy.

Invisalign Treatment

While it takes 9 months to have a baby, in that time, it can take up to 5 – 9 months to get straight teeth with Invisalign treatment. That means you can achieve perfectly aligned teeth even before your newborn arrives.

Invisalign is becoming a popular treatment amongst many pregnant patients. They are a fantastic option to consider as they are a discreet way of straightening teeth and are made from high-quality, clear plastic aligners.

Lingual and incognito braces

Lingual Braces are another great and discreet orthodontic treatment to consider during pregnancy. These braces are placed on the back of your teeth and do not require any metal wires.

At Hampstead Orthodontic Practice, Incognito braces are a specific type of lingual braces which can offer quicker results when straightening teeth compared to traditional braces.

Debunking Myths About Orthodontic Treatment During Pregnancy

When it comes to pregnancy, there’s no shortage of advice, warnings, and myths—especially concerning dental and orthodontic care. It’s important to separate fact from fiction to ensure you’re making informed decisions for your health and the health of your baby.

1. Myth: “You Can’t Get Braces While Pregnant”

One of the most persistent myths is that orthodontic treatment must be avoided during pregnancy. However, the truth is that braces are entirely safe for pregnant women. Your teeth and gums are still responsive to treatment, and with proper care and precautions, orthodontic treatment can be effectively managed during pregnancy. The key is to work closely with your orthodontist to monitor your oral health and make any necessary adjustments during your treatment.

2. Myth: “X-rays During Pregnancy Are Dangerous for the Baby”

While it’s true that unnecessary radiation should be avoided during pregnancy, modern dental X-rays are generally safe and involve very low levels of radiation. If you need an X-ray as part of your orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will use protective shields to cover your abdomen and minimise any potential risk to your baby.

In many cases, X-rays can be delayed until after delivery, or your orthodontist may rely on previous X-rays to make treatment decisions.

3. Myth: “Hormonal Changes Make Orthodontic Treatment Ineffective”

Some believe that hormonal changes during pregnancy could interfere with the effectiveness of braces. While it’s true that pregnancy hormones can cause your teeth to shift slightly due to increased gum sensitivity and swelling, these changes don’t make orthodontic treatment ineffective.

These natural shifts can sometimes work in your favour, potentially speeding up the movement of your teeth. Your orthodontist will take these factors into account to ensure your treatment progresses smoothly.

4. Myth: “Braces Will Make Morning Sickness Worse”

Morning sickness is an unfortunate reality for many pregnant women, and some fear that having braces will exacerbate this discomfort. However, there’s no evidence to suggest that braces will make morning sickness worse. The key is to maintain good oral hygiene to minimise any irritation.

If you do experience nausea, rinsing your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash afterwards can help neutralise stomach acids and protect your teeth.

5. Myth: “It’s Better to Wait Until After Pregnancy for Orthodontic Treatment”

While some women choose to wait until after pregnancy to start orthodontic treatment, there’s no medical reason to delay. Starting treatment during pregnancy can be a convenient option, as you may have more flexibility in your schedule before the arrival of your baby.

Additionally, addressing any orthodontic issues sooner rather than later can prevent more complex problems in the future. Your orthodontist can help you weigh the pros and cons to determine the best timing for your treatment.

How We Can Help

With effective orthodontic treatment available to choose from, you can mark the arrival of your newborn with your perfectly aligned teeth. However, if you’re still feeling nervous, you can always wait until after you’ve given birth.

If you’re considering receiving orthodontic treatment during your pregnancy, why not get in touch with our team of orthodontic experts and book a free consultation with us today? Or alternatively, call us on 020 3733 4187.

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