Can You Get Braces During Pregnancy?

When you’re expecting, it’s normal to question everything. Things you never thought twice about, suddenly you wonder if it's safe to do this or that and eat this or that. Were you planning to get braces before you got pregnant, and now you’re wondering if you still can? 

The answer is yes, you can still get braces even though you’re pregnant. There are no health risks or concerns about braces and pregnancy. The cements and adhesives used to apply your braces are completely safe, as well as the process for making impressions of the teeth. That being said, there are some considerations that you may want to think about before you decide.

Pregnancy can sometimes cause the nerves to be overly sensitive. The process of getting braces put on can cause some soreness in the teeth, jaw, and gums. Braces can also irritate the soft tissue inside of your cheeks and lips. This is only temporary and will subside once your mouth gets used to the braces. But the heightened sensitivity of your nerves while you’re pregnant could cause a little extra discomfort than the average person may experience.

If you are experiencing severe morning sickness during your pregnancy, it may be helpful to wait until after the first trimester or whenever it subsides to get your braces put on. Or if you only feel sick in the morning, schedule your appointments for the afternoon.

Pregnancy hormones can cause your mucous membranes to swell, which leads to swollen gums and congested sinuses. Your gums may even bleed when you brush your teeth. This could cause a little extra discomfort when getting your braces put on, but nothing that is a major concern.

Pregnancy may also take a toll on your dental health. As the growing fetus gets its nutrients from your body, it can cause you to become deficient in some key vitamins, which is why prenatal vitamins are so important to take during pregnancy. Calcium is one of the nutrients that promotes healthy teeth, and pregnancy may reduce your calcium levels, making you more at risk for tooth decay. Braces also increase your risk of tooth decay, as food particles and plaque can get stuck between the brackets and your teeth and gums to cause cavities. It is important to take good care of your teeth while pregnant and while wearing braces, brushing and flossing thoroughly.

The above considerations may give you pause when it comes to getting braces while you’re pregnant, But here are some reasons why pregnancy can be one of the best times to get braces. 

When you’re expecting a baby, you may feel like you have a hundred things to do to get ready. But you will have more time to get braces and start your treatment before the baby comes. Once you’ve started, it's much easier to continue your treatment. If you put it off, you may never end up getting braces, because one baby changes your life, then the next one comes along, and before you know it years go by without you getting the orthodontic care you need. Mothers tend to put the children first and forgo their own needs. 

Average treatment time is 1-3 years, so if you get your braces put on while you’re pregnant, you may be done with treatment before your baby is even 2 years old. 

Appointments for your braces adjustments tend to be at 4-6 week intervals, which is similar to the schedule of your pregnancy appointments with your doctor for the most part. This makes scheduling easy to keep up with.

If you’re wondering whether or not it would be a good idea for you to get braces while you’re pregnant, talk to the experts at Smith Orthodontics. We can discuss the pros and cons with you so that you can make an informed decision. 

Call 937-431-0947 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to providing you with the orthodontic care you need when the time is right for you.