You had things all planned out. You’ve been wanting straighter teeth and you were ready to visit an orthodontist for a consultation when you got an unexpected surprise: you’re expecting! Now you may be wondering, can I continue with my plan to get braces? Should I wait until after the baby is born? Will I have more time now or later?
These are common questions many people have regarding pregnancy and orthodontics. At this time, there is no medical evidence to show that getting braces put on while pregnant would have any negative impact on your health or your pregnancy. However, there are some things to consider that may help you determine whether or not this is still the right time to start orthodontic treatment.
For a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan, it is necessary to take some X-rays. This would best be done before you become pregnant; however, we may be able to utilize some older X-rays from your dentist and/or postpone the X-rays until later in treatment. At Andover Orthodontics we are always ready to give you options.
This Could Be the Best Time to Get Braces
If you expect that your life will be busier once your baby is born, you are right. Starting the process now will likely be much easier than waiting.
Getting braces put on requires a consultation, an appointment to receive spacers, another appointment to have the braces put on, and then a series of follow-up appointments (about once a month) for adjustments and monitoring. The highest concentration of visits to your orthodontist will occur at the beginning of treatment, making this a more ideal time to get started.
Also, considering the average timeline of braces or aligners (1-3 years), if you start now you’ll likely be done with treatment by the time your baby is a toddler.
Pregnancy and Dental Health
Another consideration regarding braces and pregnancy revolves around dental health. Due to a variety of factors (such as calcium deficiency and morning sickness), you may experience an increase in tooth decay during and after pregnancy. Sometimes your gums may feel sore or bleed easier. Orthodontic care will not cause decay or gum disease as long as you take proper care of your teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing are vital to your oral health with or without braces. If you are careful to brush and floss around your braces you should have no greater risk of tooth decay than you would have otherwise, and if you choose aligners you remove them to brush and floss so it is very easy.
Pain and Sensitivity Increase During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause your nerves to be more sensitive. As a result, some people may experience greater pain while pregnant with braces. The good news is that it is usually short term discomfort which goes away in a day or two, and you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) while you are pregnant to help relieve that pain.If the pain of braces concerns you, an alternative treatment would be Invisalign. This teeth alignment system uses clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth to gently shift them into place. You simply wear each smooth plastic aligner for a few weeks at a time and switch to the next one according to your orthodontists’ instructions. If you are a candidate for Invisalign, you will find them to be more comfortable and easier to get used to than traditional metal braces.
Pregnant and Contemplating Braces? Andover Orthodontics Will Work With You
If you’re expecting and still want to pursue the option of orthodontic treatment, Andover Orthodontics is willing to treat you. As long as your doctor deems it safe, you can start treatment with braces or Invisalign during your pregnancy. We will do our best to ensure that you are safe and comfortable throughout the process.
Call 978-475-0450 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you transform your smile.