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Pregnancy is a beautiful time filled with expectation and plans for the future. It is also a time that moms are aware, more than ever, of the quick passage of time. How does time fly by so quickly? You may have always had hopes of straightening your teeth and thought tomorrow, next month or even next year would be the best time. Now that you are pregnant, you realize, as do many new moms, how important it is to embrace the moment and begin embracing all that life as to offer you.
Congratulations, You’re Expecting!
Congratulations! You are probably reviewing pregnancy protocol and making all the necessary changes in your health and diet regime, and we are happy to inform you that getting braces should have little to no effect on your pregnancy. Orthodontic care during pregnancy will require very few changes if you are already having orthodontic treatment, and you can also safely begin treatment during your pregnancy at any time.
Tooth Straightening Options for Expecting Moms
Pregnancy is an important time in your life, and misaligned teeth can cause you smile less and affect your social and personal life. There are orthodontic teeth straightening options that are available to you during your pregnancy.
There are many types of treatment available. Adults and teens commonly use traditional metal brackets. This orthodontic treatment plan is feasible during pregnancy. Clear, invisible, customized aligners are worn over the teeth and are free of metal or wires and This treatment is removed during eating and while brushing and flossing. There are variations available for these treatments and many complex orthodontic problems can be treated with either plastic liners or metal brackets. Some initial tenderness is experienced because traditional metal brackets and clear aligners gradually move the teeth by asserting pressure.
Your method of treatment will be determined by the complexity of your dental situation. A free consultation is available and will provide you with details pertaining to your treatment needs. Each smile receives a customized treatment plan. Recommended treatment during pregnancy has no effect on the patient. Your orthodontist will listen carefully to your preferences and lifestyle choices. An oral examination will be followed by a suggested treatment plan that matches your budget, concerns and cosmetic desires.
Already Wearing Braces and Expecting a Baby?
Receiving orthodontic care and wearing metal brackets, clear aligners or retainers during pregnancy is completely safe and reasonable. If you’re currently already in the process of receiving orthodontic care, be sure to update your orthodontist with your exciting news to ensure that any accommodating treatment adjustments are made.
Important Orthodontic Pregnancy Facts:
- Keep your teeth super fresh and clean!
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly with braces on.
- Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy may change your body’s response to plague and bacteria. These changes may increase the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease during pregnancy.
- Book some extra cleanings at your dentist’s office during your pregnancy, as this may be beneficial.
Pregnancy Hormonal Changes and Orthodontics
Pregnancy often invokes more sensitive teeth and gums due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow. This heightened sensitivity may add some level of orthodontic discomfort to procedures that would typically cause discomfort. Increases in estrogen and progesterone are common during pregnancy and can alter the way that your gums react to plaque. Plaque can increase the risk of gum disease. This is a typical concern for all pregnant woman, and consistent oral care should be a focus during each pregnancy with or without orthodontic treatment.
What About X-rays?
Your orthodontist will help you to avoid x-rays during your treatment. Be certain to let the office know about your pregnancy, and they will work around any necessary x-rays. A consultation is necessary before starting an orthodontic treatment, and prior x-rays may be usable along with your new oral examination to determine the best treatment plan for straightening your teeth.
What About Tooth Extractions?
Anesthesia is commonly needed during any tooth extraction and is usually not recommended during pregnancy. If teeth must be extracted, it may be recommended that you either hold off treatment until after the baby is born or that you begin the treatment and integrate the extraction into the treatment after the baby is born.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is relatively common and women wearing metal brackets, clear aligners or a retainer may find that this is extra challenging. Commonly during the first trimester, morning sickness experienced most Be certain to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth thoroughly if you vomit, because the acid from stomach bile can be very acidic and may cause damage to the teeth.
Cravings and Orthodontic Food Restrictions
Keep in mind that traditional metal brackets will limit some of the types of foods you can eat. Hopefully, your cravings will not include a desire for sticky or bracket-damaging foods, such as popcorn, nuts, caramel or ice. Most women crave foods that contain vitamins, minerals or nutrients that they need. Healthy supplements or alternatives may resolve intense cravings.
If you are craving nuts, you may be able to find satisfaction with a substitute that is high in essential fatty acids. Omega-3 and Omega-6 supplements may help resolve a need for nuts or AFA. A craving to chew or suck on ice is commonly connected to thirst or dehydration, but is also caused by low levels of iron, folate or B-12. With your doctor’s oversight, you may want to add iron-rich foods to your diet or a supplement to help with cravings for ice.
If you reside in or around the metropolitan area of Nashville, Gluck Orthodontics would be happy to serve you. The Gluck orthodontic practice, located on Richard Jones Road in Nashville, TN, has convenient hours of operation. It is is readily available for routine and emergency patient care. Please call 615-269-5903 to schedule a consultation, or use the web contact form.
Gluck Orthodontics
2002 Richard Jones Road
Suite A-200 Nashville
TN 37215
Phone: 615 269 5903
Can I Wear Braces During Pregnancy?
I’m currently four weeks pregnant and I wear a retainer everyday. Would I have to take out my retainer during labor? I hope not.