Is It Safe to Undergo Orthodontic Treatments [During Pregnancy]?

Pregnancy is such a beautiful time in a woman’s life no matter how her pregnancy goes. Even expectant mothers who are sick more often than not and find many things they once loved more uncomfortable than ever, it’s beautiful to grow a human. The one thing many pregnant women like least of all is the many restrictions they face while expecting. You can eat certain foods, drink certain things, and your doctor even advises you to minimize or eliminate altogether that cup of coffee in the morning that makes you feel alive.

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Pregnancy is beautiful, but it’s filled with restrictions including many forms of medical and dental care. This is problematic for some moms-to-be when they need medical or dental care to treat a problem. Even a simple headache cannot be tamed with many over-the-counter medications, so it’s natural for expectant mothers to ask what are the considerations for the orthodontic treatments during pregnancy she might need.

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental professional who specializes in dental healthcare related to helping people align their teeth.

– Braces
– Retainers
– Tooth extraction

These are just a few of the many things your orthodontist might suggest if you are missing a tooth, if you have extra teeth, or if you experience crowding or misalignment of your teeth.

As a pregnant woman, you might not realize just how important your oral health care is before and during pregnancy. If you suffer from gum disease or even periodontal disease while pregnant, you put your baby at risk of being born prematurely or with a low birth weight. Dental healthcare is so important for expectant mothers.

Are Orthodontic Treatments During Pregnancy Safe?

You’re right to ask this question. Are orthodontic treatments during pregnancy safe? The good news is your orthodontist is upfront with you about this during your visit. There are various factors considered prior to providing an answer to this question. Some orthodontic treatments are perfectly safe during pregnancy, and sometimes those treatments are not safe depending on personal factors during your pregnancy. There isn’t a right or wrong answer for most procedures without first speaking to your orthodontist.

Most orthodontic treatments during pregnancy are safe for women. There are some issues you might face, but those issues are handled in a professional manner. You should never forgo mentioning to your dentist and orthodontist that you are expecting, even if you aren’t telling anyone else at the moment.

What Are the Considerations for the Orthodontic Treatments During Pregnancy?

The most important consideration is any type of x-ray or imaging taken during a dental appointment. X-rays are often needed to help your dentist and your orthodontist see what they’re working with, the extent of damage in your mouth, and so much more. However, imaging is considered dangerous for pregnant women. This is the reason you must tell your orthodontist if you are expecting so they can work to provide you with the adequate shielding necessary to keep you and your baby be safe during the imaging.

Other considerations are a bit more common. Your orthodontist might be concerned about the medications they prescribe to help manage pain, the medications they use if they need to remove a tooth, infection in the bloodstream because of an extraction, and so on. Your orthodontist will let you know if he or she is concerned and unwilling to perform a specific job until your baby is born.

Is It Safe to Get Braces While Pregnant?

Most orthodontists agree there is very little risk associated with getting braces while pregnant. If you find yourself in a situation where you must ask, “Is it safe to get braces while pregnant?” during your pregnancy, you can expect your orthodontist to provide you with very specific information.

– Getting braces has little to no impact on the health of your baby during pregnancy
– Getting braces while pregnant might make the entire process more painful because your teeth are more sensitive while pregnant
– The acid from pregnancy-related vomiting can seriously damage the elastics used on braces as well as retainers, so your orthodontist will need to help you learn how to thoroughly clean your mouth following bouts of morning sickness
– You may not be able to eat the foods you’re so craving during pregnancy as braces do eliminate many foods you might love

There are few health risks associated with getting braces while pregnant, but you shouldn’t have any teeth pulled while pregnant. If you need to have a tooth extracted prior to getting braces, it’s best to wait until your baby is born to eliminate the need for anesthesia and pain medications. Your orthodontist is going to go over all of this with you prior to giving you braces.

You must simply be aware that your body is a lot different when you are pregnant, and it might not respond to things like braces with the same ease with which you might respond when your hormones aren’t so crazy. You might ask your orthodontist if waiting a few months to have your baby before getting braces is a better idea. If your teeth are healthy otherwise and you’re already several months into your pregnancy, your orthodontist might not have any problem waiting.

Your oral health care is more important than ever when you are pregnant, and you must be sure your dentist and orthodontist know there is a baby on board. Don’t assume they know, don’t assume they’re going to share the news before you’re ready, and don’t assume they don’t need to know. While most orthodontic care is perfectly safe while pregnant, you need to be sure your dental professionals are aware that there is a baby on board before you allow him or her to do any work in your mouth.

Gluck Orthodontics 
2002 Richard Jones Road
Suite A-200
Nashville, TN 37215
Phone: 615 269 5903

Is It Safe to Undergo Orthodontic Treatments [During Pregnancy]?

joelgluck

Dr. Joel Gluck has practiced orthodontics since 1983 when he opened his own office in Nashville. He earned his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and his dental degree at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Gluck then completed an orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Michigan, one of the top five orthodontic training residencies in the country. He also wrote an original thesis and received a Master of Science degree.