Is It Safe to Undergo Orthodontic Treatments During Pregnancy?

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LAST UPDATED: JUNE 28, 2018

Is It Safe to Undergo Orthodontic Treatments During Pregnancy?

If you’re about to birth a new baby in a couple of months, then you shouldn’t ignore the condition of your teeth and gums as you’re carrying your child. When you’re pregnant, your hormone levels will change drastically, which could lead to bad breath, excess saliva, and loosened teeth. But what many women don’t know is that you can continue or start orthodontic treatment while you are with child. Some soon-to-be mothers might worry about medical images being taken of their face and mouth while they’re pregnant. But orthodontic practices have protective shields that can get placed over a pregnant woman’s stomach so that she and her baby don’t get exposed to radiation.

FAQ

Should You Always Let Your Orthodontist Know That You’re Pregnant?

Before your orthodontist can plan your treatment, they will need to know if you are pregnant or are planning to be shortly. For example, when a pregnant woman gains a lot of weight, the size of her face and mouth will change. When this shift occurs, an orthodontic dental hygienist can make a brand new mold of your mouth and teeth. If you’re pregnant and wearing braces, you might have to visit your orthodontist more often to get the wires on your braces adjusted. This task will need to happen because your body weight will fluctuate during this time.

Should You Talk To Your Obstetrician About Your Orthodontic Treatment?

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, discuss this plan with your obstetrician first. Even if you didn’t have any problem with your teeth or gums before your pregnancy, some soon-to-be mothers have issues with inflammation in their mouth. This inflammation can cause gingivitis or your teeth to change positions rapidly. If you wore braces or aligners before you were pregnant, you wouldn’t need to get them removed in the event of pregnancy. If you started to wear orthodontic devices, you should continue to do so throughout your pregnancy. Then you can stop your teeth from returning to the incorrect position in your mouth.

How Can You Decrease Your Time In Orthodontic Treatment?

If you’re concerned about the time that it will take to visit your orthodontist, there are a couple of things you can do to make things easier on you and your family. Every day, new orthodontic devices come on the market that reduces overall treatment time. Many orthodontic centers also use software to make orthodontia. This type of technology helps you get straight teeth faster. Your orthodontic office’s staff can work with you so that you get seen at the same time as your children. You can also plan your visits to your obstetrician and orthodontist on the same day.

How Can Orthodontic Treatment Improve Your Dental Health?

Wearing braces can not only improve the health of your smile. Did you know that it can also make it easier for you to eat healthily? For example, if you have always had issues with chewing, orthodontic treatment can make it a lot easier for you to consume food with a lot of nutrients. If you want to breastfeed your baby, wearing braces during your pregnancy can cause you to develop better eating habits. When you eat foods high in protein, as well as fruits and vegetables, you can make more breast milk for your infant.

What About Medications and Orthodontic Treatment?

If you’re worried about taking medications as you’re undergoing orthodontic treatments, know that you’ll never have to undergo any surgery or anesthesia to get braces. However, you could experience some discomfort in your gums from the wires. Your orthodontist can recommend some soothing gels that won’t cause any danger to you or the baby. The majority of pregnant women will need to use Invisalign aligners as they only have minor dental issues. These aligners won’t cause you any pain, and you can quickly take care of them.

Should You Start Orthodontic Treatment Before The Baby Is Born?

Before you think you’re too busy to visit the orthodontist now, imagine how busy you’ll be when you’re taking care of a toddler. If you start your orthodontic treatment while you’re pregnant, your orthodontist can probably remove your braces before your child becomes a toddler. If you want to put several pregnancies close together, don’t hesitate to get orthodontic treatment as your malocclusions could get worse over time.

How Do Your Handle Orthodontic Treatment and Emergencies While Pregnant?

If you have gum disease which is causing your teeth to loosen, visit your orthodontist right away. Your orthodontist can stabilize the affected teeth. Your orthodontist can work with a periodontist (a dentist who works exclusively with gums) to remove any infections that can cause you to lose teeth from gingivitis.

If you’re interested in orthodontic treatment for you or your children, or just want to see what our talented staff can do for your smile, call, visit, or email our office. A member of our staff can discuss our services and how they can positively affect your smile and dental health.

Fix Your Smile Today

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today to set up your consultation. There’s no reason to put off a visit to our helpful team of professionals. It is our goal to help you make the most of your smile.

Dr. Jasmine Gorton

Dr. Bill Schmohl

When your teeth are aligned properly and your jaw is flowing smoothly, you will find more reasons to flash those pearly whites every day. Let Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics be your partner in good oral hygiene.

Is It Safe to Undergo Orthodontic Treatments During Pregnancy?

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200,

Larkspur, California 94939

415-459-8006