When I found out I was pregnant, I had just started my orthodontic journey with braces, and like many expectant moms, I had a ton of questions. Can you get braces while pregnant? Is it safe for the baby? Trust me, I’ve been there.
Attending both prenatal checks and orthodontist appointments might seem dispiriting, but it’s absolutely doable. If you’re contemplating whether to get braces or, let’s say, you already have them on, let me share my tips to help ensure you have both a healthy pregnancy and the most gorgeous smile!
Can you put on braces while pregnant?
It isn’t forbidden, not at all. You can put on braces while pregnant. Dental experts say all the time that pregnancy isn’t a bad time to get braces.
They affirm this because your teeth may be more prone to movement due to pregnancy hormones. Some women might notice their teeth feel slightly looser because of these hormones, and doctors do recommend braces, veneers, and aligners to help them correct it almost all the time.
Braces are completely safe to wear during pregnancy, and there should be no doubts about the braces materials affecting the growing baby.
Talking about x-rays or scans needed for the orthodontic treatment, they should ideally be done before you’re pregnant or after your baby is out to avoid exposing the fetus to radiation.
Withal, you can proceed to have them during the second trimester as the baby’s vital organs are all developed and safe by then. Plus, doctors would use a lead apron in dental X-rays to shield your abdomen, reducing the amount of radiation.
Before you talk to the orthodontist about getting braces, be sure to discuss it first with your obstetrician. They know your health history better and can advise whether to move forward with them or to put them on hold.
Benefits of getting braces while pregnant
Here’s a list of some perks of getting braces while pregnant:
- Improved oral health: Braces can help resolve problems with your teeth and bite.
- Gums in Good Shape: Pregnancy can sometimes make your gums more puffy. Getting braces can straighten your teeth, making them easier to clean.
- Keep Busy Eating Healthy: With braces, you’ll likely eat more soft goods, which can to some extent, steer you towards healthier food choices.
- Self-Esteem Boost: They get you a nicer smile, which would make you feel better about yourself, thus giving you one less thing to worry about during pregnancy.
Tips on maintaining oral health while on braces during pregnancy
Oral care is always important, but it is even more important when you have braces during pregnancy. These tips are sure to guide and safeguard you and your baby:
Brush Regularly and Carefully
Due to the changes in your body, your gums might be more sensitive and at a higher risk for problems like gum disease. To help keep your teeth and gums healthy, it’s good to remember to brush after every meal and snack.
This is because bits of food can easily get trapped in your braces, and you want to make sure to clean them out to avoid any build-up of plaque or possible cavities.
You’d want to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush for this as they are easy on your gums and the brackets of your braces. Choosing fluoride toothpaste can also help strengthen your teeth and protect them against decay.
Also, ensure to gently get around all parts of your braces and every surface of your teeth (fronts, backs and tops where you chew) when you brush. It’s worth re-emphasizing a gentle brush, just so you don’t damage the braces’ wires and brackets.
Additionally, avoid brushing speedily, and aim for at least two minutes each time. This ensures you’re cleaning up your teeth, including those tricky spots around the braces.
Floss daily
Sometimes, food can get caught in places your toothbrush can’t reach, so flossing helps clean out those tiny food bits between your teeth and under the braces’ wires.
Pregnancy might make your gums tender and bleed a bit more, and flossing can keep your gums clean and less sore. If you’re finding it difficult to floss while on braces, then you can resort to threaders. These tools help you get the floss behind the wires of your braces so you can clean in between your teeth properly.
Eat a healthy diet
It’s worth noting that the foods you eat now can affect your teeth and gums a lot. Try to eat healthy foods. Fruits, veggies, cheese(pasteurized), and yogurt are fantastic as they can keep your teeth strong and gums healthy.
I understand how strong cravings for drinks and sweets can be during these times, but try to have them less often. Sugary foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay, and it’s even easier for sugar to stick around your teeth and cause problems when you’ve got braces. So, stay away! Also, steer clear of hard and sticky foods the same way you’d be doing for sugar.
Rinse with fluoride mouthwash
Rinsing with fluoride mouthwash is a smart move when you have braces and are pregnant. Fluoride is special because it helps make your teeth get stronger and fights off cavoids.
When you use a mouthwash with fluoride, it gets in all the nooks and crannies in your mouth, especially in places your toothbrush and floss might miss, such as around your braces.
Use the mouthwash after you brush and floss. Pour a little bit into a cup and swish in your mouth for a minute or two, and spit it out. Be sure not to swallow it.
stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water cleans your teeth and gums by washing away tiny bits of sugars and foods that could cause cavities. Also, your mouth can harbor more acid, sometimes when you have severe nausea.
And water can rinse it away and keep your mouth feeling too yucky. Try to carry a water bottle with you so you can sip on it throughout the day.
Keep up with dental visits
Even with braces, dentists can check for cavities and any signs of gum problems. They would want to ensure your braces are working like they should, helping straighten your teeth without causing any problems.
It might seem like a lot to keep up with these visits, especially at this time, but they’re key to keeping your mouth healthy. Most dentists are super nice and would make sure you’re comfortable and all your questions are answered.
Practice good habits
Stay away from sugary snacks and drinks, and try not to have too many starchy foods like chips and bread. Sticky foods like caramel or gummy candies are no-no’s because they can stick to your braces and be really hard to clean off.
Avoid habits that can damage your braces or teeth, like chewing pencils, biting your nails, or opening up packages with your teeth. Try to flee from smoking or the use of tobacco products. Not only are they bad for your teeth and gums, they can complicate your pregnancy.
All these habits add up to a healthy mouth, which is so important at this special time. It might seem like a lot to do, but it’s all about caring for yourself and your growing baby.
Other alternatives to braces to consider while pregnant
If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth but have no idea how to get started, you may want to consider these options too:
Clear aligners
They are almost invisible trays that fit comfortably over your teeth. One interesting thing about this is that you can take them out when you eat or brush your teeth, which makes it easier to clean your teeth than regular braces.
They always fit perfectly and eventually move your teeth into the right position. You’ll get a series of these trays, each one a little different, to wear in stages until your teeth are just how you want them.
Many people like clear aligners because they’re not as noticeable as braces. This can make you feel more confident about your smile while you’re fixing it.
Retainers
These are special devices made to fit your mouth and keep your teeth in place. For small adjustments to the teeth, retainers can be your go-to! There are different kinds of retainers. Some are clear and fit over your teeth kind of like a shield.
These aren’t very noticeable. Others have wires and are more visible. Just like aligners, retainers can be taken out when you brush or eat too, making it easier to keep everything clean. If your teeth don’t need a lot of movement, retainers can be a good choice and that simple solution.
Dental veneers
Veneers are pretty thin covers that stick to the front part of your teeth. They can make your teeth seem straighter and whiter without moving the teeth like braces do.
Dentists would shape your teeth a tiny bit so the veneers can fit. And they make a model of your teeth to create the veneers. After the model is made, dentists fix them on your teeth, and they are made to stick with a special kind of glue.
Veneers change the look of your teeth rather than fixing their position. If you have gaps, chipped teeth or your teeth are uneven, these can cover all that up and give you a great smile. It is usually permanent, so you should carefully rethink your decision to get them
Contouring and bonding
Contouring reshapes your teeth simply by having the enamel(outer layer) removed; just a bit of it, though. Bonding, on the other hand, adds a little to your teeth instead of taking them away.
Your dentist uses a resin that matches your tooth color to fill in gaps or correct crooked teeth to look straighter. Once the resin is fixed, it’s hardened and polished to blend well with the rest of your teeth.
Both of these are a quick fix for uneven and chipped teeth. And they don’t require the same commitment as braces because they don’t move your teeth to new positions but instead improve the appearance of what you already have.
Also Read: Can I Get a Root Canal while Pregnant?
This is a wrap
It is possible and very safe to get braces during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time when your body undergoes a whole lot of changes, which in turn affects your oral health. The good thing is, there are many options available if you’re looking to improve your smile during this special time.
Whether it’s regular braces, clear aligners, retainers, veneers, contouring or bonding, there’s a solution that fits your needs and lifestyle.
However, don’t hesitate to chat with your OB about your decision to get braces, as they can first assess your health and determine whether to go ahead and get or pause it.
References:
Cleveland Clinic (Braces: Types & How They Work)
