Can You Get Braces During Pregnancy?

Getting braces as an adult can be stressful enough, but it can be even more stressful if you need them while you are pregnant. Pregnancy can change your dental health significantly, but that does not mean that you will need braces or can’t get them if you need them. There are just a few things that you need to focus on during the process. Here is how you can get braces during pregnancy.

Regardless of when you get braces, you need to be caught up on dental health first. You cannot put braces on teeth that have problems. Many of the dental conditions that disqualify you from getting braces are conditions that weaken the strength and stability of your teeth. For example, you can’t put braces on a cavity since it won’t be able to hold up to the strain of braces. Consult your dentist to see if there is anything that you need to do to be ready for braces.

During pregnancy, your gums will be inflamed. This is a normal part of pregnancy but can be uncomfortable. It can also affect your eligibility for braces. Inflamed gums often recede from the gum line, which can expose the roots of your teeth if your gums move too much. It can also make you more susceptible to cavities and plaque buildup closer to your roots. Your dentist can help you manage the discomfort from gum inflammation.

Cleaning your teeth while pregnant is more difficult. Because your body chemistry is changing, your teeth are undergoing changes too. Because of this, your teeth may see increased wear due to many changes including reduced calcium. This makes your teeth harder to clean since your teeth are wearing at a higher rate. However, it is still possible to get a good cleaning with the proper tools and experience.

Dental x-rays are often used to find potential problems with your teeth that are hard to see. However, x-rays are not advisable during pregnancy. However, it is possible to have dental x-rays done while pregnant. It just requires heightened protections. Your dentist will have you wear extra lead padding, as well as place the padding in a different position. That way, you and your baby will be protected from the radiation while you get the x-rays that you need.

You will also have to deal with cravings and dietary restrictions while pregnant. This can be a bit of a challenge if you add in braces since there will be more restrictions on what you can eat. If you have braces, eating the wrong things can mess with your dental health or result in painful repairs to your braces if they break. Only get braces if you are sure that you can fight cravings for foods that can hurt your dental health during pregnancy.

The truth is that most pregnant women can safely use braces. There are a few problems that arise that cannot be overcome with the help of a skilled dentist. However, it is important to work with your dentist before you get braces to ensure that you are ready for them. Once they are on, there is no going back. So, make sure that you have the support that you need to get through it.

If you think you need braces, or you are having dental health problems while you are pregnant, call (860) 667-8277 today to make an appointment at Greater Hartford Orthodontics.