Pregnancy can be a time of uncertainty. You may question everything you do with your baby’s best interest in mind. You wonder if it's safe to eat certain things or take certain medications and even whether you should go about your normal daily activities. These are topics you should discuss with your doctor.
When it comes to orthodontics, many more adults are choosing to undergo treatment than ever before. If you’re thinking about getting braces, pregnancy could be a determining factor.
What Are Braces?
Traditional braces are made of metal and consist of brackets and wires that attach to your teeth. The brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and the archwire connects the brackets, using them to shift the teeth into proper alignment. Braces are designed to straighten the teeth and align the bite so that the upper and lower teeth meet together properly.
Braces Are Safe During Pregnancy
Doctors and orthodontists agree that braces are safe during pregnancy. They do not make any chemical changes to your body that would affect the unborn baby or the mother in any negative way. The brackets are made of stainless steel or ceramic in the case of clear brackets. These are biocompatible materials that do not rust or corrode in the constant moisture of your mouth.
Reasons to Wait Until After Pregnancy to Get Braces
Even though braces are safe during pregnancy doesn’t mean this is the best time to get them. Consider the following reasons that you may want to wait until after your pregnancy to get braces:
- Greater risk of tooth decay. Pregnancy can put some pregnant women at an increased risk of tooth decay, and braces make it more of a challenge to keep your teeth clean.
- Greater risk of gum disease. Pregnancy increases the risk of gum disease due to hormones. Braces add to this risk because they collect bacteria that causes gum disease.
- Mouth tissues are more sensitive. It is common for the soft tissues of the mouth to be more sensitive during pregnancy, which can mean an increase in irritation due to braces.
- Morning sickness. If you are experiencing morning sickness at any point in your pregnancy, it can make your gag reflex stronger while receiving orthodontic treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
Do braces take longer for adults?
In some cases braces treatment may take longer for adults than children or teens. This is because adult teeth are more set in place, making them more difficult to shift. Average treatment time for adults is 2-3 years.
How do I prevent tooth decay and gum disease with braces on?
It is important to brush your teeth thoroughly while you have braces, paying special attention to the area between the brackets and your gums. It is also important to floss your teeth, threading the floss under the archwire between each tooth. It may help to use a water flosser during braces treatment.
Get Started Today
If you want to get started with orthodontic treatment, pregnancy does not have to be a reason to wait. Dr. Suzanne Stock provides orthodontic treatment for patients with all kinds of health conditions, including pregnancy. We provide gentle, comfortable care for pregnant mothers.
To learn more, contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our 4 convenient office locations.