Pregnancy comes with enough challenges as it is, so the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not orthodontic treatment is safe during your pregnancy. You may face biting issues and wonder “can I get braces while pregnant?”
The good news is that it is possible to get braces while pregnant, but it’s important to consider a few factors before making any decisions. It’s essential to consult with an orthodontist who is familiar with the latest advances in orthodontic treatment and has experience helping pregnant women navigate their options.
The Benefits of Getting Braces While Pregnant
Getting braces is an important part of taking care of your teeth and maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. For pregnant women, this process can be even more paramount to maintain the health of their teeth and gums. Braces can help to reduce the chances of gum disease which is especially important for pregnant women since this can lead to issues in the baby’s development and health.
Another benefit of getting braces while pregnant is that it can help to alleviate TMJ pain. Pregnancy puts tremendous pressure on the jaw which can result in pain due to misalignment and grinding teeth at night. Braces help to realign your jaw and apply pressure in a way that can ease your discomfort.
Finally, getting braces while pregnant allows you to finish treatment before your baby arrives. This helps ensure that your teeth are in good shape before the baby comes so that you won’t have any disruptions or delays in your treatment afterwards.
Pregnancy and Braces Diet
Consuming a high-protein diet can increase breast milk production, with an emphasis on a daily protein intake ranging from 70 to 100 grams. To maintain a braces-friendly protein intake, you can explore alternative sources, including eggs, pork, chicken breast, cheese, and yogurt.
Fish also serves as an excellent protein option, but during pregnancy, it’s essential to avoid varieties that may contain mercury, such as mackerel. If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, you can investigate various strategies for planning high-protein meals.
While wearing braces, it’s important to avoid certain foods:
- Hard Foods: Ice, butterscotch, and lollipops
- Crunchy foods: Popcorn, apples, and carrot sticks.
- Tough foods: Bagels, Steak, and pizza crusts.
- Chewy foods: Taffy, fruit chews, licorice
How Does Being Pregnant Affect My Teeth?
Pregnancy-induced changes in your body can affect your teeth and gums. Here are a few examples:
- Pregnancy leads to elevated levels of certain hormones like progesterone and estrogen, which can heighten your vulnerability to oral health issues.
- During pregnancy, some individuals may experience a condition known as pica, which prompts them to ingest substances that could harm their oral health, such as excessive consumption of ice or non-edible items.
- It’s possible that you’ll reduce the frequency of brushing and flossing your teeth during pregnancy compared to your pre-pregnancy routine. This might be due to tenderness in your gums.
- For some pregnant women, brushing and flossing may induce nausea, causing an upset stomach.
Will Braces be More Painful While I’m Pregnant?
During pregnancy, increased sensitivity of nerves can lead to discomfort for individuals wearing braces. Fortunately, this discomfort is short-lived, lasting only a day or two, and can be managed with acetaminophen (Tylenol) which is safe during pregnancy.
If you’re concerned about the discomfort associated with braces, you might consider an alternative treatment, such as clear aligners for. In a clear aligner system, transparent plastic trays fit over teeth, gently shifting them into their correct positions. However, clear aligners cannot be used for complex cases.
Oral Hygiene Tips When Wearing Braces During Pregnancy
Yes, you can get braces while pregnant—but it is important to take extra care of your oral hygiene during this period. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Brushing Habits
Keeping up your brushing habits is essential when wearing braces during pregnancy. Brush after every meal or snack, using a fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once per day. It is also important to clean any food that gets stuck around brackets or wires.
Regular Appointments
Visit your dentist every 6 months for regular check-ups and cleaning sessions to ensure that everything is in good condition. Monitor the health of your gums for any signs of infection or damage due to the braces or pregnancy hormones, which can affect blood flow throughout the body.
Get Your Dream Smile While Pregnant with Orthodontic Experts!
All in all, it’s important to discuss all of the potential risks and rewards with your orthodontist before getting braces while pregnant. If your potential risks are minimal, and you do decide to get braces while pregnant, be sure to follow all of the instructions given to you by your orthodontist so that you can stay safe and get the most out of the experience.
Orthodontic Experts is the best place for braces during pregnancy. Our specialized orthodontists will carefully examine your case, and provide the safest treatment so you can put your worries to rest. Schedule a no-cost consultation today!
