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Can I Wear Braces if I’m Pregnant?

by | Jul 4, 2017

The dentist is the first person we remember when we need help for our teeth however there are kinds of help that they’re unable to provide. While your teeth are clean and strong, they may not be in the proper alignment. Whether you have an issue with your bite, spacing, or your teeth are simply not straight, there is nothing that you can do on your own to fix this situation. You need to seek the professional help of an orthodontist to correct the alignment of your teeth. You are open to the idea of getting braces and want to know about your options, but you have one concern. You want to know if being pregnant with braces will pose any kind of problem to your baby on the way.

Pregnant with Braces is Not an Issue

Don’t let getting braces while pregnant worry you. As long as your orthodontist believes that you are a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, you can be pregnant and wear braces. Braces involve treatment of your teeth with the use of wires and brackets or plastic aligners to get the desired results. There is no reason to be worried about your baby while you are trying to achieve a beautiful smile, although you need to be on guard for certain concerns.

What to Be Aware of While You are Expecting with Braces

When you get an orthodontic treatment, the first thing that is going to happen is a thorough evaluation of your teeth. Your orthodontist will perform a physical evaluation to get a clear picture of what is going on inside of your mouth. Medical imagery is another important part of your evaluation. X-rays and digital imagery are used in order to tailor a specific treatment plan for you to get the desired results. If you are getting braces and you’re pregnant, be sure to tell your orthodontist. Your orthodontist will take special care to protect you during x-rays. It may be possible to forego x-rays and only use digital imagery to evaluate your teeth. Thanks to advances in orthodontics, there are scanners that will focus on your mouth without the use of radiation. Be sure to voice your concerns.

Watch Your Gums

When you are pregnant, your hormones will be up and down. Due to the fluctuations, your gums can easily become irritated and swollen. If you are pregnant and you wear braces, you are more likely to experience discomfort with your gums. Be sure to discuss the problem with your orthodontist. There are different products that you can apply to your gums to find relief. You would also want to avoid any risk of having an infection that could spread throughout your body. If that should happen, your orthodontist will work in cooperation with your doctor to make sure that you get the proper treatment. At all times, your health will be a top priority while you are working on getting a phenomenal smile.

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What are Your Options for Braces While Pregnant?

The days when you could only have metal brackets and wires to straighten your teeth or correct your bite are long gone. Ceramic brackets are available today, offering you braces that are the same color as your teeth or they may even be clear. If you do not want your braces to be obvious and you need traditional braces, they can be worn behind the teeth. Self-litigating brackets tighten on their own without rubber bands or metal ties. Heat-activated wires use the warmth of your mouth to apply more tension and move your teeth at a faster rate. Clear aligners slide in over your teeth. They are customized to fit your teeth and are changed every two weeks. You can take them out while you are cleaning your teeth, when you are eating, or when you have a special function. They must be worn at least 22 hours a day for best results. Whether you are pregnant or not, you have choices. You should ask your orthodontist about all of your options before you make your final decision.

What to Expect When Getting Braces While Pregnant?

The first step on getting braces is to come in for your consultation visit. This is the point when your orthodontist will examine your teeth and discuss any concerns. You should bring up your pregnancy. The same holds true if you become pregnant after you have braces. Your orthodontist should be aware of any concern that affects your health. Once your teeth have been examined, you can discuss treatment options that will help you to have a beautiful smile. Be sure to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have, especially when it comes to the baby that is developing inside of you.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?

Your baby will be born before your braces have completed their job. You can expect an average of two years for an orthodontic treatment. Every patient is unique though. If you have a mild concern with your teeth, you may only need a year. If you have severe issues, you may need braces for more than two years. Retainers are used after your braces come off to maintain results. Your orthodontist will be able to give you a good estimate of the length of the treatment time for your teeth.

Talk to Your Orthodontist Today About the Possibility of Braces                                                                                                             

Don’t let the thought of getting braces while you’re pregnant stop you from moving forward to having your teeth treated. Your orthodontist will take your health into consideration when you come in for treatment, putting you and the safety of your baby at the top of the list. Schedule your consultation visit so that you can learn more about braces, what kind of braces you can have, and what you can expect during the course of your treatment. You will be in good hands with your skilled orthodontist. Imagine being able to flash those pearly whites once your little one is here. Braces will give you more reasons to smile when you think of the final results.

Team Demas Orthodontics

27 Meriden Ave #2a, Southington, CT 06489, USA

Phone: 860-276-0333

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