Is It Safe to Undergo Orthodontic Treatments During Pregnancy?

Your hormones change drastically when pregnant, making you vulnerable to bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. For that reason, you should take good care of your teeth and gums. Similarly, you should seek the necessary dental care when facing oral issues during pregnancy.

If left untreated, oral issues can spread, causing severe discomfort, complications, and the need for complex and costly treatments. If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, you may be wondering whether you can start orthodontic treatments during pregnancy.

Orthodontic treatment will improve your aesthetics, bite function, and overall wellness. There’s no reason not to get orthodontic treatment during pregnancy.

What are Orthodontic Treatments?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and correction of mispositioned teeth, jaw, and bite patterns. An orthodontist is a dental professional that specializes in orthodontic treatments. Contact our orthodontist in Randolph, MA, for more information.

Who’s a Good candidate For Orthodontic Treatment?

You might be a good candidate for orthodontic treatments if you have dental imperfections:
Improper teeth gaps

• Crossbites
• Open bites
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Overcrowding

If you have any of these issues, visit our dentist in Randolph, MA, for an exam. The dentist will evaluate your condition and advice you accordingly. Depending on your situation, your dentist can recommend traditional braces, clear aligners, or even tooth extraction.

Our Orthodontic Treatments During Pregnancy Safe?

Pregnancy comes with numerous changes. If you’re pregnant, your orthodontist might advise against doing certain things like taking certain medications or eating certain foods. During pregnancy, some dental treatments are safe while others are not.

If you’re pregnant and want to get orthodontic treatment, you might be wondering whether it’s safe for you and your unborn baby. The answer to this question depends on your condition, needs, and orthodontist’s advice.
A few considerations to keep in mind when looking for orthodontic treatments during pregnancy include:

• Dental X-Rays

When getting orthodontic treatments, your orthodontist will need to perform dental x-rays to get a clear image of your jawbone and teeth. When pregnant, x-rays are considered dangerous for pregnant women. That’s why you should always notify your dentist if you’re pregnant.

Fortunately, the amount of radiation exposure from dental x-rays is considered very low and therefore not harmful to you or your unborn baby. Still, as a part of a safety precaution, your orthodontist will place a lead shield over your thyroid and abdomen.

• Gum irritation and infection

When pregnant, your gums and teeth tend to be more sensitive. Using orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign can cause gum and teeth sensitivity and irritation for some pregnant women. Fortunately, your orthodontist can prescribe medications to ease the pain.

Similarly, you’re more prone to oral infections during pregnancy. Therefore, wearing braces or Invisalign will further increase your risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay. If you develop gum disease, you may have to pause your treatment. Untreated oral infections can enter the bloodstream, increasing your risk of pregnancy complications like stillbirths.

Fortunately, good oral hygiene and habits like brushing and flossing can minimize the risk of developing oral infections during your treatment. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are critical in maintaining good oral health.

• Food Restrictions

If you’re using traditional braces to correct teeth misalignments, you’re limited to the type of foods you can eat. For instance, eating hard foods can cause your braces to slip or break. Having orthodontic treatment while pregnant could mean eliminating certain foods. Fortunately, you can work with a nutritionist to develop a healthy dietary plan.

Final Verdict

Most orthodontists agree that there’s very little risk of getting orthodontic treatments while pregnant. For more information about orthodontics in Randolph, MA, contact Randolph Dental Group to book your appointment today.