Are Braces Safe to Wear When Pregnant: A Guide to Invisalign & Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, you may wonder if it is safe to have braces fitted, specifically Invisalign aligners. One of the most common dental treatment inquiries during pregnancy is, who says that you can’t create life and enjoy a perfect smile? When it comes to enhancing your dental aesthetics, consider exploring the best dental implants boynton beach fl has to offer for a long-lasting and natural-looking solution.
Within the below, you will find out everything there is to know about getting braces during pregnancy, including:
- What is Invisalign?
- Is Invisalign safe during pregnancy?
- Can you get braces when you are pregnant?
- Can you get an x-ray when pregnant?
- How to care for your aligners when pregnant
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a dental treatment that is designed to straighten your teeth. More specifically, it is made of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit over your teeth to move them into the desired position.
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign is made of medical-grade polyurethane resin and can be removed for a few hours each day. Lots of dentists now offer Invisalign, including the leading Beyond Braces Surrey Braces surgery, which offers this treatment for both adults and children.
Is Invisalign safe during pregnancy?
When it comes to Invisalign and pregnancy, there is nothing to suggest that this treatment is anything but 100% safe for you and your unborn child.
You do not require anesthesia or any other form of medication when undergoing this treatment, meaning you do not need to worry about any chemicals being put into your body.
That being said, starting the Invisalign treatment process around a month before you conceive (where possible) is recommended so that your mouth can have time to adjust. If this is not an option, the next best time to start is during your second trimester, when any morning sickness is most likely to have passed.
Should I get aligners during pregnancy?
Although it is perfectly safe to wear aligners when you are pregnant, there are a few challenges that you may experience that are worth knowing about.
Most notably, pregnancy hormones can make your teeth looser. It can also affect how they respond to plaque and can increase your risk of swollen and bleeding gums. This may make the process of wearing Invisalign aligners a little bit more uncomfortable.
Furthermore, as mentioned briefly above, many women experience morning sickness during pregnancy, which can make wearing aligners and taking care of your oral health more difficult.
Can you get braces when you are pregnant?
It is perfectly safe to wear metal braces when you are pregnant, with the dental cement that is used to attach the braces to your teeth having zero side effects on you or your baby.
That being said, as with Invisalign aligners, you may not want to have braces fitted during pregnancy for several reasons. First and foremost, are you going to be able to keep up with the required dental appointments when you are pregnant? If you are not sure you will, this may not be the right time for you to get braces.
Secondly, will you be able to attend any required appointments once the baby has been born? Again, if you are in any doubt, you may want to delay this dental treatment.
Can I have an x-ray when pregnant?
Yes, x-rays of the mouth can be carried out when you are pregnant, with new technologies making modern X-rays completely safe for both mother and baby.
If you are at all concerned about having an x-ray during pregnancy, speak to your dentist or orthodontist who will be able to put your mind at rest.
How to care for your aligners when pregnant
If you do choose to go ahead with Invisalign during pregnancy, it is vital that you look after them and your overall dental health. Here are some tips to help you do this:
- Clean your aligners every morning and night using your normal toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
- Do not use soap, denture cleaner, or mouthwash to clean your aligners as these can damage the aesthetic of the Invisalign.
- Always rinse your aligners before wearing them and immediately after you remove them.
- Maintain a good oral health routine to help keep your teeth and your aligners clean.
- Wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day.
- Make sure you attend regular hygiene appointments and dental check-ups.
