Adult Braces - Are They Safe during Pregnancy?
Adult braces correct crooked teeth and malocclusion to improve oral health and enhance the beauty of the smile. However, women that are pregnant or wish to get pregnant in the future may wonder if adult braces are safe during pregnancy. Here, our Philadelphia, PA orthodontist, Dr. Kellyn Hodges, discuss the safety of orthodontic treatment during pregnancy.
Are Adult Braces a Risk During Pregnancy?
There are many foods, medications, and activities that are not recommended for pregnant woman. Fortunately, adult braces should not pose any increased risk during pregnancy. Of course, there are precautions that should be taken, and any dental treatments should be discussed with Dr. Hodges and the patient’s pre-natal health care professionals in advance. However, in general, adult braces are considered a safe treatment option throughout a woman’s pregnancy.
Precautions During Pregnancy
Women who are undergoing orthodontic treatment during pregnancy should take certain precautions. The biggest oral health risk during pregnancy is gingivitis, which is an inflammation and infection of the gums. Braces can make it more difficult to properly clean the teeth and keep bacteria from building up along the gum line. For both of these reasons, it is important that pregnant women practice good oral hygiene habits throughout pregnancy. It is also important to see Dr. Hodges frequently for routine exams to monitor the progress of braces treatment.
Adult Braces Techniques
The orthodontic needs of patients are unique, as are their preferences for treatment. To accommodate each patient’s needs and desires, Dr. Hodges offers a number of orthodontic treatment techniques. While not all of these treatment options may be ideal for a pregnant patient, there are several techniques that can safely and effectively straighten the teeth throughout pregnancy:
- Traditional braces: Traditional braces involve the use of brackets and wires to apply pressure to the teeth. This pressure gradually causes the teeth to move into proper alignment.
- Invisalign®: Invisalign® is a teeth straightening system that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to provide the pressure that is needed to shift the teeth. These aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed when eating and brushing. Invisalign® aligners also cause less gum irritation than traditional braces, which can be beneficial to pregnant women.
- Retainers only treatment: In some cases, orthodontic problems may be minor. In these cases, the use of a retainer may be enough to provide the changes that are necessary to straighten the teeth and improve the bite.
After examining a patient’s teeth, Dr. Hodges can recommend which orthodontic treatment option is most appropriate for each patient, and whether there are any concerns about proceeding with treatment during pregnancy.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’d like to enhance the beauty of your smile by straightening crooked teeth, Dr. Kellyn Hodges can help. Dr. Hodges offers a number of orthodontic treatments that can safely and effectively shift the teeth to provide adult patients with the straight, attractive smile they desire. To learn more about these treatment options and which may best provide you with the results you’re looking for, schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you.