Orthodontics during pregnancy?

fiona-f

Could someone advise whether considering getting braces during pregnancy is possible or a complete no-no? I have a job where I am required to be in the public view and meet large numbers of new people and rightly or wrongly I fear getting braces to deal with my crooked lower teeth would impact both my speech and appearance in work. I work for a place with a very generous maternity leave policy so I'd be off for probably a year after the birth, plus I'd be in a less public-facing role for my last few months before maternity leave. So for work / social reasons this could be great timing to finally get my teeth sorted. But I don't know if x-rays for example are an absolute requirement for braces, or if thetr are any other similar issues which mean I shouldn't even bother looking into it right now.

Thanks for any advice from anyone with experience of these issues.

I've started orthodontics recently and one of the questions on the application form asked if I was pregnant (physically impossible in my case ). But it did make me think that they'd take that into account if you were. No harm in asking them.

Dianthus

It's possible, but not necessarily practical!
Taking into account factors such as pregnancy gingivitis, morning sickness, cravings, health issues with mum&/baby during/after pregnancy, general tiredness.....you may not have the time, ability, or inclination to attend every 6-8weeks for adjustments to the braces. See an orthodontist for a consultation re options, time, cost & advice.

ovalu

fiona-f wrote: »

Could someone advise whether considering getting braces during pregnancy is possible or a complete no-no? I have a job where I am required to be in the public view and meet large numbers of new people and rightly or wrongly I fear getting braces to deal with my crooked lower teeth would impact both my speech and appearance in work. I work for a place with a very generous maternity leave policy so I'd be off for probably a year after the birth, plus I'd be in a less public-facing role for my last few months before maternity leave. So for work / social reasons this could be great timing to finally get my teeth sorted. But I don't know if x-rays for example are an absolute requirement for braces, or if thetr are any other similar issues which mean I shouldn't even bother looking into it right now.

Thanks for any advice from anyone with experience of these issues.

I've treated plenty pregnant women for orthodontics and never had a problem, usually it's easier for them to come in for adjustments than when they are working. X rays are usually not an absolute requirement, tho preferable. You may have some old x rays that can give the required information. In most cases, other than to determine the general health of your teeth, which should be good for braces, the only other requirement for x rays is to determine that you are not one of the few people with exceptionally short roots, again you may have some old x rays. A lot of dentists are nervous of treating pregnant women in general, there is no scientific basis for this but it's a fear of litigation if there is a problem in the pregnancy and people always look for something to blame ( "everything was fine until I went to the dentist and got a filling"). So basically in my view it's a suitable time for you to go ahead, but you may find it difficult to find an orthodontist/dentist to go along with it

fiona-f

Thank you. Yes, I would have an x ray taken by my dentist every year at my annual check up, most recently last April. Having suffered several miscarriages in the past, I have done much research, including with my obstetrician, into what genuinely is and is not a risk factor and I have not read anything reputable and evidence-based to suggest orthodontic treatment may be a risk factor - excluding x-rays and removal of mercury fillings. Given my history, I am obviously extremely conservative in my choices during pregnancy. I may begin exploring it now with some orthodontic clinics locally. Thank you for all the replies.