Pregnancy comes with many “can I” and “should I” questions. One of them may be about your smile.
Can you get braces during pregnancy? The answer is reassuring. But, there are a few important things you should keep in mind.
So, Is It Safe to Start Braces During Pregnancy?
The short answer is yes. You can get braces during pregnancy. Braces themselves are safe for pregnancy.
The brackets, wires, or aligners used in orthodontic care do not harm your baby. What you should look out for is how your body responds during this time.
Pregnancy hormones can make your gums more sensitive. You might notice more swelling, tenderness, or bleeding when brushing.
These conditions do not stop you from wearing braces though. But, it does mean you will need to give extra care to oral hygiene. Think of it as protecting both your smile and your overall comfort.
The Type of Braces You Can Get During Pregnancy
Most types of braces are considered safe to use during pregnancy. They work by applying gentle pressure to move teeth and do not involve medication or procedures that affect your baby.
This includes traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, and clear aligners such as Invisalign. What usually matters more than the type of braces is the timing of your treatment.
Then, When Is the Right Time to Begin Your Braces Journey?
Many women find the second trimester the most comfortable stage for orthodontic treatment. Morning sickness often settles by then, and it is easier to sit through appointments.
As Xrays are required to check on overall teeth positioning and health, your orthodontist will usually advise you to delay orthodontic treatment till your baby is born. If you are currently undergoing treatment, the Xrays are delayed.
Tooth extractions, if needed as part of treatment, are usually delayed until after pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. In urgent cases, they are safest in the second trimester under your dentist’s guidance.
By the third trimester, longer visits can feel tiring. So, shorter and more flexible appointments are usually preferred.
Your orthodontist will plan your treatment with your comfort and safety in mind, while keeping your oral health as the main priority.
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How Hormones Can Influence Your Braces
Pregnancy hormones, such as relaxin, affect the tissues that support your teeth. This sometimes makes teeth a little more mobile, which can make braces feel like they are working a little faster. But, the effect usually fades after birth.
At the same time, these hormonal changes can raise the risk of gum inflammation, often called pregnancy gingivitis. With braces in place, that irritation may feel more noticeable.
That is why regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning are important to keep gums healthy while your teeth shift into position.
How to Feel More at Ease with Braces During Pregnancy
Here are a few small habits that can make your braces journey more comfortable while you are expecting:
Brush Gently But Often
Try brushing after every meal to keep food particles from sitting around your braces. Gentle strokes will keep your teeth clean without making your gums feel sore.
Choose a Soft Toothbrush
A softer brush is kinder on sensitive gums. Especially if pregnancy hormones are already making them more prone to swelling.
Floss Daily (or Use Interdental Brushes)
Flossing can feel tricky with braces, but skipping it leads to plaque build-up around wires and brackets. Interdental brushes or floss threaders can make the job much easier.
Rinse After Morning Sickness
If you experience nausea and vomiting, rinsing with plain water or a fluoride mouthwash helps wash away stomach acids that can wear down enamel.
Watch What You Eat
Hard, sticky, or acidic foods are not only tough on braces but can also increase tooth sensitivity. Softer options are gentler on both your braces and your gums.
By keeping up with these habits, you make life with braces smoother and your smile healthier throughout pregnancy.
Read more:
Braces Mouth Sore Relief: Effective Ways to Soothe Discomfort
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Why Some Women Choose to Start Now
You may be wondering if it makes sense to begin braces during pregnancy instead of waiting. For many women, the answer is yes.
Pregnancy can sometimes be an ideal time to start treatment. Your schedule may be more predictable before your baby is born, which makes it easier to attend regular appointments. By the time you welcome your child, you could already be partway through your treatment journey.
There is also another benefit. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, and this supports better oral health at a stage when gum care matters most.
What the Process of Getting Braces Looks Like
If you decide to move ahead with braces during pregnancy, here is how the process usually works:
Start With Open Communication
Let your orthodontist know you are pregnant and share any advice from your obstetrician. This ensures every step is safe for you and your baby.
Planning Your Treatment
Some diagnostic steps, such as X-rays, may be delayed or done with a protective lead apron, depending on your situation.
Choosing Your Braces
You will be guided through options such as traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners. Most women consider comfort and ease of cleaning when deciding.
Appointments That Fit You
Visits can be kept shorter or more flexible to match your energy levels throughout pregnancy.
Extra Care for Hygiene
Your orthodontist will give tailored advice to protect your gums and teeth, since pregnancy can make them more sensitive.
The entire process is designed to support you and adapt to your needs, so treatment feels manageable at every stage.
If you have questions about braces during pregnancy, you may contact The Braces Practice by WhatsApp or through our online form for more information.
When Waiting May Be Better
Sometimes it is easier to wait until after pregnancy before starting treatment.
If you are experiencing severe morning sickness, gum issues, or complications with your pregnancy, your orthodontist may advise holding off for now.
Delaying will not change your long-term results. Sometimes it is simply more comfortable and convenient to begin later.
Your Braces Journey: Making the Choice That Feels Right
Pregnancy is personal. What feels manageable for one person may feel too much for another. The decision to start braces now depends on your comfort, your health, and your priorities.
Speak openly with both your obstetrician and your orthodontist. Get advice that is specific to your situation. Together, they can guide you towards the choice that feels right.
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Final Thoughts on Braces During Pregnancy
So, can you get braces during pregnancy? The answer is yes, with some planning and care.
Braces do not interfere with your pregnancy, and for many women, this stage of life can be a suitable time to begin.
If you would like to know more about starting braces during pregnancy, you may contact The Braces Practice by WhatsApp, phone (Holland Village: +65 6463 2306 | Bedok: +65 6282 2788 | Bukit Timah: +65 8083 9293), or through our online form for more information.
