Orthodontics and Clear Aligners During Pregnancy: What to Consider

Is orthodontic treatment possible during pregnancy?

Pregnancy may not be seen as an obstacle to orthodontic treatment on its own; however, the hormonal and physiological changes in the body during this period can affect oral health. For this reason, when to start treatment, whether to continue treatment under way and any procedures needed are planned with your orthodontist and your obstetrician assessing the situation together. The information on this page is general and does not replace medical advice; always consult your doctors about your own situation.

You can also look at our earlier articles can you have braces while pregnant? and pregnancy and dental health.

Gum sensitivity

Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can make the gums more sensitive to plaque. Redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums when brushing may be more common. Orthodontic appliances, especially fixed brackets, can make this worse by making cleaning harder. For people using clear aligners, cleaning is usually easier because the aligners can be removed; even so, if the teeth and gums are not clean while the aligner is in, build-up can occur under the aligner.

• If you notice bleeding, marked swelling or pain in your gums, let your orthodontist know.
• Gum check-ups and professional cleaning can be done at the intervals your dentist recommends.
• A soft-bristled brush, dental floss and an interdental brush are usually recommended.

Planning around X-rays

Panoramic and cephalometric X-rays are commonly used in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Whether X-rays are taken during pregnancy, when, and what precautions are used are assessed together by your orthodontist and your obstetrician. For this reason, always mention before the examination that you are pregnant or may be pregnant. In some cases, comprehensive planning may be left until after the birth; postponing non-urgent procedures is also among the options.

Things to watch during ongoing treatment

If you become pregnant while your treatment is under way, first let your orthodontist know. Your orthodontist will map out a way forward based on the current stage of treatment.

1. Check-up appointments: The frequency and length of appointments can be rearranged with your comfort in mind. Lying on your back for a long time can be uncomfortable; you can ask to change position in the chair.
2. Additional procedures: The timing of procedures such as bonding attachments, interproximal reduction (IPR) or mini-screws is discussed with your orthodontist. Some procedures may be postponed.
3. Medication: Do not take any medication, including painkillers, without consulting your doctor; your obstetrician's opinion is decisive here.
4. Aligner wear routine: If you use clear aligners, paying attention to daily wear time is still important; if wear slips because of nausea or tiredness, let your orthodontist know. See how many hours a day should clear aligners be worn.

Nausea, vomiting and oral hygiene

Nausea and vomiting, especially in the early months of pregnancy, can bring stomach acid into contact with the teeth. Acid can temporarily soften tooth enamel. For people using clear aligners, the following points may help:

• After vomiting, take out the aligner and rinse your mouth with water; rinse the aligner with water too.
• Rather than brushing immediately after vomiting, waiting a while is usually recommended; you can ask your dentist how long.
• Before putting the aligner back in, make sure your teeth and the aligner are clean.
• If brushing triggers nausea, you can try a small-headed brush and a mildly flavoured toothpaste.
• If you need to snack often, plan to clean before putting the aligner back in after each snack; for details see our wear and care guide.

If you are thinking of starting treatment

For patients who want to start new orthodontic treatment during pregnancy, the orthodontist usually assesses the situation through an examination and a conversation. Comprehensive diagnostic records and the start of treatment may be planned for after the birth. During breastfeeding after the birth, medication and procedures are likewise assessed together with your doctors. If you are curious about what is discussed at the first visit, see our first orthodontic examination page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep using clear aligners while pregnant?

In most cases, ongoing treatment can be continued following your orthodontist's assessment. When you find out you are pregnant, let your orthodontist and your obstetrician know; the treatment plan is reviewed accordingly.

Are dental X-rays taken during pregnancy?

This decision is made jointly by your orthodontist and your obstetrician. In non-urgent situations, X-rays can usually be postponed. Always mention your pregnancy before the examination.

My gums are bleeding. Is this due to orthodontics?

Gum bleeding is common in pregnancy because of hormonal changes; appliances can contribute by making cleaning harder. Your orthodontist assesses the cause; if the bleeding continues, book an appointment.

My aligner makes my nausea worse. What can I do?

Keeping the aligner clean, using an odour-free storage case and choosing a small-headed brush may help. If nausea is affecting your wear time, let your orthodontist know.

For questions, you can call 0312 911 60 36 or use the form on the contact page.

This page is for general information only; diagnosis and the treatment plan are determined by an examination and your orthodontist's assessment.