Can you have orthodontic treatment when pregnant?

If you are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy and considering dental treatment, this article should not be missed. Deciding if it's suitable to undergo orthodontic treatment while pregnant is a question expectant patients ask frequently.

An article in the International Journal of Current Research and Review (2021) looked at the considerations of orthodontic treatment during pregnancy. The article discusses the increased likelihood of gingival inflammation and changes in the salivary composition during the third trimester. In addition, there is the likelihood that you will experience morning sickness in the first months of pregnancy.

Hormone levels and pregnancy gingivitis

The combined physiological changes should all be considered when deciding the most advantageous and considered course of orthodontic treatment.

The article in the IJCRR says: "The gingival inflammation caused by subclinical hormonal alterations and plaque accumulation leads to gingivitis. Fixed orthodontic treatment leads to several plaque-retaining areas which demand rigorous oral hygiene measures."

There are no contraindications for a pregnant woman when it comes to wearing invisible aligners. It's a great option to straighten your teeth during pregnancy, and to help you fight the temporary predisposition to caries and dental erosion.

If you are expecting and want to start your clear aligner treatment, it should always be performed under medical supervision since the priority is the safety of you and the child. Although it is a dental change, it is still a medical activity, so the doctor should be made aware of your pregnancy.

Let's take a look in more detail at the aspects of orthodontic treatment that should be considered.

Are aligners safe during pregnancy?

The short answer to this is yes! Wearing clear aligners while you're pregnant has no contraindications, but we're going to talk about some aspects of oral health during pregnancy that can increase the risk of caries later on.

Poorly managed treatment for regular checkups or treatment for invisible aligners could lead to risk, so talk to your dentist as soon as possible about the best time to start your treatment, as you await the arrival of your little one.

X-rays, dental treatment and diagnostic scans during pregnancy

One of the most important risk factors when seeking dental treatment while pregnant is the need for X-rays and scans. If you are pregnant and plan to come for a free orthodontic evaluation at one of the Impress orthodontic clinics, let us know upon arrival. Your teeth and gums are at a higher risk of deterioration during pregnancy, and we want to help you avoid as much intervention as possible.

According to the NHS, X-rays are not normally recommended for pregnant women unless it's an emergency, however, you should always refer to a doctor for a personal assessment.

Managing X-rays with pregnant patients

We offer a minimally invasive treatment, however, there are risks and contraindications for a reason. When a patient wants to undergo orthodontics, it is vital to perform an intra-oral X-ray to determine the health status of the patient's mouth.

At Impress, we know that X-rays of the mouth do not expose the reproductive organs to direct harm, and, in addition, a lead apron is used to protect both mother and baby from radiation, making the risk low.

If a clinic does not perform an X-ray, it is problematic, as they have not taken into account the most important thing: the health of the patient.

Potential hormone changes

Changes to your hormones are normal when pregnant, but the impact on your oral health can lead to increased gum sensitivity, swelling and discomfort when wearing your aligners.

Slight discomfort with new aligners is a typical side effect, which can be managed with a cold compress or pain medication in most cases. If the pain persists, contact your orthodontist.

Morning sickness and oral hygiene

Clear aligners specifically serve a function, which is to improve people's oral health and straighten their teeth. The benefits of the procedure are vast, as a healthy mouth helps with breathing problems, speech, and much more.

Morning sickness is a common symptom of pregnancy, and the acidic impact of vomiting can cause problems with your teeth, the strength of your enamel and also the taste of many things.

One of the benefits of pregnant people using clear aligners is the removable and practical aspect. There is no better feeling than being able to clean your aligners, your teeth and feel as though you haven't compromised your oral health, which can happen with fixed braces if not maintained correctly.

If you're experiencing morning sickness and using clear aligners, here are three easy tips to help you manage it:

1. Remove aligners during episodes of vomiting
2. Rinse your mouth with water or fluoride-based mouthwash
3. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to avoid damaging softened enamel

At Impress, we have doctors with more than 15 years of experience in the sector, and we always recommend talking to them to find the best solution. They will decide whether it is better to wait to give birth or to start safely while the child is in the gestation period.

What treatment is the most convenient?

We are committed to using the least invasive treatment, which is invisible orthodontics. During pregnancy, there is more sensitivity and increased plaque buildup, which can be heightened with fixed orthodontics.

In addition, with the Impress method, patients come to the clinic at the beginning and end of their treatment.

Thanks to the app we use, there can be patient-doctor contact throughout, without having to leave the house and, thus, making follow-ups during the whole process easier.

Ready to book your free orthodontic evaluation?

If you are pregnant, congratulations! Our dentists will be delighted to assist and explain everything you need to know to achieve the smile of your dreams safely.

Make your appointment and we’ll see you soon!

Updated: June 2025