When you are pregnant, it can feel like you have a million things to handle all of a sudden. You’re learning new ways in which your body works, preparing the nursery, and going to doctor’s appointments. During pregnancy, many changes happen to the body and you might be wondering how best to take care of yourself. One question many pregnant women have is whether they will be able to get orthodontic treatment. Whether you have an emergency orthodontic issue or have been considering braces and are wondering if now is the time to get them, it can help you to call your local orthodontist and see how their care and treatment may be able to help you.
Is it safe to seek orthodontic care while pregnant?
Understandably, one of your main concerns is your baby’s safety when it comes to treatment. After all, women are told to change the kinds of perfume they wear, their skincare routine, and what kinds of chemicals they can be around. So, it is only natural that you would have questions about different types of orthodontic treatment.
The truth is, orthodontic treatment is quite safe during pregnancy. However, it is important that when you are talking with your orthodontist, like your Orange County, CA orthodontist, you let them know that you are pregnant and how far along you are.
Why is pregnancy a good time to get braces on?
You may be wondering with a baby on the way if it will ever be a good time to get braces. When we become parents–or add more kids to our families–that can quickly chisel away at the time needed for taking care of ourselves. Orthodontic care is one way you can take care of yourself. If you are in need of braces, getting them on during pregnancy can mean you will most likely be able to have your braces removed while your child is still young. You will want to speak with your doctor about what kinds of food you should and should not chew when it comes to pregnancy as some could harm your braces.
You will need a high-protein, high-calcium diet and it is important that you get those from the right sources. Your orthodontist is happy to go over diet tips and changes so that you are eating pregnancy-safe and braces-safe food.
Can I get X-rays while pregnant?
Understandably, you may be concerned that you should not get X-rays while you are pregnant because you do not want the radiation to harm your baby. While it is wise to avoid unnecessary amounts of radiation (not just during pregnancy), your orthodontist will have a protective device to lay over your growing belly to keep your baby safe.
Get Help When You Need Pregnancy-Safe Orthodontic Care
If you need orthodontic help or are considering getting braces while you are pregnant, reach out to a trusted orthodontic team, like those at John Redmond Orthodontics, today.