Can You Get Braces While Pregnant? (2026)
Quick Answer
Getting braces while pregnant is generally considered safe, but orthodontists typically recommend waiting until the second trimester to begin treatment and avoiding routine dental X-rays during pregnancy unless medically necessary. Pregnancy hormones cause gums to become more sensitive and inflamed — a condition called pregnancy gingivitis — which makes orthodontic treatment more uncomfortable and requires closer hygiene attention. Many orthodontists prefer patients begin before or after pregnancy, but continuing existing braces treatment through pregnancy is standard practice.
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What Happens to Your Mouth During Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes significant hormonal changes that directly affect your gums and teeth. Elevated progesterone levels cause gum tissue to become more reactive to plaque bacteria. Gums swell, redden, and bleed more easily — even with good hygiene. Up to 75% of pregnant women experience some degree of pregnancy gingivitis. With braces, plaque control becomes harder, which compounds this effect.
Swollen, inflamed gums make every orthodontic adjustment more uncomfortable than usual. Additionally, pregnancy hormones cause slight loosening of the periodontal ligaments anchoring teeth to bone — this is typically minor and reversible, but it means teeth may feel slightly looser than expected during treatment.
The X-Ray Question
The primary reason orthodontists prefer to start treatment before or after pregnancy is dental X-rays. Initial orthodontic records typically include a panoramic X-ray, a cephalometric X-ray, periapical X-rays, and sometimes a CBCT 3D scan for complex cases.
Modern digital X-rays produce very low radiation doses, and a leaded thyroid collar plus abdominal shield reduces fetal exposure to near zero. However, standard guidance from the American Dental Association and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is: avoid elective radiation during pregnancy unless medically indicated.
If you are already in treatment: No new records are needed. Routine adjustment appointments do not require X-rays, and you can continue without interruption.
Trimester-by-Trimester Guidance
| Trimester | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| First (weeks 1–12) | Avoid starting new treatment; highest organogenesis risk; nausea may make appointments very difficult |
| Second (weeks 13–26) | Safest window for any necessary dental work; morning sickness typically reduced; lying back in chair is still comfortable |
| Third (weeks 27–40) | Appointments become uncomfortable as abdomen grows; avoid extended reclined positions; limit appointment length |
Oral Hygiene During Pregnancy with Braces
Pregnancy gingivitis plus braces is a challenging combination. Research links severe periodontal disease to preterm birth and low birth weight. What to do:
- Brush after every meal (not optional during pregnancy)
- Use a water flosser — more effective around brackets than string floss alone
- Schedule a dental cleaning every 3 months (not 6) during pregnancy
- Use a fluoride mouthwash nightly
- Tell your orthodontist you are pregnant at the start — they will monitor gum health at every appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to get braces while pregnant?
Yes, braces themselves are safe during pregnancy. The brackets, wires, and adhesives used in orthodontic treatment are biocompatible and do not pose a risk to a developing fetus. The main considerations are avoiding dental X-rays when possible, managing increased gum sensitivity, and timing elective procedures appropriately.
Can pregnancy affect your braces treatment?
Yes, in several ways. Pregnancy hormones cause gums to swell and bleed more easily, making cleaning around brackets harder. This can slow treatment if gum inflammation makes wire adjustments more uncomfortable. Some pregnant patients also experience increased nausea during adjustment appointments.
Should I wait until after pregnancy to start braces?
If your treatment involves complex records (multiple X-rays, CBCT scans), it is generally better to wait. If treatment is medically necessary (severe crowding causing dental health issues), it can begin with appropriate shielding and OB clearance.
What dental work can you not have during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, avoid elective dental X-rays (unless emergency), nitrous oxide sedation, and non-urgent oral surgery. Routine dental cleanings, cavity fillings, and orthodontic adjustments are all safe throughout pregnancy. Dental emergencies should be treated promptly regardless of trimester.
Can I get Invisalign while pregnant?
Yes. Invisalign is safe during pregnancy. The aligner material (BPA-free polyurethane) is inert and does not release harmful compounds. If you need new Invisalign records (iTero scans rather than X-rays), this is generally fine as intraoral scanners use light, not radiation.