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Pregnancy raises a lot of questions about what treatments are safe, and dental treatment is one area where the guidance is sometimes unclear. Here is what you need to know about clear aligners and pregnancy.
Is It Safe to Start Clear Aligners During Pregnancy?
Clear aligners themselves do not involve radiation, injectable anaesthesia, or systemic medication, which are the primary concerns with many other dental and medical procedures during pregnancy. The plastic used in clear aligner trays is medical-grade and there is no absorption of harmful substances from the material under normal wear conditions.
However, starting a new orthodontic treatment during pregnancy is generally not recommended, primarily because of the dental monitoring and any associated clinical procedures that may be required. X-rays used for orthodontic assessment are ideally avoided during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. If IPR, attachments, or other clinical procedures are needed as part of treatment, the timing and appropriateness of these during pregnancy needs to be individually assessed.
The general advice from most dental and orthodontic bodies is that elective dental treatment, including orthodontics, is best deferred until after delivery unless there is a clinical need to proceed sooner.
Already in Treatment When You Fall Pregnant
If you fall pregnant while already undergoing clear aligner treatment, the situation is different from starting new treatment. Continuing to wear your existing aligners as planned is generally considered safe, as the treatment is already underway and there is no need for the initial assessment procedures.
It is important to inform the Jawology clinical team as soon as possible so your treatment plan can be reviewed. Any procedures involving clinical visits, such as attachment placement, IPR, or scan appointments, can be scheduled around your trimester and in consultation with your obstetrician or GP.
Pregnancy and Oral Health
Pregnancy increases the risk of gum inflammation, a condition called pregnancy gingivitis, due to hormonal changes that affect how gum tissue responds to bacteria. Good oral hygiene during aligner treatment is important at all times, but particularly so during pregnancy. Brush and floss after every meal before reinserting aligners and maintain regular dental hygiene appointments.
When Is the Best Time?
If you are planning a pregnancy and also considering clear aligner treatment, starting treatment before conception or waiting until after delivery and the early postpartum period is generally the most straightforward approach. After delivery, you can complete any necessary assessments, imaging, and clinical procedures without the constraints and additional considerations that pregnancy involves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear clear aligners while pregnant?
Wearing existing aligners during pregnancy is generally considered safe, as the material itself is not harmful. Starting new aligner treatment is generally deferred until after delivery because of the assessment procedures involved. Always inform your Jawology clinical team if you are pregnant.
Should I stop my aligner treatment if I fall pregnant?
Not necessarily. If you are already mid-treatment, continuing with your existing aligners is usually fine. Inform the clinical team promptly so any clinical procedures can be scheduled appropriately and your treatment plan can be reviewed with your pregnancy in mind.
Can pregnancy change my teeth enough to affect my aligner treatment?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase gum inflammation and, in some cases, affect tooth mobility and position slightly. Significant changes are uncommon, but informing the clinical team of your pregnancy allows them to monitor for any changes that might affect the accuracy of your treatment tracking.
Is it safe to have X-rays for clear aligner assessment during pregnancy?
Dental X-rays involve very low radiation doses and are shielded appropriately, but most guidelines recommend avoiding elective X-rays during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. The initial assessment for clear aligner treatment typically involves imaging, which is one reason starting new treatment is generally deferred until after delivery.
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