Congratulations on your pregnancy! If you are like most women, you have probably started to think about all the changes that will be taking place in your body over the next nine months.
One of the questions that may have crossed your mind is whether or not you can start or continue to wear Invisalign while pregnant. Invisalign is a great way to keep your teeth straight while pregnant. It is a discreet orthodontic treatment that many women choose while expecting.
What is Invisalign
Invisalign is made of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth. They are clear removable aligners that slowly move your teeth into their desired position. Unlike traditional metal braces, you only need to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, and you will need to change them every two weeks. The aligners are made of medical-grade polyurethane resin and do not contain bisphenol-A, an industrial chemical known as “BPA.”
What is the procedure for Invisalign?
The first step of the process is to visit an orthodontist, who will take a 3-D image of your mouth and jaw. Your dentist will use this image to put together a plan for moving your teeth into their proper position.
The dentist will then use it to create customized plastic aligners that perfectly fit your teeth. The aligners will apply pressure to your teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired places.
Depending on your dentist’s instructions, you’ll switch out one set of aligners for a new set every week or two. Typically, you’ll need to wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day.
How much does Invisalign cost?
Many factors contribute to the amount you might pay for Invisalign, including:
- your oral health needs and how much work must be done
- your location and the average prices in your city
- the dentist’s time for labor
- how much your insurance plan will help cover
Invisalign treatment costs anywhere from $3,000–$7,000. Depending on your dental insurance, you may qualify for help from your insurance company.
Is Invisalign safe during pregnancy?
Your dentist will not use anesthesia or other medications when you first get your Invisalign aligners. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about any unsafe drugs or chemicals that may affect you while pregnant.
If you do wish to undergo Invisalign while pregnant, it’s best to begin treatment about a month before you conceive so that your mouth can have some time to adjust. If this is not an option, you should consider starting treatment during the second trimester when morning sickness symptoms are typically no longer present.
Although it is perfectly safe to wear Invisalign aligners during pregnancy, there are a few reasons that it may be challenging:
- Some pregnancy hormones can make your teeth looser. The hormones will affect how your teeth respond to plaque or bacteria, which may cause swollen gums and develop discomfort.
- Pregnancy hormones affect how your body responds to oral bacteria and plaque and cause swollen gums and irritation. It is common to experience gum bleeding and sensitivity while pregnant. The Invisalign treatment will make your teeth more sensitive.
- Discomfort is common for new patients during the first few days after the treatment, but the period will be longer for pregnant women.
- Many pregnant women suffer from morning sickness, which causes them to need to remove the aligners more often.
How to Take Care of Your Invisalign During Pregnancy
While undergoing treatment, it is essential to get into the habit of cleaning your aligners regularly. Here are some tips to take care of your Invisalign aligners.
- Clean your invisible aligners regularly, every morning and night. Use toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush in between them.
- You must not use soap, denture cleaner, or mouthwash to scrub your aligners. These ingredients can be abrasive and make aligners appear dull and less “invisible,” so they’ll be easier to see when you’re wearing them.
- Rinse invisible aligners before wearing them and when you remove them.
- It is essential to make a habit of storing your aligners in a case. You could risk damaging your aligners or accidentally throwing them out.
- If food or plaque gets trapped in your teeth or gums when you put your aligners on, it could get stuck there. This can be bad for your dental health because it will lead to issues like cavities or gingivitis. It is critical to have a good oral health routine to keep your teeth healthy and aligners clean.
- Wear your aligners 20-22 hours a day.
- Maintain regular hygiene appointments and check-ups.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Invisalign
Clear aligners have become popular over the past couple of decades as an option for straighter teeth. Invisalign can be used for many purposes, including crowding, spacing issues, teeth straightening, and some mild and moderate bite issues.
Invisalign clear aligners can come with many benefits, including:
- They are invisible and hard to notice.
- They are easy to remove when you are eating or cleaning your teeth.
- They require fewer visits to the dentist.
- They are usually more comfortable compared to braces.
- Invisalign treatment is faster at teeth straightening compared to traditional braces.
However, there are disadvantages when you start Invisalign, which include:
- It can be expensive.
- You may experience some discomfort and soreness in your mouth, and pregnancy hormones can increase this discomfort.
- You can lose or break your aligners, which will cost you more time and money to replace them.
Although this is a completely safe way to get your perfect smile, It is essential to consult with your doctor or midwife before starting any new medical treatment while pregnant. This includes orthodontic treatments like Invisalign.
