Yes, you can get braces while pregnant. Orthodontic treatment is considered safe during pregnancy for both mother and baby, and many women start or continue braces treatment without any complications.
That said, pregnancy does change your oral health in meaningful ways — from increased gum sensitivity to a higher risk of inflammation — and these changes are important to understand before starting treatment.
With the right braces type, a few extra precautions, and close communication with your orthodontist, braces during pregnancy can be a smart and practical choice. This guide covers everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Are Braces Safe During Pregnancy?
Braces are safe for both mother and baby. The orthodontic process — applying gentle pressure to gradually shift teeth — does not affect pregnancy, fetal development, or the health of the baby in any way. No chemicals, medications, or systemic treatments are involved in standard braces placement.
The one area that requires extra thought is X-rays. Dental X-rays involve very low levels of radiation, and modern equipment with abdominal shielding makes them safe even during pregnancy. However, most orthodontists recommend taking any necessary X-rays before pregnancy begins, or delaying them until after delivery when possible. If X-rays are genuinely needed during treatment, protective shields will be used to cover your abdomen.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) confirms that routine dental care — including orthodontic treatment — is safe throughout pregnancy and should not be postponed.
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How Pregnancy Affects Your Oral Health — and Your Braces
Pregnancy triggers significant hormonal changes that directly affect your mouth. Understanding these changes helps you manage them proactively during treatment.
Increased Gum Sensitivity and Pregnancy Gingivitis
Elevated estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy cause gum tissue to become more reactive to plaque and bacteria. This condition — known as pregnancy gingivitis — affects up to 70% of pregnant women and causes gums to become red, swollen, and more prone to bleeding. Wearing braces makes oral hygiene more complex, so the risk of gum inflammation is higher for pregnant patients than for non-pregnant ones. Diligent brushing and flossing are essential.
Morning Sickness and Enamel Erosion
Frequent vomiting exposes tooth enamel to stomach acid, which can weaken and erode it over time. For patients with braces, this is especially important to manage — enamel damage around brackets can lead to white spots or decay when braces are removed.
Dry Mouth and Tooth Decay
Hormonal changes often reduce saliva production during pregnancy. Since saliva naturally neutralizes acids and washes away bacteria, reduced flow increases the risk of cavities — a risk that is compounded by the presence of brackets and wires.
Teeth Shifting
Pregnancy hormones can cause ligaments and tissues in the mouth to loosen slightly, which may cause minor tooth movement independent of braces. While this doesn't make treatment ineffective, it's something your orthodontist should monitor at regular appointments.
When During Pregnancy Is the Best Time to Start Braces?
This is something competitors don't address — and it matters.
First trimester (weeks 1–12): Many women experience morning sickness and fatigue, making long dental appointments uncomfortable. X-rays are best avoided during this period. Starting treatment in the first trimester is possible but may be less comfortable.
Second trimester (weeks 13–26): This is generally the best time to start or continue orthodontic treatment. Morning sickness has typically subsided, energy levels are higher, and lying back in a dental chair is still comfortable. Most orthodontists consider the second trimester the ideal window for elective dental procedures.
Third trimester (weeks 27–40): Lying on your back for extended periods can become uncomfortable and may restrict blood flow. Short appointments are more manageable. Starting a new treatment in the third trimester is generally not recommended, though continuing existing treatment is fine.
Is Wearing Braces While Pregnant Uncomfortable?
It can be, more so than for non-pregnant patients. Here's why:
- Heightened gum sensitivity means that the normal pressure from wires and brackets may feel more intense, especially after adjustment appointments
- Swollen gums can make brackets feel tighter and increase irritation on the inside of the cheeks
- Morning sickness combined with a cheek retractor during appointments can be challenging
- Fatigue may make longer appointments harder to tolerate
None of these are reasons to avoid treatment — but they are reasons to communicate openly with your orthodontist so appointments can be adjusted in length and timing.
Best Braces Options During Pregnancy
Not all braces are equal when it comes to comfort and practicality during pregnancy. Here's how the main options compare:
Invisalign Clear Aligners — Best Overall for Pregnant Patients
Invisalign is widely considered the most pregnancy-friendly orthodontic option for several reasons:
- Removable — aligners can be taken out if you experience nausea during an appointment or at home
- No brackets or wires to irritate already-sensitive gum tissue
- Easier to clean — maintaining oral hygiene is simpler without fixed hardware
- Fewer appointments — check-ins are less frequent and shorter than with traditional braces
- Timeline alignment — a typical Invisalign case takes 6–18 months, meaning many patients can complete treatment or make significant progress before or shortly after delivery
Traditional Metal Braces — Most Affordable, Fully Effective
Metal braces are completely safe during pregnancy and remain the most cost-effective option. The main considerations are:
- Brackets and wires require more careful cleaning, which demands extra diligence given pregnancy's increased cavity risk
- Fixed hardware means you cannot remove them if gums become irritated
- Adjustment appointments may feel more uncomfortable due to increased sensitivity
Ceramic Braces — Discreet and Effective
Ceramic braces work identically to metal braces but use tooth-colored brackets that are less visible. They are a good middle-ground option for pregnant patients who want a lower-profile look without the higher cost of Invisalign. The same hygiene and comfort considerations apply as with metal braces.
What to Tell Your Orthodontist Before Starting Treatment
Before beginning braces during pregnancy, make sure to discuss the following with your orthodontist:
- How far along you are — trimester affects appointment scheduling and X-ray decisions
- Any gum issues — existing gingivitis should be addressed before brackets are placed
- Your OB/GYN's input — while braces don't require medical clearance, your OB may have specific recommendations
- Pain management preferences — discuss which over-the-counter pain relievers are safe for you to use after adjustments (see below)
- Appointment length — request shorter appointments if lying back becomes uncomfortable in the third trimester
Medication Safety: Managing Discomfort After Adjustments
After each adjustment appointment, some soreness is normal. During pregnancy, medication choices require extra care:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered safe during pregnancy for short-term pain relief — always follow dosage instructions and consult your OB
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, as it can affect fetal kidney development and amniotic fluid levels
- Naproxen (Aleve) is also not recommended during pregnancy
- Orthodontic wax is completely safe and highly effective for reducing bracket and wire irritation without any medication
Always confirm pain management choices with your OB/GYN before taking anything during pregnancy.
Tips for Looking After Your Teeth While Pregnant and in Braces
- Brush after every meal — with brackets collecting food debris and pregnancy increasing cavity risk, twice daily is not enough. Aim for after every meal with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily — use a floss threader or water flosser to clean around brackets and under the archwire
- After morning sickness, rinse — don't brush — brushing immediately after vomiting spreads acid across enamel. Rinse with water or a fluoride mouthwash first and wait 30 minutes before brushing.
- Chew sugar-free xylitol gum — stimulates saliva production to combat dry mouth and helps neutralize acids
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods — pregnancy cravings are real, but sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities, and acid weakens enamel around brackets
- Use orthodontic wax proactively — apply it to any bracket or wire causing irritation before it becomes a sore
- Schedule regular cleanings — professional cleanings every 3–4 months rather than the standard 6 are recommended for pregnant patients with braces
- Stay hydrated — water helps combat dry mouth and washes away food particles
Myths About Braces During Pregnancy — Debunked
Myth 1: "You can't get braces while pregnant"
False. Braces are entirely safe during pregnancy. There is no medical reason to avoid orthodontic treatment while expecting.
Myth 2: "X-rays for braces will harm the baby"
Modern dental X-rays involve extremely low radiation levels and are considered safe with proper abdominal shielding. In most cases, X-rays can be delayed until after delivery — but if needed, they can be taken safely.
Myth 3: "Pregnancy hormones make braces less effective"
Hormonal changes can cause minor tooth movement independent of treatment, but this does not make braces ineffective. Your orthodontist will account for these changes and adjust treatment as needed.
Myth 4: "You should wait until after pregnancy to start"
There is no medical requirement to wait. The second trimester is actually an ideal window to begin treatment. Starting during pregnancy can mean having straighter teeth by the time your baby arrives.
Myth 5: "Braces make morning sickness worse"
There is no evidence that braces worsen morning sickness. The two are entirely unrelated. Proper oral hygiene after episodes of nausea protects your teeth from acid erosion.
Is It Worth Getting Braces While Pregnant?
For many women, yes — and for practical reasons beyond just the orthodontic result:
- Your schedule may never be more flexible — many women have fewer work commitments during pregnancy or maternity leave, making it easier to attend regular appointments
- You can complete treatment before your baby arrives — shorter treatment options like Invisalign make this achievable for many patients
- Hormonal loosening of tissues can sometimes make teeth more responsive to movement, potentially supporting treatment progress
- Addressing orthodontic issues sooner prevents more complex problems from developing later
The decision ultimately depends on your trimester, your specific orthodontic needs, and how you're feeling. A consultation with a licensed orthodontist is the best way to evaluate whether now is the right time for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get braces while pregnant?
Yes. Braces are safe during pregnancy for both mother and baby. Orthodontic treatment does not affect fetal development or pregnancy outcomes. The main considerations are X-ray timing, gum sensitivity, and choosing the most comfortable braces type for your stage of pregnancy.
Can you have braces while pregnant if you already have them?
Absolutely. If you already have braces when you become pregnant, you can and should continue treatment. Inform your orthodontist early so they can adjust appointment scheduling and monitor your gum health more closely throughout your pregnancy.
Is Invisalign or metal braces better during pregnancy?
Invisalign is generally the more comfortable option during pregnancy because the aligners are removable, easier to clean, and don't irritate sensitive gum tissue with brackets and wires. Metal braces are equally safe and more affordable, but require more diligent hygiene and may cause more discomfort after adjustments.
What trimester is best to get braces?
The second trimester is generally the best time to start orthodontic treatment. Morning sickness has typically passed, energy levels are higher, and lying back in a dental chair is still comfortable.
Are dental X-rays safe during pregnancy?
Modern dental X-rays involve very low radiation levels and are considered safe with abdominal shielding. Most orthodontists prefer to delay X-rays until after delivery when possible, but they can be taken safely if genuinely needed.
Can I take ibuprofen after a braces adjustment while pregnant?
No. Ibuprofen and naproxen should be avoided during pregnancy. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered the safer option for short-term pain relief, but always confirm with your OB/GYN before taking any medication during pregnancy.
Will pregnancy affect how my braces work?
Pregnancy hormones can cause minor tooth shifting due to loosening of the ligaments around teeth. This does not make treatment ineffective — your orthodontist will monitor and adjust for these changes. In some cases, hormonal loosening may actually support tooth movement.
Do I need to tell my orthodontist I'm pregnant?
Yes — always. Your orthodontist needs to know your trimester to schedule appointments appropriately, make decisions about X-rays, adjust appointment length for your comfort, and monitor your gum health more closely throughout treatment.
