Can You Use Invisalign While Pregnant?
Posted on: 26 January 2021
Share
The length of time you'll need to wear your Invisalign can differ considerably from person-to-person. It really depends on the degree of realignment that your teeth need, but it can be anywhere from six months to just under two years. There's something else that could happen in that timeframe, which requires a far longer commitment. If you become pregnant during your Invisalign treatment, will your treatment be affected?
Non-Invasive
There are many different dental procedures that should be avoided during pregnancy, but this is related to elective procedures that can be invasive, such as dental implants. Invisalign is completely non-invasive, and as such, it won't harm you or your baby. Still, pregnancy results in some major physical changes to your body (including your teeth), and this can cause a few complications with your treatment.
Your Teeth During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body begins to sharply increase its levels of certain hormones. Your elevated levels of progesterone and estrogen can have a distinct effect on your gums, which can become sore and inflamed. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis. Additionally, hormonal changes to your periodontal membrane can result in temporary tooth mobility (where certain teeth will feel as though they're loose). Every pregnancy is different, and some women may not notice any significant changes to their dental health. But if these changes were to be particularly noticeable in your case, you might not feel comfortable wearing your Invisalign.
Your Compliance
The success of Invisalign is largely reliant on your compliance, as in, you will need to wear them for all but a few hours per day. If you were to remove your aligners for extended periods of time each day, your treatment will fail to yield the necessary results. Instead of simply taking them out, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Delay Your Treatment
Your dentist will assess the state of your teeth, paying careful attention to any pregnancy gingivitis and tooth mobility. If it becomes evident that you can no longer continue with your treatment due to your pregnancy-related discomfort, you might be advised to discontinue treatment until after you have given birth. Yes, this is inconvenient, but it can be more favorable than continuing with a treatment plan that is no longer comfortable. Once your pregnancy gingivitis subsides, you can rapidly resume your journey to a beautifully straight smile.
Remember that if you continue with Invisalign during pregnancy, it won't harm your baby. However, if you should experience unacceptable levels of discomfort, you may wish to temporarily suspend your treatment.
For more information about Invisalign, talk to your dentist.