Invisalign is a popular dental procedure for many clients, where they use clear aligners to achieve a straighter smile. But can pregnant women also get the smile for their dreams? Finding out if you can get Invisalign during pregnancy can be tricky and leaves many mothers-to-be frustrated and unsure where to turn. To help you find out if pregnant women can have Invisalign and how the treatment might be different, we have created our handy guide so you can learn more about Invisalign during pregnancy.
Invisalign is considered a safe procedure to have during pregnancy as there are no medications or anesthesia used that could be harmful to you or your baby. The main concern during Invisalign treatment is the x-ray given during the consultation period, which is used to check if you are suitable for Invisalign and what treatment is needed.
However, there are ways around this. Impressions and other safe digital scans can be performed to help us create a 3D model of your mouth without needing to use an X-ray. We can also use any recent X-rays you might have had, providing that your teeth have not moved significantly since your last X-ray. Generally, we recommend that you have your scans and impressions before you conceive to ensure that we get the most accurate information, ensuring you get the right results from your Invisalign treatment.
Despite Invisalign being safe during pregnancy, there are some concerns that should be considered before moving forward with your treatment, including how often you need to remove your aligners and dental changes that can happen during pregnancy. We have outlined these concerns below to help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
Morning sickness is a common symptom throughout pregnancy and one that leaves many women vomiting several times a day. You would need to remove your Invisalign aligners every time you are sick, which can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment. Your aligners must be worn for most of the day, and the more times you remove them, the less time they are in your mouth.
It can be better to wait until your second trimester to start your treatment when the symptoms of morning sickness tend to reduce. Of course, each pregnancy is different, and if you do not suffer from morning sickness, this should not be an issue for you.
The fluctuating hormone levels during pregnancy can increase your chance of developing the following oral health problems:
Loose teeth
Gingivitis
Periodontal disease
Tooth decay
Should you have any of these conditions when you attend your consultation for Invisalign, you will not be able to have your treatment. You will need to address these issues before starting your Invisalign treatment to ensure you get the best results.
Loose teeth can occur during pregnancy when your body takes the calcium from your teeth to contribute to your baby's growing bones. Should this happen when your treatment has already begun, you run the risk of losing teeth as the pressure can cause them to fall out instead of moving into their new position. Any signs of loose teeth should be reported to your dentist immediately, and it is likely that your treatment will need to be paused until the issue can be rectified.
The treatment for Invisalign follows three steps, where you will go from your current smile to the smile of your dreams. We have outlined the standard treatment plan below:
All Invisalign treatments begin with an initial consultation where we see if you are a candidate for Invisalign. We will carry out scans, routine dental checks, and impressions, which will allow us to create a 3D model of your teeth. We can use SmileView to show you what your new smile would look like and provide you with an opportunity to make adjustments to your smile.
We then create a personalised treatment plan that will help you achieve your new smile and start work constructing your custom Invisalign aligners.
You will attend another appointment when your aligners arrive, and one of our dentists will show you how to use them. They will check they fit correctly and explain your treatment plan. Every two weeks or so, you will need to change your aligners as your teeth begin to shift into their new position. Your aligners will need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, but you can take them out to eat, drink, floss, and brush your teeth. We will run through this with you during your appointment and answer any questions you have.
You will return every six weeks so that we can check your progress, make any adjustments to your treatment plan and carry out any routine dental work to keep your smile healthy.
It can take between a few weeks to two years for your new smile to be completed, depending on your goals and what concerns you were addressing. When you have completed your treatment, you will need to wear a retainer at night to keep your new smile in place.
During pregnancy, the biggest change is that X-rays cannot be taken during your consultation, which is needed to help us create your treatment plan. These should be taken before you conceive when we can expose your body to X-rays without worrying about the impact on your baby. Without them, we can use recent X-rays, but if we don't have any on file, we will need to wait until your pregnancy has ended before your consultation can take place.
Aside from this, there are no other differences between your Invisalign treatment during pregnancy and yours.
You should care for your Invisalign aligners during pregnancy like you would in any other situation. The same care instructions are offered, including:
Wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day unless told otherwise
Brush and floss your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled brush
Rinse your aligners after every use and before putting them back in
Soak your aligners for fifteen minutes a day
Store your aligners in their case when you are not using them
Attend regular dental check-ups
The cost of Invisalign varies depending on the plan and how much work is required to achieve your new smile. On average, Invislaign costs between $6,000 and $9,000, but some plans start at $3,500. We offer the following Invisalign treatments:
Invisalign i7: $3,500 to $5,500
Invisalign Lite: $5,000 to $7,000
Invisalign Full: $7,000 to $9,000
To ensure that everyone has access to their dream smile, we offer a variety of payment plans where you can spread the cost. Many of our plans are interest-free and ensure that you don't need to wait any longer to see your dream smile. Learn more about the payment plans available at Gorgeous Smiles.
For more information please check out our guide on invisalign costs.
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to two years to complete your Invisalign treatment, but most clients will spend between six and eighteen months with us to achieve their dream smile. How long your treatment takes will vary depending on your smile goals and if any bite issues need to be addressed. The more complex your treatment is, the longer it will take.
You will be given a timeframe during your consultation and learn about your progress during checkups, but it is likely that if you begin your treatment during pregnancy, it will continue after you have given birth.
Invisalign treatment can be provided during pregnancy, but it can be difficult to do so without up-to-date X-rays. In some cases, we recommend that you return for a consultation after giving birth so that we can conduct safe X-rays and scans of your mouth. Those who choose to proceed during pregnancy will need to ensure they follow the care guidelines carefully and pay attention to any loose teeth or irritation.
At Gorgeous Smiles, we offer a wide range of Invisalign treatments that can help you enjoy a straighter smile and address bite issues. Learn more about our Invisalign treatment in Melbourne to see what we can do for you.
Here are some articles on common issues we help correct with the Invisalign treatment we give Invisaligns:
Check out some of our guides for more information on Invisalign treatment:
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