Orthodontic braces during pregnancy/as an adult?

[LMonkey]

Hi, has anyone had experience of wearing braces during pregancy,or just as an adult? I (should be) getting some fixed braces in a few weeks time. I will be 19 weeks pregnant. My mum and OH think im crazy as technically my teeth aren't THAT bad - I had braces when i was younger, but have suffered a lot of relapse so my ortho has offered re-staightening at a cheaper price. I know I want it - I will feel much happier with my teeth afterwards. Its just a) the thought of having to go through it again, what with the aching and pulling feeling of teeth and the rubbing against the gums, and lets not forget I am nearly 32!! I'm afraid i am worried about how people will react and what people will think. B) This is my second pregancy and I know that round that time i may be feeling achey with ligaments stretching etc (I remember from last time), can I handle the added aches and pains of braces? And without painkillers, as obviously I won't be taking any. I could wait until after I've had baby, but then I kinda think well, the sooner i get them on the sooner i get them off. I'd rather not wait an extra six months. Anyone offer any insight? Thanks!

My teeth seem to have shifted during pregnancy. Made me think that my next pregnancy would be the perfect time to get my teeth realigned because presumably they'll shift quicker??

I did it in my 40s! I wasn't pregnant though. The discomfort can be annoying, but not usually to the point that you need a painkiller. When you first have them put on, or get them tightened, you normally don't fancy chewing anything very hard for a couple of days. So soft foods are best. And you might need to put a bit of wax on the brace where it rubs against your mouth. That is usually just a temporary thing too. So I would say, why not go for it? The sooner you start, the sooner it's finished.

I'm considering a long course of ortho treatment at the moment, and posed the question about what would happen if I got pregnant during this time. The orthodontist said this was not to be recommended as for some reason in pregnancy you are more prone to receding gums and shortening of the roots of your teeth.

I have heard this too, but my ortho knows I'm preg and seems to think I have healthy enough teeth and gums, I think he's fairly trustworthy. I hope so anyway. Luckily I don't need any xrays taken as you're not supposed to in pregnancy. He also said that the shortening of the roots is a risk anyway, but a rare risk. I do worry though!