Pregnancy makes you look beautiful because of all the new hormones. But, unfortunately, the hormones cannot work on your smile, especially if your teeth are crooked, have small spaces, or are chipped. Considering the effect of veneers on smile correction, you might want to go for it, but are your instincts holding you back?
You are not alone! Like many other women, you must be wondering whether you can get veneers during pregnancy. Let’s find out.
What Are Dental Veneers Like?
Dental veneers are lab-made, customized shell-like coverings. They surround the surfaces of the teeth, ensuring proper coverage to seal gaps, correct irregular shape, and hide discoloration.
Specialists fabricate veneers from composite or porcelain after a complete oral evaluation. Veneers allow you to have a brighter and more beautiful smile effortlessly. They are safe and secure until advised by the dentist.
Do Dentists Install Veneers During Pregnancy?
The American Pregnancy Association (APA) says veneers are considerably safe during pregnancy if you postpone them until your second trimester. It also suggests deferring any dental procedure (if not urgent) till the delivery.
You can get veneers from a dentist safely based on the following guidelines:
Consultation and Permission
Before you jump to any conclusion, it is advisable to ask your dentist about its safety. Moreover, you can take permission from your OB-GYN and let the dentist and OB-GYN have a meeting in case you have a high-risk pregnancy. Only a dentist can tell you whether you can get the veneers or not. They do this after a complete oral health assessment.
Timing Matters
The first trimester is a very critical phase. This is because the fetus develops, and you experience nausea and morning sickness, which can also take place at other times of the day. The second trimester is generally safe because by this time, your nausea has settled down.
The third trimester is again not very favorable for veneers. This is because the growing size of the baby bump can cause a backache and make you uncomfortable in the dental chair.
The Use Of X-Rays
X-ray is a very important part of the dental veneers procedure. This may raise concerns for pregnant females. However, there is proper shielding as per APA. X-rays cannot penetrate through the shield and do not cause any harm to the fetus; however, discussion is important.
Oral Diseases
Due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, there is an increased risk of gum inflammation, sensitivity in the teeth, and bleeding gums. It’s important to discuss the major concerns with your dentist first because veneers require good oral hygiene before and after their placement.
How Can I Care For My Veneers In Pregnancy?
If you already have veneers on, the answer is simple: consult your dentist and let them tell you, because every pregnant female is different and requires different instructions.
The major instructions are:
- Focus on your oral hygiene: Brush, floss, use a soft toothbrush, and get an oral health evaluation in a timely manner.
- Avoid sugary food: Sugar is the main contributor to damaging your teeth. While having veneers, you should be very careful when consuming food that is acidic.
- Oral rinses: Continuous vomiting or morning sickness leads to heartburn and acidity. The constant vomiting can be damaging to your teeth as well as the veneers. However, rinse your mouth with plain water regularly to maintain a balance in your oral cavity.
- Regular dental checkup: Whether you have veneers or not, a regular dental checkup can address your oral issues immediately.
Note: If you are hyperemic, then it is better to ask your dentist what to do in such a case.
Final Thoughts
Since pregnancy is already challenging, it can impose more challenges to your oral health, hence becoming a stress contributor. However, with proper oral diagnosis, an expert dental service provider, and the right treatment approach, this phase can be less daunting for you.
If you are having doubts about the next move, whether or not to have veneers, visit Precision Smile Dentistry, where our specialist, along with their team, will guide you thoroughly and provide you with great dental services. Call us now to schedule your appointment.