Can You Get a Piercing With Braces (Oral Piercings)

Introduction: Balancing Style and Oral Health

Oral piercings such as tongue, lip or cheek piercings are a popular way to express individuality, but if you are wearing braces you might wonder whether it is safe to get one. Since braces are already putting your mouth through changes, adding a piercing needs careful thought. While it is not always ruled out, there are important risks and professional recommendations to consider.

The Challenges of Oral Piercings with Braces

Braces are designed to gradually move your teeth into alignment, and they already make your mouth more sensitive and more prone to irritation. Introducing a piercing on top of this can complicate things. Oral jewellery has the potential to knock against braces, causing discomfort or even damage. It can also make it harder to clean your teeth and gums properly, which increases the risk of infection or gum problems.

Risks to Be Aware Of

The main concerns with oral piercings while wearing braces are irritation, increased healing difficulties and oral hygiene challenges. Jewellery that sits inside the mouth can rub against brackets and wires, leading to sores or swelling. There is also the chance that jewellery could get caught in braces, break them, or slow down orthodontic treatment. Healing is already more complex in the mouth, and braces add another layer of complication.

What Professionals Recommend

Orthodontists and piercers alike usually advise waiting until braces are removed before getting an oral piercing. The risks of infection, injury to gums or teeth, and interference with braces are significant enough that most reputable piercers will decline to perform oral piercings on clients with braces. If you already have an oral piercing when getting braces fitted, your orthodontist may recommend removing it for the duration of treatment.

Alternatives While You Have Braces

If you are eager for a new piercing but currently have braces, you might consider a placement outside the mouth such as the ears, nose or other body piercings that do not affect orthodontic treatment. These can still provide self-expression without interfering with oral health or braces.

Aftercare Challenges

Caring for an oral piercing with braces is even harder than usual. Keeping the mouth clean is vital, but food particles and bacteria can easily get trapped around both braces and jewellery. This raises the risk of infection and can slow down healing. Swelling from a piercing can also make braces more uncomfortable.

Final Thought

While it may be tempting to get a tongue or lip piercing while wearing braces, the risks usually outweigh the benefits. Most professionals recommend waiting until your orthodontic treatment is finished before getting an oral piercing. In the meantime, you can explore other piercing options that allow for safe self-expression without interfering with your dental health.