--- title: "Orthodontics and Your Health UK | Medical Conditions" url: https://virtualconsultant.online/orthodontics-and-your-health description: "Most medical conditions don't rule out braces or aligners, but diabetes, gum disease, pregnancy and others change how UK orthodontic treatment is planned." updated: 2026-09-18T00:00:00Z publisher: Virtual Consultant Online --- # Orthodontics and Your Health UK How medical conditions affect orthodontic treatment in the UK — diabetes, asthma, pregnancy, bruxism, gum disease, allergies, and more. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [All Guides](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides) [Treatment Options](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) [Support Hub](https://virtualconsultant.online/support) ## Medical Conditions and Orthodontic Treatment Before starting orthodontic treatment, it is important to tell your orthodontist about any medical conditions, medications, or allergies. Many conditions have specific implications for treatment planning, oral hygiene, and healing. This hub brings together all our condition-specific guides. Each guide explains how a particular condition may affect your suitability for braces or clear aligners, what extra precautions may be needed, and what questions to raise with your orthodontist and GP before treatment begins. Diabetes How diabetes affects gum health, wound healing, and tooth movement during orthodontic treatment, and what precautions are needed. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/braces-and-diabetes-uk) Asthma The effect of inhalers and dry mouth on oral health during braces or aligner treatment, and what to discuss with your clinician. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontics-and-asthma-uk) Pregnancy Whether braces or clear aligners are safe during pregnancy, how hormonal changes affect gum health, and best timing for treatment. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontics-and-pregnancy-uk) Gum Disease Periodontal health requirements before starting orthodontics, treatment sequencing, and how gum disease affects tooth movement. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontics-gum-disease-uk) Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) How teeth grinding affects braces and clear aligners, management strategies during treatment, and retainer considerations for bruxers. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/bruxism-teeth-grinding-orthodontics-uk) Metal Allergy Nickel and other metal sensitivities in relation to fixed braces, alternative bracket and wire materials, and aligner options. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/metal-allergy-braces-uk) Hypodontia (Missing Teeth From Birth) How congenitally absent teeth affect orthodontic planning, space management, and implant sequencing. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/hypodontia-orthodontics-uk) Tongue Thrust How tongue thrust habit affects orthodontic outcomes, whether treatment can correct an open bite, and myofunctional therapy options. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/tongue-thrust-orthodontics-uk) Crowns and Implants Whether braces or aligners are compatible with crowns, bridges, implants, and veneers, and how sequencing affects treatment planning. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontics-with-crowns-implants-uk) Dental Anxiety Managing dental anxiety before and during orthodontic treatment, treatment options rated by anxiety level, and coping strategies. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/dental-anxiety-orthodontics-uk) Mental Health and Braces Body image, confidence, bullying, anxiety during orthodontic treatment, and practical support for patients of all ages. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/braces-and-mental-health-uk) Orthodontics for Special Needs Adapted orthodontic care for patients with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, or complex medical needs in the UK. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontics-special-needs-uk) Teeth Grinding in Children Child bruxism: when it matters, airway and stress links, when a night guard is appropriate, and how it affects orthodontic planning. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/teeth-grinding-kids-uk) Bruxism and Braces How teeth grinding damages brackets and aligners, combined management during treatment, and retention planning for bruxers. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/bruxism-and-braces-uk) Speech and Braces How braces and aligners affect speech, lisp with lingual braces, adaptation timelines, and when a speech therapist can help. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/speech-and-braces-uk) Social Anxiety and Orthodontics Managing self-consciousness about visible braces or aligners, discreet appliance options, and support strategies during treatment. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/social-anxiety-orthodontics-uk) Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma) How reduced mouth opening and skin tightening in scleroderma affect orthodontic access, appliance choice, and treatment planning. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/systemic-sclerosis-scleroderma-orthodontics-uk) Gaucher Disease Bone and dental implications of Gaucher disease, and what orthodontists need to know before planning tooth movement. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/gaucher-disease-orthodontics-uk) Motor Neurone Disease Orthodontic and oral health considerations for patients living with motor neurone disease, including appliance choice and care access. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/motor-neurone-disease-orthodontics-uk) Goldenhar Syndrome How the craniofacial and jaw asymmetry seen in Goldenhar syndrome affects orthodontic assessment and treatment planning. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/goldenhar-syndrome-orthodontics-uk) Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome Macroglossia and growth considerations in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and how they affect orthodontic care. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/beckwith-wiedemann-orthodontics-uk) Oral Lichen Planus Managing orthodontic treatment alongside oral lichen planus, appliance material choices, and flare-up monitoring. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/oral-lichen-planus-orthodontics-uk) Pemphigus Vulgaris Precautions for orthodontic patients with pemphigus vulgaris, including soft-tissue monitoring and appliance selection. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/pemphigus-vulgaris-orthodontics-uk) Hypophosphataemia How X-linked hypophosphataemia affects dental development and bone density, and what it means for orthodontic planning. [Read Guide](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/hypophosphataemia-orthodontics-uk) ### Frequently asked questions Can I have braces if I have diabetes? Yes — diabetes does not prevent orthodontic treatment, but it does require additional care. Poorly controlled blood sugar slows tissue healing and increases infection risk, which can affect how quickly teeth move and how well gum tissue responds to pressure from appliances. Most orthodontists will request confirmation that your diabetes is well-managed (ideally with a recent HbA1c result) before starting treatment. You should also maintain stricter oral hygiene and attend more frequent dental hygiene appointments during treatment. Inform your orthodontist of any changes to your diabetes management or medication during treatment. Is orthodontic treatment safe during pregnancy? Fixed braces that are already in place are generally safe to continue during pregnancy. Starting new orthodontic treatment is often delayed until after birth unless there is a clinical reason to proceed. X-rays should be avoided where possible during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester — if X-rays are essential, a lead apron is used for protection. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause gum inflammation and increased tooth mobility, which may temporarily affect treatment progress. Inform your orthodontist as early as possible if you become pregnant during treatment so a review appointment can be arranged. How does asthma affect orthodontic treatment? Asthma itself does not prevent orthodontic treatment. However, steroid inhalers (particularly if used without rinsing afterward) contribute to dry mouth and can increase the risk of oral thrush. Dry mouth during treatment reduces saliva's protective effect on enamel, making decay and white spot lesions more likely. Using a spacer device with inhalers and rinsing with water after each use significantly reduces these risks. Inform your orthodontist about your inhalers, as this affects the oral hygiene and monitoring plan during treatment. What should I tell my orthodontist about my medical history? Tell your orthodontist about any medical conditions, medications, allergies, and recent surgeries before treatment begins. Conditions that affect healing, bone density, gum health, or immune function can have a direct impact on orthodontic tooth movement. Blood thinners, bisphosphonates, immunosuppressants, and long-term steroid use all have specific implications. Allergies — particularly nickel or other metal allergies — affect appliance choice. You should also update your orthodontist if anything changes during treatment, including new medications, new diagnoses, or changes in health. Can bruxism (teeth grinding) be treated at the same time as orthodontics? Yes — in many cases, bruxism and orthodontic treatment are managed simultaneously, though the approach needs to be coordinated. For fixed brace patients, grinding increases the risk of bracket debonding and enamel wear; the orthodontist monitors this at each appointment. For aligner patients, heavy grinding can crack or deform trays faster than expected; additional replacement trays may be needed. A separate occlusal splint (night guard) may be worn alongside aligners in some cases. Once orthodontic treatment is complete, bruxism should be formally managed to protect the result and long-term retention. Does gum disease stop me having braces? Active gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) must be treated before orthodontic treatment begins. Moving teeth through inflamed or infected periodontal tissue can accelerate bone loss and lead to irreversible damage. Once gum disease is controlled — confirmed by a dentist or periodontist — orthodontic treatment can usually proceed with more frequent hygiene monitoring during the course of treatment. Mild gingivitis is common and manageable, but moderate-to-severe periodontitis requires specialist periodontal treatment first. This sequencing is non-negotiable for your long-term dental health. Explore your options Quick links Not sure where to start? Use these quick links to explore orthodontic treatments, typical costs, and helpful guides that explain what different options involve. Whether you're researching braces or clear aligners, comparing pricing, or just getting a feel for what comes next, you can browse at your own pace and come back when you're ready to request a quote. 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Upload your photos and get clinician-reviewed options for braces or clear aligners. [Start My Free Quote](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Find an Orthodontist](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) Prefer to learn first? Explore [treatments](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments), [problems](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems), and [costs](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs). Citation details Title Orthodontics and Your Health UK | Medical Conditions & Braces (2026) Publisher Virtual Consultant Online Published 2026-05-27 Updated 2026-09-18 URL [https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/orthodontics-and-your-health](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/orthodontics-and-your-health)