If you’ve recently started wearing braces, you’re probably thrilled to finally be working towards a happier and healthier smile! However, you may have noticed that your treatment is causing your teeth to feel a little loose. But does this mean that your teeth are in danger of falling out? Not at all! Here’s more about why braces can sometimes cause teeth to feel loose as they work to straighten them and why you can rest assured those pearly whites aren’t going anywhere.
Breaking Down How Braces Work
Braces are an orthodontic appliance that are capable of straightening teeth in both children and adults alike, and they’ve helped countless generations with achieving healthier smiles. They generally include brackets that are cemented to the front of teeth and wire that runs through those brackets, which creates tension and puts pressure on the teeth.
This pressure gradually moves teeth into a correct and straighter position, but this movement doesn’t just yield positive aesthetic results—it’s also accompanied by several positive oral health benefits including a proper bite, improved speech and an easier time cleaning your teeth. Braces also reduce the risk for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders.
How Braces Can Make Teeth Feel Loose
As useful as braces are, they’re notorious for being a little awkward to wear in terms of look and feel—and sometimes patients even feel like their braces are making their teeth loose. This is because technically, braces do slightly loosen your teeth!
Even though teeth with braces remain securely attached to the periodontal ligament that’s connected to the jaw, the loose feeling results from the stretching and compressing of this ligament as it’s creating wider space for the teeth. Over months of putting pressure on teeth, the bone is eventually broken down and rebuilt to accommodate the movement until correct alignment is achieved. Once the teeth are in place, the feeling of looseness should dissipate.
In short, braces must make your teeth at least a little loose in order to do their job, but this loose feeling isn’t typically anything to worry about and your teeth aren’t in any danger of falling out!
About the Author
Dr. Marissa Mikolich received her dental doctorate from The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and has proudly served patients and families in the Canfield community for several years. Her practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of orthodontic services including traditional braces. If you have any questions or concerns about the article or would like to schedule a visit with the practice, feel free to reach out online or by phone for assistance: (330) 967-4110.