If you’ve recently started wearing braces, you might have noticed something a little unsettling; your teeth feel loose! But before you start to panic and sound the alarm, you should know that this sensation is entirely normal, and it’s actually a sign that your braces are doing exactly what they’re supposed to do. Continue reading to learn a little more about braces and why they sometimes cause teeth to feel loose, so that you can rest assured that your orthodontic journey is still on a positive trajectory.
How Do Braces Work?
Braces work by applying continuous, gentle pressure to your teeth, slowly moving them into their correct positions over the course of time. This process requires your teeth to loosen slightly to shift over the periodontal ligament, which is the connective tissue that attaches your teeth to your jawbone. As braces shift the teeth, the ligament contracts on one side and new bone tissue grows on the other side to fill in the space where the tooth was. It sounds complicated, but from your orthodontist’s point of view, it’s fairly straightforward!
Braces are capable of addressing a wide assortment of orthodontic issues including misaligned teeth as well as various bite problems like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. They can also be combined with other sorts of orthodontic devices and come in different varieties.
Why Are My Braces Making My Teeth Feel Loose?
The simple answer here is that braces make your teeth feel loose because technically, they are loosening and moving your teeth around! But it’s important to remember that your teeth aren’t actually becoming loose in the same way that a baby tooth does before it falls out. Instead, the pressure from the braces is causing your teeth to move at a very subtle rate. Though your teeth may feel a bit wobbly, your body is in the process of making room for them to move into their new, straighter positions.
In addition to immediately after getting braces, it’s also fairly common for patients to feel like their teeth are loose after they’ve had their braces tightened; however, this is normal and should only last for a few days, at most, following the appointment.
Remember, everyone’s orthodontic journey is different, and some will experience more discomfort and looseness than others. If you ever feel concerned, you can speak with your orthodontist; however, know that your braces are hard at work perfecting your smile, and fleeting looseness is a relatively small price to pay for this!
About the Practice
Our team here at Super Braces has proudly served patients and families in the Worcester area for several years, offering a wide variety of orthodontic services for patients of all ages. We’d be more than happy to work with you to achieve a straighter and healthier smile, no matter what sort of orthodontic issues you’re dealing with! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment, feel free to visit us online or call us today for assistance. Telephone: (508) 755-2207.