Braces are an excellent way to straighten teeth and correct bite issues, but they can come with a few surprising sensations—one of the most common being the feeling that your teeth are loose! If you’re experiencing this, don’t worry, you’re not alone, and it’s actually a normal part of the orthodontic process and a sign that your treatment is working as intended. Here’s what you need to know.
Braces Literally Move Your Teeth
Braces work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to your teeth, gradually shifting them into their ideal positions. This movement involves the remodeling of the bone around your teeth, too; as your body breaks down and rebuilds this bone tissue to allow for movement, your teeth may feel less stable than usual.
Tooth mobility—when a tooth feels like it’s wiggling slightly—is often expected during braces treatment, especially after adjustments, which are regular appointments when patients visit their orthodontists to have their braces and wires inspected and tightened as needed. As the teeth settle into their new positions, the surrounding bone regenerates, and the sensation should reduce.
Should I Ever Feel Concerned About This Movement?
While the sensation of looseness is to be expected, extreme mobility or pain could indicate a problem. For instance, gum disease or trauma to the mouth during orthodontic treatment may cause the teeth to loosen, affecting the trajectory of their movement. This is part of why routine check-ins with your orthodontist are so important; they can ensure things remain right on track!
Likewise, routine dental care and consistent at-home hygiene are key in preventing issues like decay or gum disease that can cause setbacks. Wearing braces can also make it more difficult to clean your teeth and gums, but luckily, there are special dental instruments like interproximal brushes and dental flossers that can make things easier.
If your teeth feel loose but you’re not in pain and keeping up with your dental care, it’s probably nothing to worry about. However, if the sensation is persistent, getting worse, and or outright painful, let your provider know so they can assess the situation and get your smile pain-free and back on track!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Sam Alkhoury, our team here at Ludlow Orthodontics has served families in Ludlow, MA, and the surrounding community for several years, offering a wide variety of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including traditional braces. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up a visit, you can reach out online or call us today for more information. Telephone: (413) 547-0300.
