Those new braces in your mouth should be holding your teeth tightly, shouldn't they? The brackets have been securely bonded to each individual tooth, with the bracket then further secured via the strong archwire that was threaded through them. You probably already know all of this, which is why it can be rather unsettling when it seems like your teeth are loose in your braces. Don't worry, because all is not what it seems.
Bone Remodelling
It's important not to overlook the fact that your teeth are being moved. The targeted pressure (courtesy of your brackets and archwire) is causing your teeth to reposition themselves in their dental sockets. Your jaw is undergoing a process called bone remodelling. As your teeth shift position, bone quite literally regrows around your dental sockets to support the teeth in their new positions. The process is quite intensive, which is why it must be performed gradually over the course of months.
Teeth Movement
The reason your teeth feel loose is that they're literally moving. Technically speaking, they're not loose in the way that teeth can be in some circumstances—such as when you naturally lose a baby tooth, or when an adult tooth becomes loose after an accident or due to decay. But your teeth are still moving, in a very calculated and progressive way. Feeling as though your teeth are loose is fairly common when you first get braces.
Becoming Accustomed
The good news is that this curious sensation doesn't tend to last. You will rapidly become accustomed to it, and quite soon it won't feel like your teeth are in danger of falling out. Although to be quite clear, this was never a real danger, because your teeth are securely connected to your jaw. Without this secure connection, their repositioning (and bone remodelling) simply would not be possible. Your teeth feeling loose is simply a natural reaction to the slow and subtle repositioning of your teeth.
Orthodontic Adjustments
While you will quickly become accustomed to the sensation (and logically, should stop thinking about it), be prepared for its return each time your orthodontist adjusts your braces throughout your treatment. This is likely to happen multiple times, and with each tightening of your archwire, it can once again feel as though your teeth are very slightly loose. But remember this is only how it feels, and it doesn't reflect the reality of your treatment.
A sensation of loose teeth is a common part of wearing braces, and all it generally means is that your braces are doing their job. For more information, talk to an orthodontist who provides braces in your area.
Share7 September 2022
As a mother, I've seen my kids' faces light up after they've lost a tooth – oh, the excitement they feel about getting their grown up teeth! However, I've also seen my kids become extremely scared and anxious after having an adult tooth knocked out. If you're a mom or a dad with a busy kid, chances are you might see a tooth knocked out in a skateboarding accident or a sport pile-up. This blog is dedicated to those moments when you could lose your wits, and it's here to ensure you don't. I am collecting and curating the best information about kids and dental emergencies here so that you will have it when you need it. Best of luck with your kids' smiles!
