Are you just getting started with your braces treatment? You may have done your research already on different things, like what to eat with braces and how to brush your teeth. But one thing many patients are shocked to find out is that their teeth start feeling loose with braces within the first few weeks. Is that normal? Will your teeth fall out? We’ll answer all these concerns in this blog. Keep reading!
How Do Braces Move Teeth?
It’s important to first grasp the concept of how braces work. Traditional braces have small metal brackets that are attached to the front of your teeth. Your orthodontist then connects all these brackets using an archwire.
As soon as the archwire is placed, you’ll feel that there is a constant pressure on your teeth. This pressure is usually strongest during the first few days. That consistent force is exactly what moves your teeth into the correct positions.
It fades within a week or so. The force is still there, but your teeth adjust to the change. Orthodontists routinely tighten braces to make sure your teeth get into a perfect alignment.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose With Braces?
Feeling that your teeth feel wiggly right in the first few weeks of braces treatment can make you question whether this is normal or not. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal. It is actually a good sign that your treatment is working.
The reason your teeth start to feel a little loose with braces is because of the changes happening in your connective tissues and jawbone.
As mentioned earlier, braces put consistent pressure on your teeth. This pressure causes the connective tissues and jawbone around the teeth to adjust.
The surrounding bone undergoes a natural remodeling process, breaking down in some areas and rebuilding in others as teeth shift into position. This is called bone remodeling. Since it takes some time for new bone to form, your teeth feel wiggly during the initial treatment.
Will My Teeth Fall Out?
Normally, a loose tooth is a sign that it’s about to fall out. Luckily, that’s not the case with braces. Your teeth won’t fall out even if they feel a little loose or wobbly.
For most people, the loose feeling is noticeable within the first few days after starting braces treatment. Some people also have this feeling after their braces are tightened. This sensation fades as your bone and tissues adjust.
That said, if one of your teeth feels too loose or uncomfortable, talk to your orthodontist. They will check whether it’s normal or if the tooth is loose because of an oral health problem.
Ending Note
It’s not unusual for braces wearers to feel that their teeth are wiggly in the first few days or weeks of treatment. Your teeth will firm up again. But if you notice that something is not quite right with your teeth or braces, consult Dr. Brad Albertson at Capital Springs Orthodontics right away. Contact us at (512) 447-6453 to book a visit.