When you were a kid, you might have gotten excited whenever you noticed a loose tooth. It was a sign you were growing up and getting your adult teeth! Now that you are more mature and have your permanent teeth, though, you may understandably be alarmed if your teeth feel loose. If you have braces, there is likely no need to worry. A slight feeling of looseness is normal! In fact, it can mean that your braces are doing their job. How exactly does this process work? Continue reading below to learn more.
Why Teeth Feel Loose with Braces
Braces work by applying gentle, sustained pressure to the teeth in order to move them over time. In order for that to happen, some important things need to happen beneath your gumline:
- Your teeth are attached to your jawbone via stretchy tissues known as periodontal ligaments. When braces apply pressure, one side of the ligament is stretched, and the other is compressed.
- Pressure is applied to your jawbone. On the compressed side of your tooth, cells called osteoclasts work to break down bone cells to create space for your tooth to move. On the other side, cells called osteoblasts build bone in the area that your tooth no longer occupies.
- The process of building and breaking down the jawbone, called bone remodeling, can temporarily create larger spaces for your teeth. Therefore, they literally end up with more “wiggle room.”
As your teeth solidify into their new positions, feelings of looseness should subside. Plus, there is no need to worry about your teeth falling out. Your periodontal ligaments are designed to keep them securely in your mouth.
When to Worry about Looseness
Slightly loose teeth are nothing to worry about when you have braces. However, it is still important to monitor your oral health and seek professional care if you experience anything abnormal or painful. For example, you should call your dentist if:
- A tooth starts to feel extremely loose.
- Your gums are red, swollen, or receding. (These are signs of gum disease, which can cause loose teeth and tooth loss.)
- A tooth feels unusually loose after an accident or fall.
Overall, though, there is no need to panic if braces make your teeth feel a bit loose. You can usually view it as a sign that you are on the way to a healthier, straighter smile!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Tom Hall is a highly skilled Houston orthodontist. He and our team offer a broad range of services, including braces and more. We can even provide accelerated orthodontics, which can speed up bone remodeling and help teeth move more quickly. To learn more about us and how we may be able to serve you, contact our office at 713-589-7996.
