Implants
Undergoing orthodontic treatment requires adjusting to new appliances placed inside your mouth. Traditional braces use a metal bracket-and-wire system to move teeth into position, creating a straighter smile that allows you to eat, speak, and feel more confident. During this process, however, you may begin to feel as if your teeth are becoming loose and may fall out. Before you start to panic, learn why this happens and why you have nothing to worry about.
Why Do Teeth Become Loose While Wearing Braces?
Orthodontic treatment that requires you to wear braces will cause your teeth to feel loose, and here’s why:
Technically, your teeth are loose, but not in the way you imagine. They are not about to fall out; instead, they are moving, which indicates that your orthodontic treatment is working. As the metal brackets and wires work together, they exert pressure on your teeth. This stretching and compressing of the ligaments causes your pearly whites to move into a slightly new position until they reach their final destination.
Should You Worry About Your Teeth Falling Out?
No, wearing braces will not make your teeth fall out. However, if you fail to take proper care of your dental health while undergoing orthodontic treatment, you may put your smile at risk. The reason is that gum disease can develop, and without treatment, the bacterial infection can spread to the underlying bone, causing your teeth to become loose and eventually detach from the socket.
If a tooth cannot be saved due to severe decay or infection, it may require extraction, which can lead to complications while wearing braces.
This is why you are strongly encouraged to practice good oral hygiene at home and wear proper mouth protection while playing sports.
When Will They Start to Feel More Permanent?
Your “loose” teeth will no longer feel this way once they reach their final placement. As long as your orthodontist needs to tighten and adjust the wire, you can expect your pearly whites to remain mobile. Remember, this is necessary to ensure they move accordingly, ensuring a better position for maximum daily use and improved oral health.
Just because your teeth feel loose while wearing braces, you don’t need to worry. Trust the process and know that your orthodontist is aware of what is happening – changes that will put your smile in its new and proper place.
About Grand Dental – Prairie View
Grand Dental – Prairie View has been serving the Sycamore community for decades, delivering superior dental care and orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages. Offering traditional braces and clear aligners to those who want straighter, healthier teeth, our in-house orthodontist is available to provide treatment and monitor your progress from start to finish. If you are currently wearing braces but need additional guidance regarding your treatment, visit our website or call (815) 895-6100.