Braces are the tried-and-true solution for straightening smiles and have a proven track record of success. Whether you’re dealing with mild overcrowding or gaps, or have more severe bite or dental misalignments to correct, standard orthodontics is a reliable treatment option.
However, you might feel anxious if you’ve recently started treatment and notice that your teeth feel unstable in your mouth. Although this might be worrisome, it’s not usually problematic. Continue reading to learn why this sometimes happens so you don’t develop anxiety about potential tooth loss!
How Do Braces Work?
Many people think of their teeth as immovable structures in their jaw, but the truth is they’re anchored by muscles, ligaments, and other tissues with a natural capacity for movement. This is why different orthodontic services, like braces, can effectively move them.
For this treatment, your orthodontist carefully cements the metal brackets to the fronts of your enamel, then threads them with an archwire. This metal wire can be adjusted to alter the pressure exerted on your pearly whites, gently shifting them to their ideal positions over a designated period.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose with Braces?
Your adult teeth are with you for the remainder of your natural life, and it’s natural to feel anxious if you’ve noticed that they seem wobbly since your orthodontics were placed. You might worry that they can become fully dislodged or lost altogether.
Although it’s normal to be concerned about the destabilized sensations, you’re likely noticing changes because of your shifting teeth. They are anchored to your jawbone via the periodontal ligament that stretches and compresses with the pressure changes caused by your braces. This can open up more space in the socket, which is why it feels loose.
Can Braces Cause Tooth Loss?
Your braces won’t cause tooth loss directly, but it can be difficult to brush and floss around the metal brackets and wires. This allows plaque and bacteria to accumulate, which contributes to oral health issues, such as cavities and periodontal problems.
Advanced gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and can’t be reversed once it progresses, so prevention is the best offense. Purchasing floss threaders or an oral irrigator can help you clean between your teeth and along your gumline to eradicate unhealthy bacteria.
If you’re still concerned about loose teeth with braces, scheduling a follow-up appointment with your orthodontist is the best way to set your mind at ease about your current dental condition.
About the Practice
At Richardson Orthodontics, you and your family benefit from the expertise of two board-certified orthodontists eager to help improve your oral health. Dr. Jones and Dr. Amerson collaborate to provide various orthodontic services, including traditional braces. They take the time to get to know your unique concerns and goals, then tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs. Then, their caring approach is combined with advanced technology for more comfortable, accurate solutions. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 238-7101.