Not long after you first get braces, you may notice that a tooth or two feels loose. Not to the point of falling out, but that slight looseness you feel with baby teeth before they loosen and fall out. Are loose teeth with braces normal?

Yes — and it's actually a sign that treatment is working. Your braces apply gentle pressure that triggers a natural process called bone remodeling, which temporarily loosens teeth so they can move into new positions. Teeth that need the most movement may feel the loosest, so those that are impacted above or below the gum line, those that are crooked or sideways, and those that are in front of or behind other teeth may feel the loosest.

At Petrous Orthodontics, we carefully calibrate the pressure applied to your teeth throughout treatment to ensure safe, controlled movement.

Why Loose Teeth With Braces Are Normal

Braces move your teeth to where they need to go. To do that, they apply gentle pressure that temporarily loosens the periodontal ligaments and the surrounding bone that hold the tooth roots in place. The teeth with single roots — the front teeth — may feel looser than the back teeth, which have multiple roots for added stability.

As you get used to your braces, your teeth will feel less loose. They may loosen after each adjustment appointment when you visit us in the office, but that is also normal.

It's OK if your teeth wiggle slightly. There is no need to contact us if they wiggle slightly. Only if they wiggle a lot or feel significantly more mobile than usual should you contact us. In properly managed orthodontic treatment, teeth should not become so loose that they are at risk of being lost — but we always want to hear from you if something feels off.

When Are Loose Teeth More Noticeable

You'll probably first notice loose teeth with braces a couple of days after getting your braces or clear aligners for the first time. It takes a bit of time for your teeth to start to move, but if you notice they are loose, it means the treatment is working.

You may also notice them feeling loose a day or two after an adjustment. During your office visits, we will check your progress and make any adjustments necessary. That can include adding items such as rubber bands, power chains, or other orthodontic tools.

It will also include changing out your elastics that hold the archwire to the brackets. This gives you a chance to express yourself by picking any color elastics you want.

What Do Your Loose Teeth Tell You?

If you feel your teeth are loose, it means your braces or clear aligners are working well to move them. You'll probably notice it when you first start your braces treatment. By the end, you probably won't notice loose teeth much.

As you reach the end of your treatment, you'll go from braces or Invisalign to retainers that will hold your teeth in place while your jawbone finishes stabilizing around the roots. Your teeth may feel at their most stable once that process is complete, which generally takes around 3-6 months after treatment, assuming you wear your retainers as prescribed.

When You Should Call the Office

When do you call the office for a loose tooth? If the tooth is very loose, the gums around it are red and irritated, or the tooth feels mobile even though it doesn't appear to be one we're actively moving, give us a call. We may need to bring you in for an adjustment.

There is no need to call if your tooth only has a slight wiggle. That's normal and expected. You will probably get used to that feeling as your treatment progresses.

Call us, though, if your gums get red or irritated. There might be an issue there that should be addressed.

We want you to have a safe, comfortable treatment with braces or clear aligners. While you may feel some discomfort at first, you shouldn't feel it all the time or after the first few days.

Braces Treatment in Royal Oak, MI

Braces and Invisalign are designed to temporarily loosen teeth so they can move into their proper positions. It may seem a bit unnerving at first to feel your teeth wiggle, but it's a normal part of treatment, and it won't last.

If you have questions about orthodontic treatment in Royal Oak, MI, schedule a consultation with Petrous Orthodontics. We're happy to walk you through exactly what to expect.