When you initially get braces, you’ll have to get used to a lot of things fairly quickly, from the feel of metal in your mouth to the process of meticulously cleaning between your teeth.
What you may not have expected, however, is feeling like your teeth are suddenly a little loose. You may even wonder if something is going wrong, but don’t worry—that’s actually perfectly normal. Here’s why braces can make your teeth feel loose, and what you can do about it.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose?
When you first got your braces, your dentist likely had you wear something called “spacers” that get your teeth ready to move. What they actually do is cause the periodontal ligaments that secure the teeth in place to loosen, allowing them to be properly adjusted by the braces.
That stretching of the ligaments is what causes the “floating” feeling that you may interpret as your teeth being loose. As you can see, it’s actually a perfectly normal part of the orthodontic process.
How to Take Care of your Braces
While your ligaments stretching won’t cause your teeth to come loose, there are reasons why they might. If you aren’t able to properly maintain your teeth while wearing braces, it’s possible that infection can set in and attack the bone that hold the teeth in place.
To prevent that, you need to take good care of your oral appliance. That stars with brushing your braces at least twice a day, but ideally after every meal. Take care to brush on either side of the brackets to remove any foods that’s built up around them.
Flossing is also crucially important to breaking up plaque deposits, but some braces patients find it to be too much of a hassle. If you aren’t a fan of floss threaders, try using interdental brushes or a WaterPik to make cleaning between your teeth easier.
Finally, see your dentist often to ensure that your braces are tight and that your oral health is where it needs to be. Do that, and you’ll be able to have a straight, healthy smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Travis Rottman has been a dentist for over a decade, and all that time spent working hasn’t diminished his love for getting to know his patients on a personal level, and helping them get the dental care that they deserve. Dr. Rottman graduated from the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry, and maintains active membership in the Academy of General Dentistry so that he can stay on top of the latest techniques in oral medicine.
If you have any questions about why your teeth may feel loose with braces, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (972) 848-0073.