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On October 10, we will be upgrading our phone system. This enhancement will improve your future experience. It may result in additional wait times during our transition. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to serve you better.

On October 10, our call center will be closed for staff training between 12 PM and 1 PM ET.
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boy with braces opening mouth

Why Your Teeth Feel Loose with Braces

April 28, 2020

“My teeth feel loose with braces!” Whether you’re a braces wearer of the past or present, you’ve likely thought those words—if not uttered them out loud. However far-fetched it seems, loose or moving teeth are absolutely normal for those in braces, and often the entire point of having them in the first place.

Braces are applied to keep shifting teeth in place, straighten out a crooked smile, or correct bite issues.

So, what do you do when your teeth feel loose from braces? Don’t fear—the process is working.

Your orthodontist targets specific teeth to apply force via the brackets and arch wires. This process essentially loosens your periodontal ligament so your teeth can be adjusted to their proper location. Once the tooth or teeth begin(s) to reposition in your jawbone, it’s typical to feel that floating sensation.

Thankfully the feeling goes away after your braces are removed. The jawbone adjusts to the new position of your teeth and then reabsorbs and solidifies it in place, thus relieving the loose-tooth sensation.

Check out this blog to get more of your braces questions answered: