Are my teeth supposed to move? Orthodontic treatment is a great way to completely transform your smile. Whether you're an adult looking to wear braces or you're a parent or guardian of a child or teen who needs them, it's no surprise that braces are a go-to for people wanting a dramatic change. There are many benefits to having your teeth straightened. Not only is a straight smile aesthetically pleasing, but it can be important for your oral health as well.
It's easier to care for your teeth with brushing and flossing than ever before and you're less likely to develop both gingivitis and gum disease. For this reason, it is important to consider the benefits of braces and understand what to expect. Each patient's experience with braces will be different, but it's important to know what's normal so that you can know what to expect.
Teeth Supposed to Move? See an Expert
When you first see the orthodontist, you can expect to have impressions taken as well as an exam and x-rays. This allows the expert to create a personalized treatment plan that is perfect for you. This ensures that your teeth are straightened correctly and with as few appliances needed as possible. Depending on how severe your orthodontic problems currently are, you can expect to be in braces for anywhere from a few months to a few years.
You may need other appliances apart from braces throughout the course of treatment. Obviously, this will all be discussed with you when you are going through treatment and during your initial consultation so that you can be sure you know exactly what to expect before and during the actual treatment.
Knowing when to see a professional is sometimes the difficult part. You may feel that your teeth aren't bad enough to warrant braces or you may have a child who still has baby teeth that need to fall out. Some of the issues to look for when it comes to your smile and when to see an expert include:
Once you have an idea of when to visit your local orthodontist, it is just a matter of making an appointment to go in for a consultation. The sooner that you begin orthodontic treatment on a child or teen, the easier and quicker treatment will be for them. This is why most professionals recommend having your child come in for their first appointment around age 7 or 8. If you're an adult, it is never too late to start taking time to care for your teeth.
There's More to Come...
Are Your Teeth Supposed to Move and Feel Loose?
After braces are placed onto your teeth, they work relatively quickly to get your smile into position. This happens in just a few short weeks and some patients are finished with treatment after only months. During this time, it is incredibly common and normal for your teeth to feel somewhat loose. Many people assume that the teeth are simply held into the sockets by nothing other than the tooth itself.
This is untrue since each tooth socket has small ligaments that hold the tooth into place. These ligaments are like small hairs that hold and cling onto the tooth. They are relatively mobile and can bend and stretch when needed. They can also rip away if too much force is applied to the tooth. However, the ligaments can and will grow back.
During orthodontic treatment, these ligaments are stretching, bending and even breaking in order for your teeth to move properly. It is completely normal for your teeth to feel somewhat loose and you may even find that you can wiggle them slightly. This is often disturbing to many people, especially if you're not sure of how braces work or what to expect.
The ligaments that hold the teeth in the sockets will grow back and you can expect a strong bond in the future. If you experience severe looseness and are concerned about your teeth, it never hurts to make an appointment to have your doctor take a look. Orthodontic specialists know exactly what is normal and what isn't, so they can help to put your mind at ease if you're experiencing this problem.
The best thing you can do when it comes to teeth that are undergoing orthodontic treatment is to not play or try to wiggle the teeth too much. This often puts more pressure on those ligaments, causing the problem with looseness to get worse. It is best to let the braces do their job and to leave your teeth alone completely. You will be out of braces soon enough and can enjoy a brighter and fuller smile once the appliances are removed.
Understanding Your Oral Health
Once you understand how teeth work, having teeth that feeling of 'are my teeth supposed to move or feel wobbly' during orthodontic treatment isn't such a big deal. You may even become used to the feeling. Your teeth will be checked at each of your orthodontic appointments for any problems. The braces will be adjusted and the treatment will continue. Teeth can shift and move in just weeks after the braces are put on.
Because of this, it's normal for them to feel slightly wobbly. There is no reason for you to be nervous about the way that this feels or looks. You can also talk to your orthodontic office specialists to ensure that it is normal for you and to rule out any problems that might be an issue. You will be left with a gorgeous and full smile that you can enjoy for life thanks to the power that is behind the braces you've worn.
A FREE Consultation Awaits
If you're ready to transform your smile with braces, consider making a consultation appointment with Dr. King. King Orthodontics will be able to get you in right away and begin the treatment that is right for you or for your child who is in need of orthodontic care. You'll not need to fear whether your teeth supposed to move around.
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