When undergoing orthodontic treatment, many individuals wonder if they will feel their teeth moving. Braces apply consistent, gentle forces to guide teeth into their desired positions. This gradual repositioning often results in various sensations within the mouth, indicating that the treatment is progressing as intended.
What Tooth Shifting Feels Like
As teeth begin to move during orthodontic treatment, a range of sensations can be experienced. Many people describe a feeling of pressure or tightness shortly after braces are placed or adjusted. This pressure can evolve into a dull ache, similar to muscle soreness after a workout. It is also common for teeth to feel slightly tender or sensitive, particularly when biting or chewing.
Some individuals report a mild looseness in their teeth, especially in the first few days after getting braces or following an adjustment. This temporary mobility is a normal part of the process as the teeth shift within the bone. Additionally, the brackets and wires of the braces may cause some irritation or rubbing against the inner cheeks, lips, or tongue as the mouth adjusts to the new appliances. These sensations typically vary in intensity and are often more noticeable immediately after an orthodontist tightens or adjusts the wires.
How Braces Move Teeth
Braces facilitate tooth movement through a biological process known as bone remodeling. The orthodontic appliances apply continuous, gentle pressure to the teeth. This pressure is transmitted through the tooth to the surrounding tissues, specifically the periodontal ligament (PDL) and the alveolar bone. The periodontal ligament is a thin layer of connective tissue that anchors the tooth to the jawbone and contains cells that respond to mechanical forces.
On the side of the tooth where pressure is applied, the periodontal ligament becomes compressed. This compression stimulates specialized cells called osteoclasts to resorb, or break down, the adjacent alveolar bone, creating space for the tooth to move. Simultaneously, on the opposite side of the tooth, the periodontal ligament is stretched. This tension encourages another type of cell, osteoblasts, to form new bone, which fills in behind the moving tooth and stabilizes it in its new position. This coordinated breakdown and buildup of bone allows teeth to gradually shift into proper alignment.
When Sensations Are Normal and When to Be Concerned
Discomfort and soreness after getting braces or following adjustments are normal. This typically lasts for a few days (1-3 days after an adjustment, up to a week after initial placement). Mild sensitivity when chewing or slight tooth looseness are also common, as is minor irritation of the soft tissues as they adapt.
However, certain sensations or conditions warrant contacting an orthodontist. Sharp, persistent pain that does not subside after a few days, or severe pain unmanageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, could indicate a problem. Other concerning signs include loose or broken brackets or wires, difficulty chewing that does not improve, non-healing sores or ulcers in the mouth, excessive bleeding gums, or any signs of infection such as swelling or pus. If something feels significantly wrong or different from typical brace discomfort, seeking professional advice is advisable.
Managing Discomfort During Treatment
Several strategies can help alleviate discomfort during orthodontic treatment. Eating soft foods, especially in the days following an adjustment, can reduce pressure on sensitive teeth. Options like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, and smoothies require minimal chewing. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Applying orthodontic wax to brackets or wires that are irritating the inside of the mouth creates a smooth barrier and prevents rubbing. Rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater can soothe sore gums and promote healing of minor irritations. Additionally, applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek can help numb soreness and reduce inflammation.