Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces for aligning teeth. The method as a whole is not overly complicated and does not require the use of brackets or wires in any part of it. However, it is not appropriate for everyone, but it is ideal for people who need only limited tooth correction, such as mild to moderate misalignment, overbite, or underbite.
By modifying the bone surrounding your teeth, your teeth can be moved with orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign. After you have had your braces removed, you may find that the new bone formed around the teeth has not yet entirely solidified, which may cause a slight looseness.
In this article, we’ll explore whether you may experience loose teeth with Invisalign.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign and other clear aligner braces are the virtually undetectable way to straighten crooked teeth.
The transparent aligners cover each and every tooth entirely. Your dentist will collaborate with an orthodontic lab technician to map out the specific tooth movements that must take place to achieve the desired result. These movements are built into the actual aligners in modest increments so that each aligner moves the tooth approximately half a millimeter at a time.
When a patient fits the aligners over their teeth, the aligners create a pushing force on each tooth in a predetermined quantity and direction. This force is intended to straighten the patient’s teeth. The pushing force applies the same pressure that activates the bone cells necessary to break down the bone and rebuild it. This allows the teeth to be moved.
Traditional braces and clear aligners apply pressure to the teeth in very different ways. Despite these differences, the result is the same: regulated movement of the teeth.
Read More: How Does Invisalign Work and What are Its Limitations?
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Why Your Teeth Feel Loose During Invisalign Treatment
You should talk to either your dentist or your orthodontist if the movement of your teeth is significant or if it is causing you to be concerned. It’s always better to err on the side of caution than regret! However, it is common for the teeth to become slightly loose as the Invisalign treatment moves the teeth into their new straight position.
It is necessary to have some knowledge of the anatomy of the teeth and jaws in order to comprehend the movement of the teeth. Alveolar bone is an important type of bone that can be found in both the upper and lower jaws. The alveolar bone serves the role of securing the teeth firmly within the jaws and providing support for the pressures that are exerted when chewing. The periodontal ligament is a thin connective tissue that anchors the tooth roots to the alveolar bone.
For the mouth to perform its functions correctly, the periodontal ligament must be attached to the bone and the teeth. When teeth are moved, changes are made to the bone surrounding the teeth’ roots. These changes must be made while the health of the connecting ligament is preserved. The teeth will be moved within the bone as part of the process.
We rely on minuscule cells that degrade and then regenerate bone to achieve this goal. For the sake of this illustration, imagine that a tooth has a healthy root attached to a healthy ligament attached to a healthy bone. Because there is a bone in the path of moving that tooth, we will need to activate cells that remove bone in the direction the tooth will go to make that move possible.
As the root of the tooth shifts in a certain direction, it is important that we do not leave a gap behind the tooth in its new location. On both sides of the tooth, we need to have healthy bones around it. On the side of the tooth that we are moving away from, we must also stimulate bone-building cells.
The activation of all of these cells is not something that the dentist does; rather, it is a natural process that the body goes through in reaction to the pressure that is placed on the teeth. The amount of pressure applied, in addition to its orientation, is of critical significance to the process of tooth movement. Damage may occur if the pressure’s force is too great in magnitude or applied at an incorrect angle.
Because of this, we should admire our body’s reaction to the small but constant forces that orthodontics devices place on the teeth. When our teeth are placed under such constant pressure, they start to become loose in their sockets, which then allows them to be moved and rotated until the orthodontic treatment gets the desired result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Normal for Teeth to Wiggle with Invisalign?
It is normal for your teeth to feel wobbly and loose when you first start wearing Invisalign aligners. This is because the aligners slightly shift your teeth into new, straight positions. Over time, as your teeth become more aligned, the looseness will fade. In the meantime, be sure to brush and floss regularly to keep healthy teeth and gums.
If wobbliness of teeth causes you concern, you should consult your dentist or orthodontist.
What Should I Do if My Teeth Feel Loose?
If your teeth feel loose, there are a few things you can do to provide some relief. Depending on the severity, patients may choose to eat softer foods while their teeth are loose. There are also a number of over-the-counter remedies that can help with minor discomfort. However, if the feeling persists or worsens, it is best to consult with a doctor or dentist as soon as possible.
Read more: Can Invisalign Cause Headaches and Dizziness?
Consult with Kumra Ortho to learn does Invisalign loosen your teeth
Considering Invisalign to correct your smile, it’s important to understand that teeth can often become loose during treatment. This is why it’s crucial to consult with an experienced orthodontist in Washington, DC and Stafford, VA like Dr. Kumra, who can help you make the best decision for your unique situation. At Kumra Ortho, we want our patients to have a beautiful and healthy smile that lasts a lifetime, and we are committed to providing quality care that meets your individual needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how Invisalign can help straighten your teeth without traditional braces.
