Do Braces Move Your Teeth Everyday?

The decision to follow your orthodontist’s recommendation and begin the application of braces if often met with dread and self-consciousness. These feelings usually stem from the look and pain of braces, as well as the length of time the braces will have to be worn. Most recipients of braces are eager to look for ways to shorten the amount of time the braces will have to be worn. Braces require proper maintenance, detailed dental hygiene care practices, and patience.

One of the most commonly asked questions our office receives is: “Do braces move your teeth everyday?”

The total length of time you will have to wear braces depends on the extent of treatment and correction needed. However, the average length of time is 18-24 months. Teeth that need extensive treatment may warrant braces for up to 36 months.

Braces require patience as teeth shift in a gradual manner. While teeth steadily straighten on a daily basis, braces ensure that the movement is not too slow or too fast. Teeth movement must be timely with its correlating treatment timeline.

Teeth movement that is either too slow or too fast result in troubling consequences. Teeth that move too fast do not give the supporting bone adequate time to grow such support, resulting in severe discomfort or pain. The pain is usually described as soreness or a dull pain. On the other hand, abnormally slow teeth movement can result in root resorption. Root resorption is a dental condition where the root length of your tooth becomes disturbingly short. Root resorption can lead to irreparable tooth damage and gum damage.

Even though 18-36 months can be viewed as annoyingly long, braces are purposed to maximize your teeth movement towards alignment as quickly as possible.

Teeth movement entails the side tooth bone to be broken down, pulled forward, and then grown again on the side of to hold it steady in its new position. Teeth are moved by design.

Braces serve as the bio-mechanical gait composite that shapes how your teeth shift to their new positions.

Braces are the guide that provide a step-by-step method for teeth to properly shift in adherence to the treatment timeline.

You should expect to notice minor shifts in your teeth approximately 4 weeks from after bonding. Greater shifts that are more visible require more time as they become noticeable after approximately 2-3 months.

The short answer to the question of whether braces move your teeth everyday is yes. Nevertheless, due to the speed of teeth shifting, braces must be worn for significant and often, unfavorable lengths of time. If you become discouraged or frustrated during the time of your braces treatment, keep your goal of obtaining an attractive smile in mind.

Practicing extensive dental hygiene habits and keeping orthodontist appointments timely will safeguard the treatment plan from unwanted delay.