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Key points
- Braces and aligners apply gentle, steady pressure to the teeth.
- That pressure causes the bone around the tooth roots to remodel, allowing teeth to move gradually.
- Teeth can feel tender at the start of treatment and after each adjustment or new aligner because of this process.
- Fixed braces use brackets and wires; aligners use a series of custom trays, each moving the teeth a small amount.
- Because the surrounding tissues take time to settle, retainers are needed after treatment to stop teeth drifting back.
Summary
It can seem surprising that teeth set in bone can move at all. In this video Dr Sarah explains, in simple terms, how controlled pressure from braces or aligners allows the bone around the roots to reshape, so teeth can move safely into new positions.
Understanding this also explains why treatment takes time, why teeth can ache for a few days after changes, and why retainers matter so much at the end. At Croydon we offer fixed braces, Invisalign and AddaSmile aligners, and can advise which suits your teeth.
Questions about this topic
Why do braces or aligners make teeth sore?
The pressure that moves teeth also causes temporary inflammation around the roots, which can make them tender for a few days.
Do aligners work the same way as braces?
Both use gentle pressure to move teeth. Aligners do this with a series of custom trays rather than brackets and wires.
Can teeth move too fast?
Treatment is planned so that teeth move gradually and safely. Trying to rush it is not recommended.
Why do I need retainers afterwards?
The bone and gum fibres around the teeth take time to settle, so teeth can drift back without retainers.