Braces are a common way to straighten teeth and improve your smile. Many people wonder how quickly they work, especially if teeth move every day. The answer is simple: yes, braces do move your teeth daily—but very slowly and in tiny steps. In this article, we’ll explain how braces work, what happens day by day, and what you can expect throughout your orthodontic journey.
How Do Braces Move Teeth?
Braces work by applying gentle and steady pressure to your teeth. This pressure slowly pushes or pulls the teeth into a new position. Each tooth is connected to your jawbone by a tissue called the periodontal ligament. When pressure is applied through braces, this ligament stretches on one side and compresses on the other. This causes the bone around the tooth to break down and rebuild in a new spot.
This process is called bone remodelling, and it’s how teeth shift into alignment. It’s a slow and careful process, which helps keep your teeth and jaw healthy during treatment.
How Long Do I Have to Wear Braces?
Do Teeth Really Move Every Day?
Yes, teeth do move every day when you have braces. However, the movement is very small—only about 0.1 to 0.3 millimetres per month. That means you likely won’t notice the change daily, but your teeth are always adjusting.
Most of the movement happens after your braces are tightened or adjusted. During the first few days after this visit, you might feel pressure or soreness. That’s because the teeth are reacting to the new force. Over the next several days, the tissues and bone around your teeth start to shift and adapt.
Even though the change is slow, the pressure from braces is constant. That means movement is happening all the time, even when you’re sleeping or eating.
What Can You Expect Each Day?
During the first few days after getting braces, your teeth and gums might feel sore. This is normal and shows that your teeth are starting to move. You might also feel a bit of pressure when biting or chewing.
As days pass, the pain or soreness usually fades, but the teeth continue to shift. Every day, the bone and tissues around the roots of your teeth respond to the braces’ pressure. You may not see the change right away, but your orthodontist can measure it during your visits.
Some days might feel more intense than others, especially after adjustments. But in general, movement happens in tiny amounts every single day.
What is a Good Age to Get Braces?
How Often Are Braces Adjusted?
Braces are usually adjusted every 4 to 8 weeks. At each visit, the orthodontist may tighten wires or add rubber bands. These adjustments increase or redirect the pressure, helping the teeth keep moving towards their final position.
Even between visits, the pressure from the braces remains steady. That’s why it’s important not to miss any appointments. If you do, your treatment could take longer.
Why Slow Movement Is Important
You might think faster is better when it comes to straightening teeth, but that’s not true. Moving teeth too quickly can damage your roots or gums. It can even lead to tooth loss in severe cases.
Slow, daily movement gives your body time to rebuild bone and keep your teeth healthy. That’s why the treatment is planned over many months—and sometimes years.
Tips to Help Braces Work Better
There are a few things you can do to support the daily movement of your teeth:
- Keep your teeth clean: Brushing and flossing every day keeps your gums healthy and supports the moving process.
- Follow instructions: If you’re given rubber bands or other tools, wear them exactly as told.
- Avoid hard or sticky food: These can break brackets or wires, which slows down progress.
- Go to every appointment: Regular check-ups are key to keeping your treatment on track.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
Most people wear braces for 18 to 24 months, but it depends on your needs. If your case is more complex, it might take longer. If you follow instructions and look after your braces, the daily movements will add up to a beautiful, straight smile.
After braces are removed, you may need to wear a retainer. This keeps your teeth in place while the bones finish healing. Even after treatment, small movements can still happen, which is why retainers are so important.
Final Thoughts
Braces move your teeth every day, but very slowly. You may not notice the changes right away, but they are always happening. Thanks to this steady pressure, your teeth will shift into the right position over time. Be patient, follow your care instructions, and trust the process.
Start Your Braces Journey with Visage Orthodontics in Aberdeen
At Visage Orthodontics in Aberdeen, we understand that every smile is unique, and so is every treatment journey. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every stage of your braces experience—from your very first consultation to your beautifully aligned results.
Whether you’re just beginning to consider braces in Aberdeen or you’re ready to take the next step, we offer expert care in a welcoming and professional environment. Our personalised approach ensures that your treatment is comfortable, effective, and tailored to your lifestyle.
Book your consultation today and let Visage Orthodontics help you achieve a confident, healthy smile—one gentle daily movement at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do braces move your teeth every single day?
Yes, braces apply continuous pressure that moves teeth slightly each day. While you may not notice visible changes daily, tiny shifts occur as the bone and tissue respond to the pressure.
2. How long does it take to see results from braces?
Most people begin to notice changes in their smile after a few weeks. However, visible results usually appear within a few months, depending on the complexity of the treatment and how closely instructions are followed.
3. What causes the soreness after braces are adjusted?
The soreness comes from pressure placed on your teeth, which begins the shifting process. This is a sign that your braces are working. The discomfort typically lasts a few days after each adjustment.
4. Can I speed up tooth movement with braces?
Following your orthodontist’s advice, maintaining good oral hygiene, and wearing elastics (if given) as directed can help your treatment stay on track. However, rushing the process can be harmful.
5. Why is slow movement better for teeth?
Slow movement allows your bone and gums to adapt safely to the new positions of your teeth. Fast movement can damage roots or tissues, so controlled daily shifting is healthier and more effective.
