“Why are my teeth so sensitive after my braces were taken off?”
I'm 25 year old. My teeth are more sensitive than before I had braces put on. Why are my teeth so sensitive after my braces were taken off? I had them taken off 2 weeks ago.
2 Answers
They may be a bit loose temporarily which can cause sensitivity. You may have some recession of the gums or decay causing the sensitivity as well.
Some patients experience some level of discomfort when their braces are removed because the teeth are no longer being held in place in their bone socket by arch wires and braces and ties. The teeth are free to move within the space of the bone socket, called settling, and this could cause some stretching and compressing of the nerve fibers attached to the periodontal ligaments attached to the roots of the teeth and the surrounding bone. It is this stretching and compressing of the nerve fibers that can cause some discomfort, which usually goes away after a few days, and is usually treated by some Tylenol and Advil as needed. If the pain persists after two weeks, the patient should see the orthodontist for further evaluation of the cause of the pain.
Daniel A. Flores, DDS, MS
Daniel A. Flores, DDS, MS
