Braces and tooth health: what you should know about looking after your teeth during and after orthodontic treatment
What's actually happening when your teeth move
If you're having orthodontic treatment – braces, aligners, etc. – you're probably focused on the result: straighter teeth, a smile you feel confident about. That's completely understandable. But it's worth knowing a little about what's actually happening beneath the surface while your teeth are moving, and why looking after your oral health during treatment matters more than you might think.
Moving teeth is a fairly involved process. Your orthodontist applies gentle, sustained pressure to your teeth, which causes the bone around the roots to remodel: it breaks down slightly on one side and rebuilds on the other, allowing the tooth to shift gradually into its new position. This is a well-understood process, and the vast majority of patients go through orthodontic treatment without any complications at all.
Occasionally, though, this process can affect the tiny blood vessels and nerve supply inside the tooth (called the pulp), or cause very minor shortening of the tooth root. In most cases, this causes no noticeable problems whatsoever. In a small number of cases, it can lead to sensitivity or, rarely, more significant issues that need specialist attention.
Why your dentist might mention “root resorption”
You may hear your dentist or orthodontist use the term "root resorption" at some point during or after treatment. This simply refers to a small amount of shortening at the tip of the tooth root, which can happen as a natural part of the tooth movement process. For most patients, it's minor and doesn't cause any problems with how the tooth functions or feels. Your orthodontist will monitor this with x-rays during your treatment as a standard part of good orthodontic care.
What you can do to support healthy teeth during treatment
Keeping up excellent oral hygiene throughout your treatment is one of the most important things you can do for your overall tooth health. Braces and aligners create more places for plaque to build up, so brushing thoroughly, using any interdental tools your dentist recommends, and attending all your check-ups gives your dental team the best chance of spotting anything unusual early.
If you ever experience pain, persistent sensitivity, or anything that feels different to the usual mild discomfort of orthodontic adjustments, tell your orthodontist or dentist promptly. It's very unlikely to be anything serious, but catching anything unusual early always makes it easier to manage.
When specialist care comes in
In the rare cases where a tooth needs specialist attention during or after orthodontic treatment, your dentist or orthodontist may refer you to a specialist in root canal treatment, known as an endodontist. This is simply an extra layer of expert care to make sure your tooth stays healthy for the long term, and it's nothing to be worried about.
Your dental team is there to help you achieve a straight, healthy smile – and looking after the health of your teeth throughout treatment is just as important as the final result.