Healthy gums and teeth after braces.

Straightening Smiles: What Happens to Your Gums and Teeth?

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"A Preliminary Study Reveals How Braces Impact Your Jaw"

Modern orthodontic treatment aims for more than just straight teeth; it strives for a balanced bite, lasting results, and an aesthetically pleasing smile. Achieving these goals sometimes requires significant movement of the incisors (the front teeth).

Moving teeth, especially incisors, isn't a simple task. Orthodontists must carefully consider factors like the amount of bone supporting the teeth, the length of the tooth roots, and the condition of the gums. Moving teeth too far or too fast can lead to problems.

Traditional X-rays have limitations when assessing the three-dimensional structure of the jaw. However, the development of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) allows orthodontists to see detailed images of the teeth and surrounding bone.

What Happens to Your Jaw When You Get Braces?

A recent preliminary study published in the Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics investigated the impact of incisor retraction on tooth length and alveolar bone thickness. Alveolar bone is the bone that surrounds and supports the roots of your teeth.

Researchers selected eleven patients with severe protrusion of their upper front teeth. As part of their treatment plan, these patients had their maxillary first premolars (teeth located behind the canines) extracted, followed by retraction of the maxillary incisors. CBCT scans were taken before treatment (T1) and one month after incisor retraction was complete (T2).

Measurements were taken on seven axial slices of the premaxilla (the front part of the upper jaw) using Dolphin Imaging™ software.
The distance from the outer (buccal) to inner (palatal) cortical bone was measured at five points on each slice.
Tooth length was measured on sagittal slices.
Measurements were repeated after two weeks to check for consistency.

The researchers used statistical analysis to compare the measurements taken at T1 and T2. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to test the consistency of the measurements. The Wilcoxon test was used to determine if there were any statistically significant differences between the two time points.

So, Are Braces Safe for Your Gums and Teeth?

The study found no statistically significant differences in tooth length or alveolar thickness after incisor retraction. This suggests that the forces used in this study did not cause significant changes to the teeth or surrounding bone. However, it's important to remember that this was a preliminary study with a small sample size. The authors recommend further research with larger sample sizes to confirm these findings.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is incisor retraction, and why is it important in orthodontic treatment?

Incisor retraction refers to the process of moving the incisors, which are the front teeth, backwards. This is often done during orthodontic treatment with braces to correct protrusion or improve the alignment of the teeth. Incisor retraction is significant because it directly impacts the aesthetics of the smile and the overall balance of the bite. When done improperly, incisor retraction can potentially affect the supporting bone and gum health, so careful planning and monitoring are crucial.

What is alveolar bone, and why does its thickness matter when getting braces?

Alveolar bone is the bone that surrounds and supports the roots of the teeth. Its thickness and density are important for maintaining tooth stability and gum health. The thickness of alveolar bone matters because it provides the necessary support for the teeth to withstand the forces of chewing and other oral functions. Significant reduction in alveolar bone thickness during orthodontic treatment could compromise the long-term stability of the teeth.

What is a CBCT scan, and how is it useful for orthodontists?

Cone-beam computed tomography, or CBCT, is an advanced imaging technique that produces detailed three-dimensional images of the teeth and surrounding bone. CBCT scans are important in orthodontics because they allow orthodontists to visualize the jaw structures in three dimensions, providing more comprehensive information than traditional X-rays. This is particularly useful for assessing bone thickness, tooth root length, and other factors that can influence treatment planning and outcomes. The use of CBCT can aid in minimizing risks associated with tooth movement.

What is the Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics, and why is it relevant?

The Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics is a peer-reviewed scientific publication that focuses on research and advancements in the field of orthodontics. It serves as a platform for researchers and clinicians to share their findings and insights related to orthodontic treatment techniques, outcomes, and innovations. Publishing in a journal like this adds credibility to research findings, as it indicates that the study has undergone scrutiny by experts in the field.

What is the Wilcoxon test, and why is it used in orthodontic studies?

The Wilcoxon test is a non-parametric statistical test used to compare two related samples or matched pairs. In the context of orthodontic research, it can be used to determine if there are statistically significant differences between measurements taken at two different time points, such as before and after treatment. The Wilcoxon test helps researchers determine whether the observed changes are likely due to the treatment itself or simply due to chance. The Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) is used to test the consistency of the measurements.