Which Teeth Are Hardest to Move?
The duration of braces or aligner treatment largely depends on which teeth need to move, where they need to move, and how far they need to move. However, certain teeth are naturally harder to adjust because of their function and position in the mouth.
Factors That Affect Movement
The difficulty of teeth movement depends on these factors:
The function of the tooth. Some teeth take longer to move because their placement in the mouth must be more precise to help with things like chewing, biting, and talking.
The degree to which the tooth must rotate. Treatment will take longer if a tooth has to turn significantly to be in the right place.
The extent of the tooth’s misalignment. If the type and location of the misalignment are trickier, the tooth will take longer to move.
The size and number of roots. When a tooth’s roots are large and deep, they will be harder to move because they are anchored to the jaw.
The surface area of the tooth. It is more difficult for an orthodontist to attach a bracket to the tooth if it is smaller.
The Most Challenging Teeth to Move
Certain teeth, like molars, lateral incisors, and canines, are typically more resistant to movement. Here’s why:
Molars
Molars, located at the back of the mouth, have multiple roots for effective biting and chewing. These roots are especially deep and connected to the jawbone. Because of this, they are often more resistant to movement. A molar may also be harder to move if it has fillings or crowns that affect the bite.
Lateral Incisors
Lateral incisors are located beside the front two teeth. They have a smaller surface area, so it is harder to attach metal brackets and for aligners to apply the direct pressure needed to move them. These teeth can be even more difficult to move if they are significantly misaligned or rotated.
Canines
Canines can also take longer to move to the right place. This is because of their prominent position and function in the bite, meaning that their movement and final location must be exact.
To get a personalized estimate of how long your orthodontic treatment will take according to the state of your teeth, set an appointment at Oasis Kids and Orthodontics today.