This is a very common misconception and the answer is no! Actually stronger forces that over-tighten the braces slow down movement. Lighter forces move the tooth faster than higher forces. This is because around your tooth there is a layer called the PDL (periodontal ligament) that acts as a shock absorber. If you put too much pressure on your braces they will pull too hard on the PDL and bruise it – causing the movement to stop. If you use a lighter force, you just gently push the PDL in front of the tooth and the movement doesn’t stop. This means there is more continuity to the movement of your teeth and ultimately this means safer, faster, and more comfortable tooth movement.