There are numerous benefits to having a straight smile and properly aligned bite; not only will eating and speaking come more easily, but you’ll have no shortage of confidence as you navigate your social life. That said, even if you’ve undergone orthodontic treatment already to correct your dental misalignment, it’s possible for your teeth to stubbornly resume their movement later on. Here are a few reasons why this can sometimes happen, along with how the issue can be corrected.
What Causes Teeth to Shift Over Time?
Understanding how and why your teeth are shifting is key to stopping this unfavorable movement. A few of the most common explanations of tooth movement include:
- Natural Changes to the Jaw – Changes in your jaw and facial structure occur as you age, and over time, new gaps might even form or crowding might occur. This also results from jaw muscles and ligaments aging and loosening.
- Bruxism – Also known as teeth grinding, many patients unknowingly grind and clench their teeth while they’re sleeping. Not only does this wear down your enamel, but the pressure can slowly move teeth out of position.
- Missing Teeth – Edentulism, or missing teeth, often results from injury, illness, or the removal of damaged teeth. However, teeth will naturally shift toward the space left by a missing tooth if it isn’t replaced.
- Gum Disease – This condition can destroy gum tissue and bone tissue alike, leading to shifting teeth as well as total tooth loss if left unaddressed.
- Physical Injury – While it’s common for sports or outdoor activities to result in dental injuries like knocked-out teeth, sometimes the teeth can instead sustain damage and shift out of place, rather than falling out.
- Tongue Thrust – The placement of your tongue can impact your teeth by placing pressure on them; people with tongue thrust involuntarily push their tongue against their teeth, which can cause them to shift.
What Can I Do About Shifting Teeth?
Remember, whether you’ve undergone orthodontic treatment or not, your teeth still have the potential to move. If you’ve noticed that your teeth have shifted, your best course of action is to schedule an appointment with your trusted orthodontist. Following a consultation, they’ll be able to determine what the best solution is for addressing the movement, whether it’s traditional metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners, or something else entirely. Practicing good oral hygiene and keeping your teeth healthy can also lessen the likelihood of experiencing issues that may lead to shifting teeth.
It’ll always be in your best interest to have these problems corrected, given the dental benefits of having straight teeth – but aside from that, a straighter smile will send your confidence soaring!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Wayland has proudly served the needs of families in the Wayland community for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages including both traditional braces as well as clear aligner alternatives like Invisalign. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to request more information or schedule an appointment, call or visit online today! Telephone: (508) 358-6300.