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One thing we don’t frequently consider an orthodontic issue is tooth shifting. Moreover, it can be depressing to have your teeth out of alignment, particularly after receiving an orthodontic treatment.
But how can you detect whether your teeth have moved? And is there anything you can do to stop them from shifting? Continue reading to find out the answers to these and other queries, so you can keep your teeth completely straight for many years to come.
How does Teeth Shifting Appear and Feel?
When you look in the mirror, you can see the movement of the teeth. Small alterations in the way your teeth fit together may become apparent if you routinely check your smile.
The following are other indicators of teeth shifting:
- Trapped food: After eating, do you constantly examine your teeth for debris? Teeth gaps can let herbs, garnishes, and seeds assemble inside your mouth.
- Bad breath: Odors can arise when food particles remain in your mouth.
- Brushing and flossing: It can be challenging to clean them because teeth can cluster and bunch together as they move.
- Modifications to your bite: You can experience strange tapping between your teeth or find it more difficult to chew foods like sandwiches and hot dogs.
- Speech changes: Grinding your teeth may cause a new lisp or other vocal abnormality.
Is it Possible for Your Teeth to Shift?
Yes, it's possible. Your teeth will naturally reposition themselves toward the front and center of your mouth with age. This movement is quite common. However, this change is gradual, so you might not immediately feel its effects.
There are certain things, such as gum disease and other medical disorders, that could influence how much movement your teeth experience. A misaligned jaw and crooked teeth are two other issues that may result from these conditions.
Why Teeth Shift Position?
A 2006 study indicated that tooth shifting is common in youngsters 16 years of age and younger, and it is normal as you age. While tooth drift is sometimes natural, it can also result in tooth loss.
There are several reasons why your teeth could be moving.
Age
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, as people age, their jaw bone shrinks and loses density. Teeth can collide with one another due to this age-related condition that mismatches the jaw bone. The bottom front teeth may begin to crowd together. It may get worse if you have bad habits like pushing your tongue or breathing through it.
This problem might affect women more than men. Experts say that women going through menopause with less estrogen might cause the bone to break down more quickly than it can build up.
Loss of Teeth
Loss of teeth creates a natural opening for teeth to move because adjacent teeth are no longer there to hold teeth in place. When teeth move, they make room for other teeth to move as well, which can eventually cause your bite to become misaligned and lead to malocclusion.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations may cause teeth shifting. For instance, the production of the hormone called relaxin is elevated during pregnancy. The periodontal ligaments around the teeth may be affected by relaxin’s tendency to loosen ligaments. Blood flow to the gums can also be affected by hormonal changes.
Avoiding Retainers
After orthodontic treatments, you must wear your retainers to keep your teeth in place. A retainer is usually worn for 12 hours for the first six months after orthodontic treatment. If you skip any one or both of those processes, your teeth may try to reposition themselves.
Other Factors
Smoking, acid erosion from acid illness or excessive alcohol use, and bruxism (nighttime teeth clenching or grinding) are additional variables that might promote teeth shifting. You may even be more prone to teeth shifting depending on how you sleep, with stomach sleepers being at greater risk.
How to Prevent and Stop Your Teeth from Moving
You can take action once you have determined what appears to be the main reason for your teeth shifting. Poorly aligned teeth are more likely to deteriorate, which increases the risk of cavities and tooth loss.
When opening and closing your mouth, you may experience severe pain or even pops and clicks if your jaws are misaligned. It can be difficult to ignore a changing smile if it affects your speech in addition to being ignore. To prevent more tooth shifting:
Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining proper dental hygiene can stop tooth loss and gum disease, two conditions that lead to teeth shifting. Here are some pointers:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to get food particles and plaque out from between teeth.
- Use mouthwash to reduce gum disease-causing bacteria
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups are among the best ways to prevent and manage teeth shifting. Your dentist can monitor the alignment of your teeth and identify any early signs of movement. Professional cleanings can also help prevent gum disease, a common cause of teeth shifting.
Wear Retainers as Directed
Retainers help maintain the new position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. There are two types of retainers: fixed and removable.
- Fixed retainers: These are bonded to the back of your teeth to provide continuous support;
- Removable retainers: They can be taken out for eating and cleaning but must be worn consistently.
Opt for a Nightguard
Using a nightguard can stop your teeth from making direct contact if you grind them while you sleep. Although your jaw muscles may still be tense, the nightguard creates a barrier that stops your teeth from grinding against each other, which helps protect them from damage and prevents shifting.
How to Fix Teeth That Shifted
A misaligned bite brought on by displaced teeth can result in issues with eating and speaking, as well as jaw issues, including problems with the temporomandibular joint. In addition to headaches, this misalignment can also result in shoulder and back pain.
The following are some potential treatments for orthodontic issues brought on by displaced teeth:
Clear Aligners
At-home aligners could be the best solution for the majority of mild to severe orthodontic difficulties brought on by shifting teeth. They require less time for treatment and are less expensive than braces. Additionally, aligners are convenient and detachable. A complete at-home procedure that doesn't require in-office visits is provided by some of the best aligner providers.
Braces
If your teeth have moved to the point where they are causing problems with alignment or bite, your orthodontist can suggest braces. Although traditional metal braces are still the most common and least expensive choice, you can also opt for less obvious ceramic braces. Lingual braces, which are placed on the backs of the teeth, are the priciest choice.
Although teeth shifting might be a worrying problem, you can manage it like an expert if you have the appropriate information and take preventative action. The primary elements in keeping your smile intact are routine dental checkups, proper oral hygiene, wearing retainers consistently, and taking care of underlying problems like tooth grinding or missing teeth.
You can successfully manage teeth shifting and have a confident, healthy smile for many years to come if you adhere to these instructions. Take charge of your oral health and manage tooth shifting like a pro—no need to freak out!
FAQs
Q: What's causing my teeth to move?
A: Aging, gum disease, tooth loss, neglecting to use retainers following orthodontic treatment, grinding one's teeth, and heredity can all cause teeth to move.
Q: How can I determine whether my teeth are moving?
A: Modifications to your bite, newly formed gaps or overlapping teeth, soreness or discomfort during eating, and obvious changes to your grin are all warning signs.
Q: Can teeth move after wearing braces?
A: If retainers are not worn as directed, teeth may shift after braces. Your teeth's new position is preserved with the use of retainers.
Q: Can clenching of the teeth lead to tooth shifting?
A: Yes, bruxism, or teeth grinding, can exert pressure on your teeth, which over time may cause them to shift. Stress reduction and mouth guard for teeth grinding use can be beneficial.
