Have you noticed that your smile doesn’t look quite the same as it used to, but you can’t put a finger on what has exactly changed? It could be that your teeth have gradually shifted over the years, causing overlapping and crowding to occur or even gaps to form. This is a phenomenon that many people don’t know is even possible because they believe their teeth are firmly anchored in place. Read on to learn how and why teeth shift and what you can do about it.
Why & How Do Teeth Shift?
While the roots of teeth are anchored to the jawbone, it is possible for them to shift and move with time, leading to orthodontic concerns like crowding that you may have never experienced before. The teeth can move for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common causes include:
- As a result of tooth loss
- Natural result of aging
- Gum disease or other oral health problems
- Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding
- An injury or impact to the mouth
Your dental alignment and jawbone structure are preserved through constant use of your mouth, like chewing food and the stimulation of the tooth roots. When tooth loss occurs or the supportive structures around your teeth (like the jawbone and gums) begin to erode, this is when you’re most likely to notice your teeth move. So, while orthodontic treatment may be able to help straighten your teeth once again, tackling these underlying oral hygiene concerns is a key part of preserving your smile’s alignment.
Is It Possible to Prevent Teeth From Shifting?
While some of the reasons why teeth shift can be prevented, like treating gum disease or protecting them from grinding with a customized nightguard, others are just natural processes. If you’re concerned about your teeth moving even more, you can always speak with your dentist in Irving about it as well as be diligent about maintaining good at-home oral hygiene. Here are some additional tips to help minimize the risk of shifting teeth as a result of preventable underlying issues:
- Quit smoking and using tobacco products
- Maintain a balanced diet that isn’t too high in sugars and other carbohydrates
- Visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings
- Cut back on drinking alcohol
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day
How Can You Address Teeth That Have Already Shifted?
If you’ve noticed that your teeth have already shifted, causing them to crowd and detract from your once-beautiful smile, you have a couple of options to address your concerns:
- Traditional Braces: Using metal brackets and wires, your dentist can gradually shift your teeth back into their ideal alignment, helping you avoid developing secondary oral health concerns as a result of orthodontic problems.
- Invisalign Clear Aligners: For those who are more conscious of their professional or individual image, Invisalign clear trays are also an excellent way to shift the teeth back into alignment. They’re customized just for your smile and discreet, helping you breeze through treatment without the typical headaches that can occur with traditional braces.
In any case, addressing shifted and misaligned teeth won’t just benefit your smile’s beauty, it will also help boost your oral health by preventing issues that can arise as a result of orthodontic problems, like TMJ disorder and worn-down and damaged teeth. Get ahead of the curve by consulting with your dentist about ways to address and prevent shifting teeth in the future!
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji is a skilled and experienced dentist who has spent over a decade in the dental field. He has completed advanced education in orthodontics that allows him to offer both traditional braces as well as Invisalign clear aligners to his patients. To learn more about shifting teeth and how to address the situation, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-947-9625.