Can Shifting Teeth Be Corrected?
Shifting teeth can quickly lead to increased spaces between your teeth or even overcrowding with others. As you naturally age, your jawbone will become narrower and even grow forward somewhat. You might experience some changes with your bottom teeth, which then affects your bite pattern and will cause a shift in your upper teeth. Sometimes these shifts are very minor, so no treatment is necessary.
Signs of Shifting Teeth
One of the first signs of shifting teeth is that when your lower jaw becomes narrower, it causes your lower teeth to overlap and become crowded. You may also notice slight changes in your biting alignment when your top and bottom teeth meet. The added pressure will eventually increase with time, causing gaps in your upper teeth. Bleeding gums can also be a sign of shifting teeth, yet gum bleeding can also happen for other reasons.
The Causes of Shifting Teeth
- Teeth shifting- Is the result of a variety of reasons, including both periodontal, gum disease, and teeth grinding. If you do grind your teeth, it will ultimately cause teeth misalignment and will weaken your teeth’s support system.
- Weakened enamel- Is another natural cause for shifting teeth. Enamel loss most often happens because of acid erosion from the food you choose to eat.
- Tooth loss- Is extremely common. It affects the alignment of your teeth and compromises their support. It may have been from tooth decay or a recent accident.
Treating Your Shifting Teeth
Braces are basically an orthodontic appliance that will correct your teeth alignment, which also improves your smile. After your braces are removed, there is still an increased chance of teeth shifting. Shifting teeth after braces are removed happens quite often and is considered to be normal. If you have had teeth shifting problems, then braces will be helpful. However, once the braces are permanently removed, it could immediately lead to your teeth shifting back. It is often because of the sudden lack of pressure and support that your teeth receive with braces. There is a normal settling process once the braces are removed. Sometimes, the tiny shifts will actually improve your eating patterns and positively affect your oral health.
To Prevent Shifting Teeth
There are a few ways things you can do to prevent your teeth from shifting after your orthodontic treatment, which include:
- Removable retainer- Once your braces are removed, your dentist can create a retainer for you. It will help maintain your corrected teeth in their new position.
- Permanent retainers- This retainer is also effective in treating teeth-shifting. It helps maintain proper alignment and is a significant kind of treatment.
- Good dental hygiene- It should be obvious that maintaining good dental hygiene is considered to be absolutely essential. You can help prevent shifting teeth if you brush twice a day and floss daily.
- Regular dental check-ups- Your dentist will evaluate and monitor the health of your teeth and gums to help prevent shifting teeth before it occurs.
Tooth movement, just like skin wrinkles or other body changes, happens naturally as a part of the normal aging process. You can delay unwanted teeth changes by maintaining good oral health and wearing a retainer.
If you would like to learn more about teeth shifting and Invisalign treatment, reach out today.