How to Prevent Teeth from Shifting
Orthodontic braces and Invisalign are appliances that align your teeth, giving you a healthy smile. Once braces are off, there are significant chances of the teeth shifting. Teeth shifting after braces is considered to be a normal process. If you have teeth shifting problems, then braces can help you get rid of them. But, once you remove your braces, it might lead to your teeth shifting. It is because of the lack of support that your teeth get with braces. Once removed, there is a normal setting process. These tiny shifts can improve your eating patterns and can affect your oral health as well.
Ways to Prevent Teeth from Shifting
The techniques for keeping your teeth from shifting are well refined and easy.
- Retainer- A retainer is like your braces only less intense, uncomfortable, or attached. A retainer does not have to move your teeth into their new position, just merely hold them in place while the teeth anchor in place. You might be tired of stuff in your mouth, and you may hate your retainer and the entire routine, but it will make a dramatic difference in keeping your teeth straight at the end of this long orthodonture process.
- Keep Your Gums Clean- Even though your teeth are what you are worried about, your gums are really the start of any orthodonture. It is the gums that have to shift so your teeth can move, and it is your gums that need to recover when you are in the retainer stage. There are often gaps in your gums and you need to take particularly diligent care of your teeth and gums to prevent plaque from building up, softening your gums further, and making it even easier for your teeth to shift.
- Sleep On Your Back- Pressure on your face can cause your teeth to shift. That is how soft your gums are after treatment. Sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to the side is unbelievably bad for post-braces teeth. Instead, sleep on your back and use a neck pillow to keep your head from falling to the side and compressing your mouth.
- Become Aware of Mouth Habits- Not every effect on shifting teeth is one of regular maintenance or sleep. Because it is so easy for your teeth to shift, even minor mouth habits can have influence. Do you press your tongue against the back of your teeth when you swallow or think about something? Do you grind your clench your teeth when frustrated? Take a moment to think about what you are doing with your mouth and if it could cause your teeth to shift.
- Stop Leaning on Your Hand- There is one thing that almost everyone does that you should not. Stop leaning on your hand when you work or hang out. It is tempting, it is comfortable, and it puts pressure of your entire head onto a concentrated point on your jaw. You are pushing your teeth and should be careful. Having your teeth shift after having gone through braces can be anything from inconvenient to deeply upsetting.
If you want your teeth to have the best possible chance at remaining straight, remember to wear your retainer, and be aware of what happens to your mouth.