Options for Treating Shifting Teeth
Teeth shifting can lead to gaps between your teeth or overcrowding with others. With age, your jawbone becomes narrower and often grows forward. You might experience changes in your bottom teeth, which then affects your biting pattern and will cause a shift in your upper teeth. Sometimes these changes are quite minor such that no treatment is needed.
Signs of Teeth Shifting
One of the initial signs of teeth shifting is that your lower jaw has become narrower, and it has caused your lower teeth to overlap and get crowded. You may also notice slight changes in your biting alignment where your top and bottom teeth come together. The adjusted pressure will eventually add up over time, creating gaps in your upper teeth. Gum bleeding can also be a sign of teeth shifting, although gum bleeding can occur for many other reasons.
The Causes of Teeth Shifting
- Teeth shifting is the result of a variety of reasons, including periodontal disease and teeth grinding. If you grind your teeth, it will eventually lead to teeth misalignment and will weaken your teeth’s support system.
- Weakened enamel is another cause for teeth shifting. Enamel loss happens because of acid erosion that occurs from the food you choose to eat.
- Tooth loss is both common and inevitable. It eventually will affect the alignment of your teeth, compromising their support. It can happen from tooth decay or a recent accident.
Treating Shifting Teeth
Braces are orthodontic appliances that correct your teeth alignment, improving your smile. Once the braces are removed, there are enhanced chances of teeth shifting. Teeth shifting after braces are removed is considered to be completely normal. If you had teeth shifting problems, then braces helped you correct that. However, once you remove your braces, it can immediately lead to your teeth shifting back. It is mostly because of the lack of pressure and support that your teeth get with braces. There is a normal setting process when the braces are removed. In some cases, the tiny shifts will improve your eating patterns and will positively affect your oral health as well.
To Prevent Teeth Shifting
There are several ways that you can prevent your teeth from shifting after your orthodontic treatment, which include:
- Removable retainer- After your braces have been removed, your dentist will create a retainer for you. It is essential to maintain your teeth straightened as per the recommendations of your dentist.
Permanent retainers- These retainers are also effective in treating your teeth-shifting. It eventually helps maintain proper alignment and is considered a significant type of treatment.
Good dental hygiene- It is obvious that maintaining good dental hygiene is considered to be absolutely essential. You can help prevent tooth shifting if you brush twice a day and floss daily.
Regular dental check-ups- Your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth and gums to help prevent teeth shifting before it even occurs.
Tooth movement, just like wrinkles or other body changes, occurs over time as a part of the normal aging process. You can hold off unwanted teeth changes by maintaining good oral health and simply wearing your retainer.
If you would like to learn more about teeth shifting and Invisalign treatment, reach out today.