Signs & Symptoms of Shifting Teeth
You are not alone when you take for granted that your permanent teeth will stay in their permanent place, because they actually shift and adjust position throughout life. This is natural, normal, and usually unproblematic. In some situations, though, this shifting can become more pronounced, resulting in a crowded and crooked arch, malocclusion, and even increased sensitivity in your teeth.
It is quite normal for your teeth to shift with time. They will move slightly with age, usually toward the front and center of your mouth. You will not notice any immediate effects because this shift is gradual.
There are a variety of factors that can increase the amount your teeth shift, such as gum conditions and other health issues. These factors will also accelerate further complications, including crooked teeth and a misaligned jaw.
Signs And Symptoms of Teeth Shifting
One of the initial causes of shifting teeth is that your lower jaw naturally becomes narrower, and the sign will be that your lower teeth can overlap becoming crowded. You may also notice some slight changes with your bite pattern and the alignment when your top and bottom teeth come together. The changing pressure on the teeth eventually increases over time, creating gaps between some upper teeth. Sometimes, bleeding gums can be a sign of teeth shifting, but gum bleeding can also happen for several reasons.
If you are concerned about your shifting teeth, there are some symptoms you can monitor, which include:
- A Midline Shift- When the line between your two front and lower teeth no longer lines up properly and is no longer aligned with the center of your nose and eyebrows.
- Gum Bleeding- Usually a sign of periodontal issues, which will increase the likelihood of shifting teeth.
- Gaps- Which develop between your teeth and are a common and easy-to-spot sign that your teeth are shifting. Gaps can also be an indication of periodontal problems.
- Discomfort- If you are experiencing more tooth discomfort or sensitivity than normal, this can be a sign of shifting teeth.
- Your Retainer- Has become uncomfortable or ill-fitting, then this is a sign that your teeth are shifting, because your dentist custom made your retainer to fit your well-aligned teeth.
Causes For Teeth Shifting
There are a variety of reasons that your teeth shift and change position, such as wearing braces, grinding, or clenching your teeth, having a tooth extracted, changes in your jaw, or having gum disease. Even using a CPAP at night, or an airway pressure therapy device for sleep problems, can cause teeth to shift.
Weakened enamel is yet another cause for teeth shifting. Enamel loss often happens from acid erosion that occurs from certain foods you chose to eat.
Tooth loss is common and frequent. It can affect the alignment of your teeth, compromising proper support. It can happen from having tooth decay or from an accident.
A change in the alignment of your teeth is a primary sign of teeth shifting. If you are experiencing a shift in your teeth, it can be from several oral conditions. Schedule an examination soon with your dental office to identify the cause and the proper treatment (which may include Invisalign).