Symptoms of Shifting or Shifted Teeth
We take for granted that our permanent teeth are indeed in a permanent place, but they actually move and adjust position throughout your life. This is completely normal and usually unproblematic. In some cases, however, this movement can be more pronounced, causing crookedness, or malocclusion, and sometimes discomfort in your teeth.
It is quite normal for your teeth to shift over time, they will move slightly as you age toward the front and center of your mouth. You will not notice the effects of this shift because it is incremental.
There are some factors that might increase the degree of movement your teeth undergo, like gum conditions and other health issues. These factors will lead to further complications, including crooked teeth and a misaligned jaw.
Signs And Symptoms of Teeth Shifting
One of the initial signs of teeth shifting is that your lower jaw naturally becomes narrower, and it will cause your lower teeth to overlap and become crowded. You may also notice slight changes in your biting pattern and alignment where your top and bottom teeth come together. The adjusted pressure eventually adds up over time, developing gaps between your upper teeth. Sometimes, gum bleeding is a sign of teeth shifting, but gum bleeding can happen for varied reasons.
If you are worried about your teeth shifting, there are different signs that you can keep an eye on, which include:
- A midline shift is when the line between your two front and lower teeth does not line up properly and are not aligned with the center of your nose and eyebrows.
- Gum bleeding can be a sign of periodontal problems, which can increase the likelihood of teeth shifting.
- Gaps in your teeth are a common and easy-to-spot sign that your teeth are shifting. Gaps can also be a sign of developing periodontal problems.
- If you experience more tooth discomfort or sensitivity than usual, this could signal shifting teeth.
- If your retainer is uncomfortable or ill-fitting, then that is a sign that your teeth have shifted, as your dentist will custom make your retainer to fit your well-aligned teeth perfectly.
What Causes Teeth Shifting?
There are a variety of reasons that teeth change position, such as the result of wearing braces, grinding your teeth, having teeth removed, growth of your jaw, and having gum disease. Even wearing a CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure therapy device, for sleep problems can cause teeth to shift.
A weakened enamel is yet another cause for teeth shifting. Enamel loss usually happens because of acid erosion that occurs from the food we choose to eat.
Tooth loss is also common and inevitable. It will eventually affect the alignment of your teeth, compromising their support. It can happen if you have tooth decay or if you have experienced an accident.
Noticing a change in your teeth alignment is a prime sign of teeth shifting. When you experience a shift in your teeth, it may be from a number of other oral conditions. Even teeth misalignment can be a critical concern, especially if it leads to teeth shifting.
If you have shifting teeth, reach out to discuss options like Invisalign.