Why are my Teeth Shifting?
Have you glanced in the mirror recently and noticed something looks different with your smile? This happens quite often when it comes to smiles. Maybe your teeth are now overlapped, or a gap has appeared. Teeth shifting is completely natural and also a frequent problem for many people of any age, and it may be affecting you as well.
Why Are Your Teeth Shifting?
Braces are a common treatment for young adults, so many people assume that once that age has passed, teeth will not shift. This could not be further from the truth. Teeth will indeed move more dramatically with the growth of a youngster’s jaw, but the shifting of teeth continues throughout your life.
Teeth can shift for a variety of reasons, or even a combination.
- Periodontal Disease- Do you remember being instructed constantly about brushing and flossing every day? Periodontal disease is the direct result of avoiding that simple task. It is an illness or decay in both your gums and the bone beneath your teeth. These tissues are absolutely essential for supporting your teeth and keeping them in their place. If they break down, your teeth will begin to shift.
- Jawbone Changes- It is easy to recognize facial changes as the body progresses through adolescence. Your facial bones will still continue to change throughout your entire life. Your lower jaw will directly impact your teeth shifting. Your lower jaw naturally grows forward as you age. At the same time, it also becomes narrower. This will cause your teeth to shift as well. When your lower jaw becomes narrower, it will develop crowding with your lower teeth and overlapping. These changes will now change your bite, or the alignment when your top and bottom teeth come together. The additional pressure increases and will eventually cause your upper teeth to develop gaps.
- Grinding Your Teeth- Grinding your teeth during sleep is common. Some studies clarify that 10% of adults and 15% of youngsters grind their teeth. Teeth grinding and teeth clenching also happens during the day. It is also a natural stress response. You might clench or grind your teeth while you are awake and under stress, unintentionally. This pressure causes teeth to shift.
- Lip Aging- Your facial anatomy naturally becomes smaller or thinner with age, as do your lips. Your lips will get smaller and tighter. It may not feel like much, but that slight change will put added pressure on your teeth also creating shifting.
- Accommodating Tooth Loss- Tooth loss is a frequent problem. From injuries, dental decay, gum disease, and other issues, around 120 million American adults are missing at least one tooth. When you are missing a tooth, your neighboring teeth will take and shift and drift, and you will develop gaps.
- Skipping a Retainer- If you have worn braces you assume the correction will last. Yet your teeth will tend to try to migrate back to their original position. You will not notice any change day to day, but over time you will see your teeth shift after removing your braces. This is why it is so important to wear a retainer following braces.
If you have questions about teeth shifting and Invisalign treatment, contact us today.