While many people assume that teeth are entirely stationary on their own, the truth is, whether you’ve worn braces or not in the past, your teeth have the potential to move. Understanding why this happens can help to prevent it, and in turn, save you from the many issues that can result from misaligned teeth or an improper bite. Continue reading to learn about a few of the usual causes of shifting teeth and why speaking with your orthodontist about treatment is your best bet!
What Causes Teeth to Shift Over Time?
Some of the most common causes of tooth movement over time include:
- Improper Retainer Wear – For patients who’ve worn braces in the past, not wearing their retainer as instructed after their initial treatment will often cause the teeth to revert to their original, incorrect positions.
- Bruxism – More often referred to as teeth grinding, this condition is more common than most people realize, with many individuals grinding their teeth at night while sleeping or even while awake as a response to stress. This excess pressure can wear down the enamel and shift the teeth out of place.
- Missing Teeth – People lose their teeth for a variety of reasons, ranging from oral health issues to physical trauma. However, even just one lost tooth can form a gap that causes the adjacent teeth to begin shifting to fill the space, either through lateral or vertical movement. Damaged teeth can also affect bite alignment.
- Tongue Thrust – The placement of your tongue can also influence tooth movement, since the muscle can place extra pressure on them. Tongue thrust involves patients involuntarily pushing their tongue forward, and this unusual placement and additional force can even create an open bite.
- Natural Changes to the Jaw – Our bodies never stop changing as we age, and changes in your jaw and facial structure are natural—and unfortunately, sometimes they contribute to shifting teeth.
How Can the Issue Be Corrected?
Fortunately, numerous forms of orthodontic treatment can correct shifting teeth—even if this movement occurred later in life, and even if a patient has already worn braces in the past! It’s not unheard of to need to undergo another round of orthodontic treatment, and in many cases, patients have an easier time if they already know what to expect. Metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and other treatments all have their place in modern orthodontics, and your orthodontist can examine your smile and work with you to come up with a treatment plan that meets your needs.
The bottom line is, if you’ve noticed your teeth shifting, don’t panic. Continue to maintain excellent oral hygiene and speak with your provider about the possible cause and potential solutions; the benefits of a healthy, straight smile are simply too many to pass up!
About the Practice
With Dr. Codi Saunders leading our team, here at Milton Orthodontics, we’re proud to serve patients and families in Milton and the surrounding area. We offer a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and more. If you’ve noticed your teeth shifting as you get older, don’t just shrug things off; let us help! If you have any questions about the blog or need to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, you can call or reach out online for more information or assistance. Telephone: (617) 698-8883.