The human body is in a constant state of change, and one of the most obvious signs of this is the teeth. While many assume that teeth are fixed, or at least incredibly difficult to move without the help of orthodontics, this isn’t true at all; teeth continue to move as you age! Continue reading to learn a little more about what causes teeth to shift as you age, along with how speaking with your orthodontist can lead you toward a life-changing solution.
What Causes Teeth to Shift Over Time?
Depending on the cause, teeth shifting can be accidental, intentional, or even entirely unavoidable. However, understanding how and why the teeth shift is key to thwarting this movement. Here are some of the most common potential causes for shifting teeth:
- Natural Changes to the Jaw – Changes in your jaw and facial structure are part of the aging process. The teeth themselves can shift and the ligaments and jaw muscles surrounding them can weaken, leading to looseness and movement.
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) – Most people with bruxism don’t even know they have it since it often occurs at night. However, this habit can wear down enamel and change the shape and position of your teeth.
- Missing Teeth – Whether you’ve lost teeth due to injury, illness, or extraction, the missing tooth can cause the adjacent teeth to move. The teeth will naturally shift to fill the space left by a missing tooth, either through lateral or vertical movement.
- Gum Disease – Periodontal disease can destroy gum tissue and jaw tissue alike, leading to shifting teeth.
- Tongue Thrust – The placement of your tongue can significantly impact your teeth by placing pressure on them. Tongue thrust is usually more common in children.
What Should I Do If My Teeth Have Shifted?
If you’ve noticed that your teeth have shifted, you shouldn’t hesitate to speak with your dentist. You should also begin reprioritizing your oral wellness, as healthy teeth are far less likely to encounter issues like undesirable movement. Regular checkups allow your dentist to identify early signs of shifting teeth, letting them determine the cause and plan out treatment.
Remember, teeth shifting is often gradual and hard to detect, but if you’re routinely visiting your dentist, they’ll be able to tell immediately if something’s amiss! Orthodontics is the go-to for addressing tooth movement; solutions ranging from metal braces to clear aligners and more can all be used to precisely move teeth into healthier positions.
If you were given a retainer following previous orthodontic treatment, you should wear it as instructed to prevent teeth from reverting to their original positions. Likewise, if bruxism is the reason for your teeth moving, if you haven’t already, inquire about receiving a custom-made nightguard to reduce the stress placed on your teeth and jaw muscles.
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Holliston has served the dental needs of families in Holliston and the surrounding areas for several years under the leadership of Dr. Alan Carlotto and Dr. Sam Alkhoury. We proudly offer a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including traditional braces, clear aligners, and more. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, please visit us online or call today for assistance or additional information. Telephone: (508) 429-7800.