If you’ve noticed that your smile doesn’t look quite the way it used to, or that your bite feels a little off, you’re not imagining things. Teeth can absolutely begin to shift over time, and it happens to more people than you might think. However, the good news is that there are several effective ways to address it! Here’s a closer look at why this can happen and how orthodontic treatment can help.
What Can Cause Teeth to Shift?
Some of the most common reasons for tooth movement include:
Aging
Even if you’ve never had braces or dental work, your teeth can still move as you get older. As we age, the jawbone gradually loses density and changes shape, which can cause teeth to drift. This is why many adults notice crowding in their lower front teeth as they get older.
Gum Disease
When bacteria build up along and beneath the gumline, they trigger inflammation that can damage the gum tissue and the bone that holds your teeth in place. As that supporting structure weakens, teeth can loosen and shift positions.
Tooth Loss
When a tooth is lost, whether due to decay, physical injury, or extraction, the surrounding teeth no longer have some of their support. Over time, the adjacent teeth will begin to drift into that empty space, and the opposing teeth may shift vertically as well.
Bruxism
Grinding or clenching your teeth, a condition called bruxism, puts tremendous force on your teeth over time. This repetitive pressure can gradually push teeth out of alignment, wear down enamel, and even affect the jaw joint. Many people don’t know they grind their teeth until a dentist points it out, since it often happens subconsciously or at nighttime.
Not Wearing Your Retainer
If you’ve had orthodontic treatment in the past, your retainer is what keeps your results in place. Teeth tend to want to drift back toward where they started, but if you don’t wear your retainer consistently, even after months or years of alignment, teeth can relapse into their previous positions.
Your Options for Correcting Tooth Movement
In truth, the best solution for addressing shifting teeth depends on the underlying cause, as well as the severity. If the shifting is mild, a custom-fitted retainer may be all that’s needed to gently guide teeth back into alignment and hold them there. For moderate cases of shifting or crowding, Invisalign and similar clear aligner systems are a popular and effective choice. And when shifting is more significant, or when complex bite issues are involved, traditional metal braces may be the most effective route.
Teeth shifting can happen for a wide variety of reasons, with many of them gradual and easy to miss. If you’ve noticed changes in your teeth or bite, don’t wait around for the issue to correct itself—speak with your orthodontist!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Johana Cortés-Mercado, our team here at Super Braces of Lawrence has served the needs of patients in Lawrence and the surrounding area for several years. We offer a wide range of orthodontic services for all ages, from metal braces and clear aligners, meaning that if you’ve noticed your teeth unexpectedly shifting, we can absolutely help. If you have any questions or you’re ready to schedule an appointment with us, call or reach out online for more information. Telephone: (978) 794-0000.