Have you ever looked in the mirror and realized that your smile looked different than you remembered? If your teeth have ever looked more crooked than you recall, this may mean that they’ve shifted. There is a range of things that can cause one’s teeth to shift, including certain oral health issues. Read on to learn about seven things that may cause teeth shifting as well as ways to prevent this from happening.
#1: Aging
As we age, our facial anatomy starts to become smaller and thinner. Our lips begin to contract and get smaller and tighter. This puts pressure on your teeth over time. This begins to push the teeth out of place.
#2: Changes in Bone Density
Our bone density starts to change as we get older. The jawbone begins to shift forward, which can lead to the connection where it is attached to the teeth becoming weakened. As a result, the teeth may shift.
#3: Tooth Grinding
Bruxism is a condition that is characterized by tooth grinding and jawbone clenching. Over time, this can begin to forcefully move the teeth out of place.
#4: Tooth Loss
If you sustain a blow to the face while playing contact sports or due to an accident, this may cause you to lose a tooth. Certain illnesses can also cause tooth loss. When we’re missing teeth, nearby ones will start to shift to fill the space.
#5: Dental and Orthodontic Procedures
Some dental procedures can cause the teeth to shift. Invisalign treatment is one potential reason for this. Dental implants may also cause teeth shifting since it’s meant to help you prevent it as well as to get pearly whites that have already begun to move to stay in place.
#6: Gum Disease
Also called periodontal disease, this gum infection is often caused by improper oral hygiene. Though gum disease is easy enough to treat or even reverse if caught early on, it can begin destroying tissue and damaging the jawbone if left untreated for too long. This may result in teeth shifting.
#7: Involuntary Pushing
Some people unintentionally thrust their tongues against their teeth. This may gradually cause a gap to form between the upper and lower ones.
4 Ways to Prevent Teeth Shifting
Though there are several causes of teeth shifting, there are also a variety of ways that your dentist can help you prevent it, such as:
- Invisalign – This can move the teeth into the correct position. You will need to wear a retainer after treatment to prevent the teeth from moving back.
- Replacement teeth – Getting dental implants, dentures, or another tooth replacement option can prevent this.
- Mouthguard – If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. If you have bruxism, a nightguard creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth.
- Practice good oral hygiene – Brush twice and floss once per day to prevent oral health issues.
3 Ways to Correct Teeth Shifting
For teeth that have already shifted, you can improve how they look by getting:
- Dental crowns – These cover the visible part of a tooth and can make teeth that have shifted look straighter.
- Veneers – These attach to the front of the teeth and can make them look more uniform.
- Dental bonding – This option is cheaper and less durable than veneers but fixes the same issues, including shifting teeth.
If your teeth have shifted, make an appointment with your dentist. They can determine the cause and how to get your smile back on track!
About the Practice
Drs. Donald T. Bond and Timothy D. Ganfield lead the team at White Clay Dental. They have worked hard to create a place where patients feel comfortable and well cared for. If you are currently dealing with teeth shifting, they can get to the bottom of things and determine the best way to correct the issue. To make an appointment or to learn more, call White Clay Dental at (302) 731-4225 or visit their website.