Have you noticed gaps between your teeth that didn’t use to be there? Maybe your teeth are overlapping or tilted? Your teeth can shift over time. Not only can this affect the appearance of your smile, but your oral health and functions can suffer, too. Here’s what might be causing your teeth to move and what you can do to stop them from shifting.
Common Causes of Shifting Teeth
Believe it or not, teeth aren’t immovable as you age. They are connected to the upper and lower jawbones by cementum material and periodontal ligaments, allowing them to withstand the pressure from chewing. It’s normal for teeth to move a little over the years, but various factors can trigger larger movements, like:
- The Aging Process
- Orthodontic Treatment
- Injury or Impact to the Mouth
- Grinding Your Teeth
- Tooth Decay
- Gum Disease
- Tooth Loss
Treating Shifting Teeth
Depending on the source of your tooth movements, you may require:
- Traditional Braces: Brackets and wires move your teeth into alignment for an attractive, healthy smile. Metal braces can fix the most complex bite and alignment problems, with the average treatment taking 18 to 24 months.
- Invisalign: Clear aligners can fix many bite and alignment problems discreetly in about 12 to 18 months. You’ll wear Invisalign for 22 hours per day and switch to a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks.
- Dental Implants: A dental implant replaces both the tooth root and the crown to keep your jawbone strong and healthy. It will fill the gap in your smile and stop dental drift.
- Gum Disease Therapy: Gum disease treatment will stop the infection from destroying the supporting structures of your teeth.
- Cavity Treatment: A tooth-colored material is used to treat decay.
Preventing Shifting Teeth
Although you can’t stop the effects of aging, there are steps you can take to prevent your teeth from moving.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Commit to brushing at least twice daily for 2 minutes and floss every night to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Limit Sugars and Starches: Moderate your consumption of sugars and starches to keep your mouth healthy
- Don’t Smoke: Avoid smoking and tobacco to reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Schedule a cleaning and checkup with your dentist every 6 months.
If your teeth have shifted, your orthodontist can create a personalized treatment plan to fix your bite and alignment. You can achieve a straight, attractive smile using the latest orthodontic solutions.
About Dr. Adi Davidyan
Dr. Davidyan earned his dental degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has continued his education in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. He regularly pursues training in various specialties, like Invisalign. Dr. Davidyan is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or contact his office.