When you think of a beautiful smile, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many people, straight, uniform teeth are a key part of a gorgeous grin. So, when shifting teeth start to impact the look of your smile, it can be discouraging. But what causes teeth to shift in the first place? Read on to learn about causes of shifting teeth as well as what your dentist can do to fix them.
#1: Bruxism
If someone grinds their teeth or clenches their jaw unconsciously, this is called bruxism. Over time, it can lead to a range of oral health issues, including teeth shifting.
#2: Aging
Our facial anatomy starts shrinking and getting thinner as we age. Additionally, our lips begin contracting and getting smaller and tighter. The resulting pressure on the teeth pushes them out of place over time.
#3: Changes in Bone Density
The jawbone starts to shift forward and our bone density changes as we get older. This may weaken the connection where the jaw and teeth are attached, causing the teeth to shift.
#4: Tooth Loss
Trauma to the face may cause you to lose a tooth or need to have it pulled. Tooth loss is also a side effect of certain illnesses. Nearby teeth will start shifting to fill in the gaps.
#5: Involuntary Pushing
If you unintentionally thrust your tongue against your teeth, this may gradually form a gap between the top and bottom ones.
#6: Dental and Orthodontic Procedures
Invisalign can cause teeth to shift since this treatment corrects alignment and bite issues. Dental implants can also result in teeth shifting.
#7: Gum Disease
If you don’t brush or floss properly, this may result in an infection called gum disease. If left untreated for too long, the condition will worsen and may lead to teeth shifting.
3 Ways to Prevent Teeth Shifting
Fortunately, your dentist can help you prevent shifting teeth through:
- Replacement teeth – If you’re missing teeth, having them replaced will prevent the nearby ones from shifting to fill in the gaps.
- Mouthguard – This will protect your teeth if you play contact sports and will also create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth if you have bruxism.
- Practice good oral hygiene – Brushing twice and flossing once per day will help prevent gum disease from developing and causing teeth shifting.
3 Ways to Correct Teeth Shifting
If your teeth have already started to shift, your dentist may be able to help with treatments like:
- Dental crowns – These are caps that are shaped like the visible part of a tooth. They encircle it and can make teeth that have shifted look straighter.
- Veneers – These are thin shells made from porcelain that attach to the front of the teeth. They can make shifting teeth look more uniform.
- Dental bonding – This treatment fixes the same issues as veneers but is cheaper and less durable.
- Orthodontics – Invisalign and traditional braces will help correct shifting teeth by moving them into a more ideal position.
Teeth shifting can negatively impact your oral health and the look of your smile. if this is happening to you, speak with your dentist to come up with a solution to get your smile back on track!
About the Practice
D’Andrea and Pantera Family & Cosmetic Dentistry treats patients in Hamden as well as the surrounding Connecticut communities with a range of effective oral health services. If you are experiencing teeth shifting, they can determine the cause and administer the treatment you need. Visit their website or call their office at (203) 288-0951 if you want to learn more about shifting teeth or if you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with their friendly, helpful team.
