Teeth shifting leads to causing gaps that open up your teeth. With age, your jawbone becomes narrow and often grows forward. You can experience changes in your bottom teeth, which affects your biting pattern and causes a shift in your upper teeth. Sometimes these changes are so minor that nothing needs to be done. Here’s everything you need to know about teeth shifting and possible and available treatment options.
Signs And Symptoms Of Teeth Shifting
One of the preliminary signs of teeth shifting is that your lower jaw becomes narrow, and it causes your lower teeth to overlap and get crowded. Apart from this, you might also notice slight changes in your biting pattern where your top and bottom teeth come together. However, the adjusted pressure eventually adds up over time, leading to gaps in your upper teeth. Sometimes, gum bleeding is also a sign of teeth shifting, although gum bleeding can occur for varied reasons.
Is Teeth Shifting Normal?
Yes, it’s completely normal if you experience your teeth shifting. Although it’s not comfortable as it alters your appearance, neither is it healthy. Teeth shifting highly compromises your oral health and also needs professional help.
What Causes Teeth Shifting?
- Teeth shifting is caused for various reasons, including periodontal disease and teeth grinding. If you have teeth grinding for a prolonged time, it eventually leads to teeth misalignment and can largely weaken your teeth’s support system.
- A weakened enamel is another cause for teeth shifting. Enamel loss often happens because of acid erosion that occurs from the food we eat.
- Tooth loss is common and inevitable. It eventually affects the alignment of your teeth, compromising your support. It can happen if you have tooth decay or recently faced an accident.
Teeth Shifting After Braces
Braces are orthodontic appliances that align your teeth, giving you a perfect smile. Once braces come off, there are significant chances of teeth shifting. It cannot be denied that teeth shifting after braces is considered to be a normal setting process. Especially if you have teeth shifting problems, then braces help you get rid of them. However, once you remove your braces, it might lead to teeth shifting later. It’s mainly because of the lack of pressure and support that your teeth get with braces. Braces, once removed, there’s a normal setting process, which occurs. However, in some cases, the tiny shifts can improve your eating patterns and will affect your oral health as well.
Ways To Prevent Teeth Shifting
Removable retainer: Once your braces have been removed, your orthodontist will get you a retainer. It’s essential to keep your teeth straightened as per the recommendations of orthodontists.
Permanent retainers: These retainers are also effective in treating your teeth-shifting pattern. It eventually helps maintain tooth alignment and is considered a significant mode of treatment.
Good dental hygiene: It goes without saying that maintaining good dental hygiene is considered to be paramount. You can prevent tooth shifting if you brush twice a day and floss daily.
The Final Verdict
Noticing a sudden change in your teeth alignment is a prime sign of teeth shifting. When you experience a shift in your teeth, it might be because you suffer from gum disease or other oral conditions. Even teeth misalignment is a serious concern, especially if it leads to teeth shifting. Don’t ignore the early signs of teeth shifting; visit a dentist for further evaluation.