Why Are My Teeth Shifting?!
If you notice that your teeth shift over time, don't panic. Shifting teeth are actually quite normal, especially if you've had braces or any major dental procedures. Shifting teeth can happen for a number of reasons, most of which are related to the normal process of the mouth's natural changes over the years.
Your teeth may shift as a result of orthodontic treatment, your jaw changing, your teeth reverting after you get your braces off, dental implants or even tooth wear and tear. If it's necessary, shifting teeth can be corrected with clear aligners and other simple solutions from your orthodontist.
The Most Common Reasons for Shifting Teeth
If your teeth are shifting, it may be for one or more of the following reasons.
You've Undergone Dental Procedures
If you've had a tooth removed or gotten a dental implant, the rest of your teeth will naturally shift to compensate for the difference in your dental structure. Sometimes, remaining teeth will naturally try to close the gap when a tooth is removed, or crowding may occur when an implant puts pressure on adjacent teeth. A little bit of shifting is fine after a dental procedure, but significant change may require correction.
Your Lower Jaw Is Changing
Your lower jaw may also be the cause of your shifting teeth. You may experience:
- Lower jaw growth: Your lower jaw continues to grow forward throughout your lifetime, which can cause your lower front teeth to bump into your upper teeth. You may notice crowding in your lower teeth when this happens.
- Jaw shrinkage: As we get older, our jaws start to shrink inward slightly, which can result in crowding in the lower front teeth.
While many of these changes are natural, you may need retainers to keep your teeth from overcrowding.
You've Had Orthodontic Treatment
If you've had braces or similar orthodontic treatments, it's normal for your teeth to want to revert to their original or "natural" state. To prevent excessive shifting, you'll need to wear retainers for as long as your orthodontist requires. You may need clear aligners or similar products to correct teeth that have shifted significantly after orthodontic procedures.
You Have Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease refers to the inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding teeth, which can eventually lead to bone loss. If you have periodontal disease, you'll likely experience tooth shifting due to weakening teeth and/or bone loss.
You Grind Your Teeth
Many people grind their teeth in their sleep, which results in weakened enamel, bone loss and the shortening of teeth, causing potentially serious dental issues down the road. If this is happening to you, you'll likely require a nighttime bite guard to correct it.
Fix Shifting Teeth With Clear Aligners
If your teeth have shifted out of place since your orthodontic treatment or other procedures, we recommend that you try out clear aligners. These innovative treatment options are effective and easy to clean with our WhiteFoam aligner cleaner, an essential component of keeping your aligners — and your teeth and gums — germ-free. Contact us today if you have questions about our products!
Related Articles
-
How to Tell if It's Time to Replace a Retainer
Retainers play an essential role in your post-orthodontic treatment plan. They help keep your teeth straight, maintaining the smile you invested in. Your orthodontist will likely recommend you wear a retainer for life because teeth are prone to shifting. Retainers usually only last a few...
Read More -
Why Does Having Straight Teeth Matter? 12 Health Benefits of Straight Teeth
If you're one of 81% of adults that think their teeth are unattractive when they see them in photographs, it might feel good to know you're not alone. But it still doesn't change how you feel. Many adults are self-conscious about their smiles because they don't...
Read More -
Breakdown of the Different Clear Aligner and Retainer Materials
Confidence begins with a smile. If you look in the mirror and aren't happy with your smile, now's the perfect time to change it! Clear aligners and retainers are more accessible and affordable than ever before. They straighten your teeth over time while being discreet...
Read More -
What's the Difference Between Clear Aligners and Retainers?
On the surface, aligners and retainers seem pretty similar. Both are made of clear plastic and used for orthodontic treatment. However, they have two different goals — aligners are meant to move your teeth into new positions, while retainers keep your teeth in their final...
Read More -
How to Clean ClearCorrect Aligners
Aligners are excellent alternatives to traditional wire braces. They discreetly straighten your smile, allow you to maintain your oral health more easily, and don't come with any food or drink restrictions. Because ClearCorrect aligners stay in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day,...
Read More -
Aligner Guide for New Users: Everything You Need to Know as a New Aligner Wearer
Clear aligners have emerged as an exciting alternative to traditional braces. Brands such as Invisalign offer the benefits of straighter teeth with the addition of a discreet appearance to fit any lifestyle. You can enjoy more freedom when wearing clear aligners, and you can smile...
Read More -
14 Tips for a Healthier Smile
A smile is often one of the first things people notice about us, and many people take great pride in having an attractive smile. However, the importance of having a healthy smile goes beyond mere appearances. The health of our teeth and gums is directly tied...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Yellow Staining From Braces
The moment your braces come off is a major high point in your life. You've spent a lot of time waiting and working to achieve the straight teeth and radiant smile you've always dreamed of. But sometimes when the braces come off, your smile isn't quite...
Read More -
12 Tips for New Invisalign Users
Welcome to the world of Invisalign aligners! You've taken the next step toward straighter teeth and a more confident smile by subscribing to Invisalign treatment. But this is only the beginning. You'll be spending the next several months to a year wearing your aligners, and...
Read More -
How to Brush Your Teeth With Aligners
Clear aligners are convenient and discreet ways to help straighten your smile. You can remove them whenever you need to, and they're more comfortable than traditional metal braces. It's essential to take care of your teeth, and while making sure they're straight is one way...
Read More -
The Facts on Funk: Why Is My Clear Aligner Yellow?
You got clear aligners so that no one would notice them, but your invisible aligners are only invisible if they stay clear. Many things can stain your aligners or lead to your retainer turning yellow. Certain foods, such as dark-colored berries or sugary chocolates can lead...
Read More -
Navigating Contact Sports and Aligners
As an athlete, you have a lot on your mind when you're on the field or court. You're thinking about your opponent's next move, memorizing plays and doing everything you can to win. You don't want your teeth or aligners taking up valuable thought space...
Read More -
The Science Behind Teeth Movement
Many people experience a moment where they notice something new about their physical appearance. This is especially true with teeth. You could smile at yourself in the mirror and realize that things are different than they were last time you checked. "Was that gap always...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Aligner Smell
As a user of clear plastic aligners, you care about your teeth, and you want your smile to look great. The clear plastic makes the process discreet so you can wear your aligners with confidence while hanging out with friends and family or meeting people...
Read More -
Why Do Aligners and Retainers Get Holes?
You wear your aligners almost all day, so it's not surprising that they can become damaged. But, why do aligners and retainers get holes and other damage? There are a few different ways this can happen. Take a look at the guide below to learn...
Read More -
Why Do Teeth Come in Crooked?
If you've ever looked at your smile in the mirror and noticed misaligned teeth, you've probably wondered why teeth come in crooked. Is there any way to correct this issue? Luckily, you have a few options for fixing your smile, but there are even more...
Read More -
How to Clean ClearCorrect Aligners
Aligners are excellent alternatives to traditional wire braces. They discreetly straighten your smile, allow you to maintain your oral health more easily, and don't come with any food or drink restrictions. Because ClearCorrect aligners stay in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day,...
Read More -
Aligner Guide for New Users: Everything You Need to Know as a New Aligner Wearer
Clear aligners have emerged as an exciting alternative to traditional braces. Brands such as Invisalign offer the benefits of straighter teeth with the addition of a discreet appearance to fit any lifestyle. You can enjoy more freedom when wearing clear aligners, and you can smile...
Read More -
The Do's and Don'ts of Wearing a Retainer
You should always follow your dentist's directions for wearing a retainer to ensure the investment you put into having a straight smile lasts for years to come. Adhering to the do's and don'ts of wearing a retainer is vital to keeping your teeth straight and...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Yellow Staining From Braces
The moment your braces come off is a major high point in your life. You've spent a lot of time waiting and working to achieve the straight teeth and radiant smile you've always dreamed of. But sometimes when the braces come off, your smile isn't quite...
Read More -
How to Preserve Your Clear Retainers
Retainers are vital for straightening your smile. Even when you're done with aligners or braces, your retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back into their misaligned positions. Because these appliances are essential, it's useful to know how to preserve your clear retainers. You'll help them...
Read More -
12 Tips for New Invisalign Users
Welcome to the world of Invisalign aligners! You've taken the next step toward straighter teeth and a more confident smile by subscribing to Invisalign treatment. But this is only the beginning. You'll be spending the next several months to a year wearing your aligners, and...
Read More -
How to Brush Your Teeth With Aligners
Clear aligners are convenient and discreet ways to help straighten your smile. You can remove them whenever you need to, and they're more comfortable than traditional metal braces. It's essential to take care of your teeth, and while making sure they're straight is one way...
Read More -
The Facts on Funk: Why Is My Clear Aligner Yellow?
You got clear aligners so that no one would notice them, but your invisible aligners are only invisible if they stay clear. Many things can stain your aligners or lead to your retainer turning yellow. Certain foods, such as dark-colored berries or sugary chocolates can lead...
Read More -
Navigating Contact Sports and Aligners
As an athlete, you have a lot on your mind when you're on the field or court. You're thinking about your opponent's next move, memorizing plays and doing everything you can to win. You don't want your teeth or aligners taking up valuable thought space...
Read More -
The Science Behind Teeth Movement
Many people experience a moment where they notice something new about their physical appearance. This is especially true with teeth. You could smile at yourself in the mirror and realize that things are different than they were last time you checked. "Was that gap always...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Aligner Smell
As a user of clear plastic aligners, you care about your teeth, and you want your smile to look great. The clear plastic makes the process discreet so you can wear your aligners with confidence while hanging out with friends and family or meeting people...
Read More -
Why Do Teeth Come in Crooked?
If you've ever looked at your smile in the mirror and noticed misaligned teeth, you've probably wondered why teeth come in crooked. Is there any way to correct this issue? Luckily, you have a few options for fixing your smile, but there are even more...
Read More
Post a Comment!