The bones and tissues throughout your body are constantly remodeling themselves, ensuring that everything remains strong and healthy. In the mouth, these routine and natural changes can also lead to incremental, visible changes over the course of time, like teeth becoming more crowded and misalignment of the bite. Don’t be worried! These natural changes occur in everyone! Read on to learn why they happen and how you can address them.
Why Do Teeth Shift Over Time?
Most people know that their tooth roots anchor their pearly whites in place. This fact makes it seem like they’re unable to move, but the truth is that with time, they do so incrementally. The speed at which your teeth shift can be affected by natural changes in your body as well as lifestyle habits. Some of these reasons include:
- The process of aging
- Jaw or face injuries
- Teeth grinding
- Dental conditions like gum disease
- Gaps left behind by missing teeth
- Teeth naturally adjusting after orthodontic treatment
Addressing shifting teeth in a timely manner is important, as it will reduce your risk of developing other secondary dental problems related to misalignment, like an increased risk of cavities.
Is It Possible to Prevent Teeth From Shifting?
Because shifting teeth occur regardless of habits due to the natural process of your body aging, there’s no surefire way to maintain the alignment of your teeth throughout your entire life. However, there are some ways that you can minimize how much they shift, including:
- Maintaining a good dental hygiene routine by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to do so!
- Maintain a balanced diet that isn’t excessively high in carbohydrates.
- Rinse with antimicrobial, alcohol-free mouthwash after meals.
- Avoid bad dental habits, like smoking and vaping.
- Visit your dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings.
How to Treat Shifted Teeth
If you notice that your teeth have shifted, know that there are ways to treat these small changes to your smile and maintain your alignment. There are a number of different types of orthodontic treatments available to you depending on your goals and lifestyle, including:
- Traditional metal braces are reliable, cost-effective, and great at tackling more moderate and severe misalignment.
- Clear aligners are popular with older patients, as they have a discreet appearance that allows them to look professional.
- PROPEL Accelerated Orthodontics is a device you can use in addition to your orthodontic appliance to speed up the treatment time.
To learn which of these options is the best fit for you, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist in Atlanta. They’ll help assess the severity of your misalignment and create a treatment plan to get your smile back where you want it.
Although shifting teeth can seem alarming, know that it’s a common issue that virtually everybody will experience as they age! Today, there are a variety of appliances available for you to choose from to discreetly and quickly correct the issue!
About the Author
Dr. Michael Everson is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and has over 15 years of experience helping his patients straighten and improve their smiles. Following dental school, he completed a specialty orthodontic residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, where he honed his skills on straightening smiles, aligning bites, and guiding jawbone growth. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Buckhead Orthodontics’ website or call 404-697-7497.