Teeth are harder than bones, so when they move, it can be alarming. Some patients might wake up one morning to notice their dental structure has changed over time, while others might worry about new gaps caused by sudden injuries, conditions, or certain treatments.
Fortunately, human biology is quite resilient. Though they are strong, teeth also have flexible connections that allow them to be safely nudged around the mouth. No matter the cause of misalignment, an experienced dentist can manipulate those pearly whites into more favorable positions so patients won’t have to worry about their dental health.
If your teeth have shifted since you last looked at them, read on to find out why and what you can do about it!
Cause #1: Natural Causes
It’s normal for teeth to move over time. Bodies change as they age, and the mouth is no different. As jaw structure rearranges, so do your teeth, which can cause facial features to transform. However, jawbone changes influence more than just your looks. The ligaments and tissues that hold teeth together deteriorate, making teeth more prone to loosening and falling into less desirable alignments.
Cause #2: Injuries
It’s probably easy to imagine forceful injuries causing rearrangements to your teeth. Besides potentially resulting in gaps of missing teeth, physical trauma can also cause teeth to be only partially damaged or misaligned. These pearly victims can loosen and might eventually fall out entirely.
Cause #3: Dental Conditions
Teeth are also vulnerable to subtler dental conditions, such as bruxism (teeth grinding), tongue thrust, and gum disease.
Grinding teeth, whether consciously or unconsciously, will create wear and tear that breaks down a tooth’s shape, and applies pressure that encourages unwanted movement. Similarly, tongue thrust (unconsciously “thrusting” the tongue against teeth) from talking or swallowing gradually pushes teeth out of place. Gum disease eats away at the very tissues meant to keep teeth still.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Shifting teeth is a relatively common issue, which is why dentists have tricks for reigning in teeth that are a little too flexible. Routine cleanings help prevent gum diseases and other conditions that might cause unfavorable alterations, and regular check ups with a dentist enable them to catch subtler adjustments red-handed.
To address teeth that have already moved, clear aligners, such as Invisalign and Spark lasso your teeth back to where they should be. The goal of orthodontics, of course, is to fix such misalignment for the long term. However, teeth have a habit of wanting to return to familiar spaces. Retainers and other recommended devices are designed to be worn after clear aligner treatment to help prevent this tendency.
No matter the reason for displaced teeth, your dentist can identify the best solution for correction. Even if you haven’t experienced major changes in your oral structure quite yet, your dental team can still offer preventative care solutions to alleviate concerns.
About the Practice
Drs. Fitzgerald, Lopez, and Urie practice at Sweet Smiles Dental Design in Castle Rock. They are proud to offer treatments such as Invisalign and Spark clear aligners that can address your concerns about shifting teeth. If you have questions or concerns about changes in your teeth’s alignment, you can visit the Sweet Smiles Dental Design website, or contact the office at 303-688-9519.