Do Spaces Between Teeth Widen with Age?
An unfortunate fact of life is that as you age, your face will wrinkle, your hair will turn gray, or you may gain weight, among other changes that happen in your body. But your teeth also change as you age. As described below, teeth spacing issues include common conditions such as teeth spreading apart, overlapping, or collapsing inwardly in your mouth.
Teeth Spreading Apart
Your teeth can spread apart when muscles in the front of your mouth relax as a natural process of aging. Periodontal disease, caused by bacteria accumulating under your gumline, can also lead to spreading teeth. The bacteria cause inflammation and decay of the bone that holds your teeth properly in your mouth, resulting in flaring of the front teeth that can cause them to space apart. The spread could also be the result of an unconscious oral habit like tongue thrusting (improper swallowing), nail biting, or bite collapse due to the loss of some of your back teeth.
Teeth Overlapping
As you age and as your jawbone changes, your teeth sometimes move in your mouth, shifting the midline of your teeth. The midline is the middle of your teeth, with the ideal positioning of teeth on either side of your midline being symmetrical. When your jawbone changes with age, your teeth can move toward the middle of your mouth and begin to overlap.
Teeth Collapsing
Your teeth can collapse inwardly if you have significant teeth spacing, do not replace a missing tooth, or have teeth that are severely worn down. Such conditions alter the structure of your teeth, but can also change your facial features and jaw position. Like most other oral health issues, poor dental hygiene can contribute to your teeth collapsing.
Additionally, if you had orthodontic treatment when you were younger, you are more likely to have teeth that have shifted. This can happen because you neglect to wear your retainer; you grind your teeth, especially while sleeping; or you neglect to treat underlying dental problems such as gingivitis.
How Can I Fix Teeth Spacing Problems?
Teeth spacing can be corrected through orthodontic intervention, or a combination of both orthodontic and prosthetic work:
- Braces are an effective method for correcting teeth spacing. Options for treatment with braces include metal, ceramic, and invisible aligners.
- Dental bonding can be used to fully close gaps caused by teeth spacing, especially when gaps are the result of having very small teeth. For dental bonding to be effective, your teeth must be properly positioned before your dentist can begin the bonding procedure. For best results, orthodontic treatment is usually required prior to bonding.
- Veneers are very thin tooth-colored plastic or porcelain shells that fit over your teeth. Your dentist will first remove a small amount of natural tooth material so the veneers can be properly applied.
- Retainers serve as a protective measure after orthodontic treatments. Your orthodontist will recommend either plastic or metal retainers that you will wear at night to prevent teeth spacing from recurring.
- Bonded retainers are another treatment option. Because gaps will reappear if not properly tended to after treatment, your orthodontist may recommend a bonded retainer (glued behind your teeth) to keep aligned teeth in place.
When Should I See my Dentist?
If a gap between your teeth is making you feel self-conscious or embarrassed about smiling, or if you notice a new gap or a gap that is changing in size, see your dentist as soon as possible. A changing gap could be a sign of gum disease, especially if you also notice red, irritated, and swollen gums; bleeding gums; or a loose tooth or teeth.
Related Article: Teeth Spacing Treatments