Causes of Teeth Shifting
Patients may look in the mirror and begin to wonder when their smile changed. There may be teeth which overlap, gaps which appear, and other issues which arise over time. It is actually common for patients to experience teeth shifting.
Causes
It is quite common for older children and teenagers to get braces. Patients assume that their teeth do not shift after they reach adulthood, but unfortunately they can. The teeth tend to move more during growth periods and while the jaw is growing, however shifting can happen at any point. Common things which cause the teeth to shift are summarized below.
Periodontal Disease
Good oral hygiene is critical in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Periodontal disease is a term used to describe illness or decay which is present in the gums or supporting bone. These tissues are vital in supporting the teeth and keeping them securely in place. When periodontal disease is present, the teeth can begin to shift. In severe cases, the teeth can even fall out.
Jaw Bone Changes
A patients grow and mature, their face begins to change. The facial bones actually change throughout a patient’s lifetime. The lower jaw especially impacts how the teeth shift over time. During the aging process, the lower jaw starts to grow forward and becomes narrower. These things combined results in teeth shifting. As the lower jaw becomes narrower, it can result in the lower teeth crowding together and overlapping. Changes in the jaw can also impact how a patient’s top and bottom teeth fit together. Over time, the adjusted pressure adds up and can ultimately develop gaps in the upper teeth.
Teeth Grinding
It is quite common for patients to grind their teeth while they sleep. Certain studies suggests that 10-15% of patients grind their teeth. Clenching and grinding doesn’t exclusively happen when patients are sleeping. These are also natural responses to high levels of stress. Clenching and grinding puts a great deal of pressure on the teeth and can slowly cause shifting.
Lip Aging
As patients age, many aspect of their face can become thinner and smaller. This includes a patient’s lips which become smaller and tighter over time. While the change may not feel significant, it can put added pressure on the teeth and cause the teeth to shift.
Accommodating Tooth Loss
It is not uncommon for patients to lose one or more teeth. An estimated 120 million Americans are actually missing at least one tooth from an injury, decay, gum disease, or from other reasons. Following the loss of extraction of a tooth, the remaining teeth can slowly shift into the open space. The teeth begin to spread out and gaps begin to appear. It is common for dental professionals to recommend the use of a spacer, retainer, implant, or other solution to replace the missing tooth and prevent further damage.
Retainers
Patients often think that when teeth are permanently corrected with braces, Invisalign or other solutions. However, the teeth can actually migrate and shift back into their original position. While the change will not happen overnight, the shift will likely occur over the course of a few months or years after a patient completes orthodontic work. It is critical for patients to wear a retainer after they complete braces or other treatments. In some cases, the retained may only need to be worn at night, but it is important to prevent the teeth from shifting.