How to Prevent Teeth from Shifting
Immediately following orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign, the teeth are beautifully straight. This also makes it easier to clean the teeth with brushing and flossing. This also means the gums are rather vulnerable. During treatment, the gums are manipulated with pushing and pulling to adjust the placement of the teeth. The result is that the gums are still quite soft and flexible. While the teeth anchor into their new position and the gums strengthen around them, it is quite possible for the teeth to shift or even move back into the original position, undoing expensive and tedious orthodontic work.
Once a patient gets their braces off or completes Invisalign, they want to enjoy the results without any issues. In order to maintain the results, patients must be diligent in caring for their teeth. Without proper care, the teeth can easily move back into their original position and out of alignment. Fortunately, there are techniques and tools which can prevent the teeth from shifting.
Retainers
A retainer is used to hold the teeth in place and prevent further movement. Retainers can be removable or permanent depending on the patient’s needs. Because a retainer is maintaining the position of the teeth, it does not need to push or pull the teeth. Retainers are critical in keeping the teeth straight and make a huge impact in maintaining orthodontic work. While some patients do not enjoy having the device in their mouth or the extra steps required for cleaning, it is critical to maintain straight teeth.
Healthy Gums
When patients are working to achieve a beautiful smile, they often focus on their teeth, however, the gums are truly the beginning of orthodontist treatment. The gums must shift in order for the teeth to move into the desired location. The gums also need to recover after patients complete braces or invisalign treatments. The gums often have gaps after treatment and patients need to be diligent in their oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene helps prevent the accumulation of plaque on the teeth and gums. A key sign of gum disease is unhealthy gums and shifting teeth.
Position While Sleeping
Placing constant pressure on the face can result in teeth shifting. After orthodontic treatment, the gums are quite soft. Patients often find that when they sleep on their stomach with their head turned to the side, it can be quite bad for their teeth and result in movement. Instead, patients are encouraged to sleep on their back. Some patients even benefit from using a neck pillow to prevent their head from falling to the side and placing pressure on the mouth.
Oral Habits
While there are many things which can impact shifting teeth, sometimes they are caused by routine, daily habits. Patients may not even be aware of their habits which impact the alignment of their teeth. The teeth can shift at any time and even minor habits can cause movement. Perhaps the patient presses their tongue against the back of the teeth. In other cases, patients may grind their teeth or clench the jaw when they are under stress or even in their sleep. It is important for patients to pause and consider how these daily habits may be impacting their teeth.
Patients should follow up with their dentist if they are concerned with teeth shifting or suspect their teeth may be misaligned.