Symptoms of Shifting or Shifted Teeth
Shifting of the teeth is quite common. Patients rarely think of it as an orthodontic-related issue. It often takes quite a few months or years to notice a change in the position of the teeth. It can be quite upsetting when patients begin to notice their teeth are misaligned, especially when they have previously completed orthodontic treatment. The following article will review signs and symptoms associated with shifted teeth. It is important to address the issue in a timely manner in order to prevent further damage or more invasive treatments.
Teeth Shifting
It is actually very normal for patients to experience teeth shifting over time. As a patient ages, the teeth will slowly move toward the center and front of the mouth. This shift will be extremely slow and gradual. The patient’s oral and gum health, in addition to their overall health can all contribute to the degree of teeth movement. These issues can also result in other issues such as crooked teeth or a misaligned bite.
Causes
In most cases, patients experience shifting of the teeth in their front teeth as a teenager or young adult. The patient may have well aligned teeth which shift later in life. The wisdom teeth are often blamed for the shift, but there are other factors which can contribute to the movement.
The teeth are positioned in bone which is alive and changes. As a result, the position of the teeth can be impacted by any of the following:
1. Lower jaw growth later in life that can cause the lower front teeth to tip inward
2. Cheek and lip elasticity changes or ongoing pressure from the tongue
3. Gum disease which causes a loss of gum tissue or support
Patients often assume that the wisdom teeth are to blame for crowded teeth as they push and place pressure on the existing teeth. Various studies have actually found that the wisdom teeth are not the primary cause of overcrowded teeth. An estimated 25% of patients never develop their wisdom teeth, but still develop the same degree of crowding. Wisdom teeth extraction unfortunately does not guarantee that the front teeth will remain straight over time. Even though research has found otherwise, the timine of wisdom teeth eruption often puts the blame of dental crowding on these molars.
Below is a summary of common signs and symptoms associated with shifting teeth:
- Midline shift: this occurs when the line between the front teeth in the top and bottom jaw fail to line up properly. The midline is not in the center of the patient’s eyebrows and nose.
- If the gums begin to bleed while performing routine activities, it can suggest there is periodontal disease. Gum disease makes a patient at higher risk for teeth shifting.
- One of the most common signs of shifting is newly formed gaps between the teeth. Newly formed gaps are also a sign that the patient may have gum disease.
- Tooth pain or increased sensitivity can be an early indicator of teeth shifting.
- When an existing retainer becomes uncomfortable or for not fit properly, this is another sign that the teeth have shifted. The orthodontist will custom-make the retainer to fit over a patient’s teeth. Retainers which no longer fit or cause discomfort can suggest a change in the teeth.
Patients who are concerned with the movement of their teeth or want to discuss treatment options (like Invisalign) should follow up with a dentist or orthodontist right away.