Maybe you went through years of braces, or perhaps you’ve just always had a naturally great smile. However, you’ve noticed something’s a little strange lately when you look in the mirror. The position of your teeth has changed.
If this sounds familiar, don’t panic! You’re not alone. Teeth shifting is a common issue, and understanding why it happens and whether it’s a big deal is key to keeping your smile looking and feeling its best. So, read on as we discuss teeth shifting further.
The Potential Reasons Behind the Shift
What causes teeth to move, then? It’s not a mystery, but it happens due to a combination of factors, some of which are totally out of your control.
Age Is Just a Number (But It Still Affects Your Teeth)
Yes, you guessed it—time is a major player. Teeth shifting as you age is a natural process. Over the years, your teeth experience daily wear and tear from chewing and grinding. Plus, minor movement may result from changes to the jaw bones that support your teeth. It’s not about your smile falling apart, but rather a normal part of life.
The Post-Orthodontic Effect
Remember that retainer your orthodontist told you to wear? They weren’t kidding. If you’ve had braces, you know that teeth tend to return to their original positions. If you get a little lax with your retainer, you might notice some teeth shifting after your orthodontic treatment ends. It’s just your teeth’s way of trying to go back to their comfort zone.
The Big Gap
Another major culprit is a missing tooth. The moment you have a tooth removed, it creates a gap. That space is like an invitation for the teeth around it to drift into the opening. This is a classic example of teeth shifting after extraction or wisdom teeth removal.
Other Possible Causes
If you’re still asking, “Why are my teeth suddenly shifting?” after reading the reasons above, this could be a sign of something more than just natural ageing. Things like teeth grinding or even advanced gum disease can create a domino effect, pushing your teeth out of alignment. An injury to your mouth can also cause sudden shifts.
Is Teeth Shifting a Bad Thing?
This is the big question: Is teeth shifting bad? The short answer is: it depends.
Minor shifts are usually no cause for alarm. But significant movement can lead to more serious problems. The symptoms of teeth shifting are not merely aesthetic; they can also include uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, and trouble chewing. It’s a good idea to see a dentist to find out what’s causing these symptoms. They can assist you in determining whether the movement is a minor irritation or an indication of a more serious dental problem that requires attention.
So, What Are Your Options?
If your teeth have shifted enough to cause concern, don’t worry—you have options! Dental professionals have a few different ways to get your smile back on track.
- Retainers: Your best option for dealing with shifting teeth if you’ve had orthodontic work done is a retainer. It is a customised tool that holds your teeth in place. It can be a fixed wire that is bonded to the back of your teeth or a detachable plastic tray. The simplest and most crucial method to stop your teeth from moving is to wear your retainer as directed.
- Clear Aligners & Braces: Your dentist may suggest clear aligners (such as Invisalign) or another round of braces if the teeth shifting is more than a minor setback. These systems guide your teeth back into their proper positions by applying steady, mild pressure.
- Night Guards: If your teeth are shifting because you grind them at night (a condition called bruxism), a custom-fitted night guard can help. This device acts as a cushion, preventing you from putting harmful pressure on your teeth and jaw while you sleep.
- Tooth Replacement: For shifts caused by a missing tooth, a dental implant or bridge can fill the gap, providing stability for the neighbouring teeth and preventing them from drifting.
The PureSmile Finish
Even if you’ve noticed some shifting, you can still have a smile you love. PureSmile offers more than just professional teeth whitening; we can help you with alignment, too!
Our cosmetic teeth straightening service uses invisible, home-based aligners to gently guide your teeth into a new position. It’s a discreet, affordable way to get that straight smile you’ve always wanted without the hassle of traditional metal braces.
Whether you’re looking to brighten up your smile with an in-chair whitening treatment or want to subtly straighten out some crookedness with our invisible aligners, PureSmile is here to help you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Explore our full range of smile-enhancing treatments at PureSmile today!
