Have you ever noticed your teeth aren’t as straight as they used to be? Even if you’ve had orthodontic treatment in the past, teeth can shift over time. But how can that be? Aren’t treatments like braces and clear aligners permanent? Unfortunately, no, but there are ways to preserve your results, and understanding how teeth shift is the first step! Continue reading to learn all about this process and how you can stop it from affecting your dental health.
Why Do Teeth Shift Over Time?
There are actually several reasons why your teeth are continually moving. From natural processes to your daily habits, your smile is always under pressure from every direction. Here are some of the reasons that teeth can shift:
- Natural Aging: Aging has a lot to do with the movement of your teeth. Over time, wear and tear as well as a natural weakening of your jawbone make your teeth less stable overall.
- Tooth Loss: When you lose a tooth, the bone around the site becomes more malleable, allowing the adjacent teeth to slowly shift into the space.
- Gum Disease: Periodontitis (late-stage gum disease) can have a huge impact on your bite alignment. This condition loosens the ligaments that stabilize your teeth and eats away at the underlying bone if it’s left untreated.
- Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth, a condition known as bruxism, your teeth will slowly change shape, leading to subtle movements.
- Orthodontic Relapse: When you undergo orthodontic treatment, your pearly whites are slowly moved through the jawbone. This causes the bone to break down in the direction it’s being pulled and built up as it heals on the other side. Eventually, your teeth settle, but if their new position isn’t maintained, they move back to where they started.
How Can I Stop My Teeth from Moving?
The secret to stopping the movement of your teeth is excellent oral hygiene and maintenance. Here are the best ways to keep your smile stable and your dental health intact:
- Improve Your Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles that can cause cavities and gum disease.
- Wear Your Retainer: If you’ve just undergone orthodontic treatment, your retainer is vital to maintain your results. Follow your orthodontist’s directions for use and be sure to maintain your routine.
- Replace Missing Teeth: Whether through dentures, bridges, or dental implants, missing teeth should be replaced to preserve the spacing of your teeth.
- See Your Orthodontist Regularly: Your orthodontist is an expert in the structure and movement of teeth. They can provide treatments to help you with many dental issues and keep your smile sturdy.
Understanding why teeth move can be a wakeup call to start taking steps to maintain your dental health. By following good dental practices and seeking regular professional care, you can minimize the effects of natural changes and enjoy a confident smile for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Justyna Balicka is a skilled orthodontist with a passion for educating her patients and helping them achieve smiles they can be proud of. She earned her dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry and underwent an intensive three-year program at St. Barnabas Hospital to earn her orthodontic specialty. Call (631) 423-7857 to schedule an appointment at Huntington Orthodontics or visit the website to see other services they offer.