Open wide! If you find yourself standing in front of the mirror analysing any changes in your teeth, fear not! We’ve got the answers
Believe it or not, it’s completely normal for our teeth to shift a little throughout our lives – we just don’t always notice it.
It happens slowly over time and doesn’t usually cause any problems. But in some cases, teeth shifting can leave your smile a little less straight, affect your bite and may lead to a handful of oral health issues later down the line.
Here, we find out why your teeth may be on the move and what you can do to correct a misaligned smile.
Signs your teeth are shifting
As our teeth gradually move over the years, it’s not always obvious if they’ve shifted. However, you may notice little gaps forming, a change in the shape and appearance of your smile, or even a change in your bite and alignment. Depending on the cause, some of these signs can be more prominent than others.
What causes teeth shifting?
There are a lot of reasons for teeth shifting, with the most obvious one being if you have any form of orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners. This type of treatment changes the alignment of your teeth by choice. However, some more common and unintentional reasons for teeth shifting include:
- Not wearing a retainer after braces – this can either cause a small bit of movement or the teeth to start moving back to their natural position
- Everyday pressures – the constant movement of your facial muscles when doing things such as talking, eating, smiling and even sneezing can gradually cause your teeth to move
- Teeth grinding – whether it’s down to stress or during your sleep, grinding your teeth can put a lot of pressure on your jaw and gums which can shift your teeth and alter their alignment
- Missing teeth – if this is from a tooth removal or an injury, the surrounding teeth may move a little to fill the gap
- Gum disease – also known as periodontitis, this weakens the gums that help keep teeth in place
- Pregnancy – the body produces a hormone called relaxin during pregnancy which can soften ligaments in the mouth and gums, meaning there’s less support for the teeth and more room for movement
- Lip ageing – as we age, our lips become tighter which can put more pressure on teeth from the outside
- Jawbone growth – similar to the lips, our jawbones change as we age. This means that the bottom teeth can become more crowded and affect your bite, causing the upper teeth to move too
If you’ve noticed your teeth moving and you’re not sure what’s causing it, make an appointment with your dentist to see what’s going on.
How to prevent teeth shifting
Our teeth move naturally – whether we want to control it or not. However, there are some steps you can take to help prevent further teeth shifting:
- Attend regular dentist appointments – aim for at least twice a year and follow their advice and recommendations, if any. Don’t forget to visit your dentist if you’re concerned about your oral health
- Practise good oral hygiene – brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, eat a healthy diet that’s low in sugary foods and drinks and avoid smoking
- Wear a retainer, if advised by your dentist or orthodontist – this will help keep your teeth in place and prevent them from moving back to their original position
- Take extra care of your teeth if you’re pregnant – regularly visit your dentist if you’re pregnant and keep on top of your oral hygiene, using a fluoride toothpaste twice a day
- Address any underlying dental problems – whether it’s tooth decay, gum disease or teeth grinding, follow your dentist’s treatment advice to help resolve the problem
- Consider dental work for missing teeth – this includes long-term solutions like tooth implants which fill the gaps to prevent further teeth shifting
Can teeth shifting be treated?
If your teeth are shifting, you’re unhappy with how they look or they’re causing you a little discomfort, it may be worth considering some orthodontic treatment. While there’s no magic fix for teeth shifting, as it all depends on the cause and severity, there are some options to consider, including:
- Orthodontic treatment, such as braces, clear aligners or a retainer
- Dental restorations, such as crowns
- Tooth implants for missing teeth
- Treatment for underlying causes, like gum disease or tooth decay
If you’re concerned about your teeth shifting or you’re experiencing any pain, speak to your dentist who will be able to advise you on your best options and help you arrange your next steps.
