Why are my Teeth Shifting?
Have you looked in the mirror recently and noticed something has changed with your smile. This happens often to people when it comes to their smiles. Either your teeth are now overlapped or there is a gap appearing. Teeth shifting is a natural and frequent problem for people of any age, and it could be affecting you.
Why Are Your Teeth Shifting?
Braces are common with young adults, so many people assume that after that age has passed, teeth do not shift. This actually could not be further from the truth. Teeth will tend to move more dramatically with the growth of a youngster and their jaw, but the shifting of teeth happens throughout our lives.
Teeth can shift for a variety of reasons, or even a combination at the same time.
* Periodontal Disease- Do you remember being told constantly about flossing every day. Periodontal disease is the direct result of denying that simple task. It is an illness or decay in your gums or the bone beneath your teeth. These tissues are essential for supporting your teeth and keeping them in their place. If they begin to break down, your teeth can begin to shift.
* Jawbone Changes- It is easy to recognize face changes as the body goes through the growth spurts of adolescence. Your facial bones will continue to change throughout your entire life. Your lower jaw will directly impact the way your teeth shift. Your lower jaw grows forward as you age. At the same time, it becomes narrower. This will cause your teeth to shift. When your lower jaw becomes narrower, it will cause crowding with your lower teeth and some overlapping. These changes will also change your bite, or your alignment when your top and bottom teeth come together. The additional pressure adds up and will eventually cause your upper teeth to develop gaps.
* Grinding Your Teeth- Grinding your teeth during sleep is quite common. Some studies estimate that 10% of adults and 15% of youngsters will grind their teeth. Teeth grinding and teeth clenching also goes beyond just sleeping. It is also a natural stress response. You may clench or grind your teeth while you are awake and under stress, without even realizing it. This puts pressure on your teeth, which causes shifting.
* Lip Aging- Your facial anatomy naturally becomes smaller and thinner as you age, and so do your lips. Your lips will get smaller and tighter. It will not feel like much, but that slight change also puts added pressure on your teeth creating small shifts.
* Accommodating Tooth Loss- Tooth loss is a common and frequent problem. From injuries, dental decay, gum disease, and other reasons, around 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. When you lose a tooth, your neighboring teeth will take advantage of that extra space. They will shift and drift, and you will develop gaps.
* Skipping a Retainer- Many people who have worn braces assume their correction will last. Yet teeth tend to try to migrate back to their original natural position. You will not notice the change from day to day, but over time you could see your teeth shift after removing your braces. This is why it is important to wear a retainer after braces.