Can Shifting Teeth Be Corrected?
Have you noticed your teeth moving over time? If so, you are experiencing shifting teeth. While this condition is relatively common, it may eventually cause major issues if it isn’t addressed.
But what leads to shifting in the first place? And what options are there to correct shifting teeth?
What Causes Shifting Teeth?
Teeth shifting doesn’t have one specific cause. There are actually a few different causes that may be leading to the shifting of your teeth. Some of these include:
- Tooth Loss: One common cause of shifting teeth is the loss of one or more teeth. Over time, healthy teeth begin to migrate to fill the gap where a healthy tooth used to be.
- Periodontal Disease: Periodontal (gum) disease can cause teeth to shift, as it can lead to your teeth loosening over time. It can also lead to bone loss and even teeth falling out.
- Teeth Grinding and Clenching: The pressure created from the grinding and clenching of teeth can lead to a whole host of issues—from teeth cracking to them shifting out of place.
- Jawbone Changes: Jawbone changes are natural. With that said, the narrowing of your jawbone can lead to shifting and crowding.
Can Shifting Teeth Be Corrected?
Generally, the answer is, “yes.” One of the main ways that shifting teeth are corrected is through the use of orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontics involves the use of braces or clear aligners to address alignment issues. Braces are common for those with more severe alignment issues but can also be used to treat more minor issues. Clear aligners are a great option for patients who have less severe alignment issues who are looking for a more cosmetically appealing correction option.
Is Teeth Shifting Preventable?
For the most part, teeth shifting is preventable. While shifting due to age can’t really be helped, the shifting can be minimized once it starts occurring. For other causes of shifting, prevention is often a matter of taking proper care of your oral health. By brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly, you will likely avoid gum disease (a major factor in the shifting and loss of teeth). You can also purchase a night guard to help protect your teeth from teeth grinding and clenching. If over-the-counter night guards don’t provide enough protection, consider speaking with your dentist about a custom night guard to meet your specific needs.
Reach Out Today
Are your teeth shifting? If so, reach out today. We’ll schedule an appointment for a top dentist to take a look at your shifting teeth and determine the best course of action to address the issue. In order to prevent shifting, make sure you schedule an appointment every six months for a checkup. If it’s been six months, give us a call to schedule your next checkup.
We look forward to speaking with you and helping you address your shifting teeth.