Do spaces between teeth widen with age?
As people age, they often think about wrinkles or gray hair that may come with the territory. Patients often don’t know that their teeth can also move as they age.
Teeth Spacing
When a muscle located in the front of the mouth relaxes with age, it can result in the teeth spreading apart. Another common cause for gaps in the teeth is periodontal disease, from the bacteria present below the gum tissue. The bacteria may cause inflammation of the gums and ultimately destroy the bone which holds the teeth in place. This can result in the front teeth a flaring out or can cause an increase in space between the teeth. A spread between the teeth could also be caused by an oral habit such as tongue thrusting or biting the nails. It can also be caused by a bite collapse which may occur from the loss the back teeth.
Overlapping Teeth
Over time, our teeth may begin to move and shift as the midline of the jaw bone starts to change. The term midline is used to describe the middle line of the teeth. Ideally, the teeth are positioned symmetrically on each side of the midline. As the jaw bone changes with age, the teeth can begin to crowd towards the middle and might even overlap.
Collapse
The teeth may collapse at an inward angle if a patient has gaps, neglects to replace a missing tooth, or when the teeth become severely worn. This collapse of the teeth can alter the structure of your teeth and modify the facial structure or position of the jaw. Similar to other types of dental issues, poor oral hygiene and neglect often contribute the teeth collapsing.
Patients who received an orthodontic treatment in their younger years are actually more likely to experience a slight shift of the teeth. This may occur because the patient neglects to wear their retainer, from grinding the teeth, or when underlying oral problems such as gingivitis remains untreated.
The following are ways to repair and treat these issues to prevent widening of the teeth over time.
Night guard
A night guard is a special type of retainer which is designed for patients who grind their teeth at night. This condition is called bruxism. In many cases, the patient does not realize they grind their teeth. It is often detected by the dentist or the patient notices soreness in the morning. Night guards are fit to the patient’s teeth. This helps ensure their teeth are protected from grinding and that they can continue sleeping comfortably.
Veneers
Over time, it is common for the teeth to begin to have various cosmetic flaws. This may include chips, gaps, or crookedness. A porcelain veneer can be used to repair these issues and restore the natural appearance of the tooth. Veneers are incredibly thin and placed on the front side of the affected tooth. They are extremely secure and provide patients with a permanent solution.
Good Oral Hygiene
It is critical for patients to maintain good oral hygiene to maintain healthy teeth and prevent their teeth from shifting. This includes twice daily brushing and flossing each day. Patients should also visit the dentist regularly for an examination and professional cleaning. These regular dental visits also aid in the early detection and treatment of any issues that arise.