Shifting Teeth with Age
As you’ve gotten older, you may have noticed some changes in your oral health. One of those changes may be shifting. But is this normal? And is there a way to stop it?
Below is more about teeth shifting with age, along with other reasons for shifting and what treatment options may be available.
Shifting Teeth with Age
It’s normal for teeth to shift with age. While the shifting shouldn’t be too severe, it’s important to keep this in mind.
As people age, their jaws generally grow narrower and more forward. This leads to the teeth shifting. The good news is treatment options may be available if you’ve recently noticed your teeth shifting.
Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is the main treatment option when it comes to restoring a smile once teeth have shifted. This treatment comes in the form of braces or invisible aligners. Which option is best for you will be determined by a few factors, including the recommendation of your dentist, cost, preference, and more.
Orthodontic treatment may also be available to repair teeth that have shifted due to other conditions, such as bruxism, gum disease, and more.
Other Reasons for Teeth Shifting
Along with teeth shifting due to age, there are a few other reasons why teeth may shift. These include:
- Gum Disease: Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) starts off easy to treat and (if caught early) likely won’t cause any lasting damage. As it progresses, though, it can do more and more damage. This includes damage that leads to the loosening and shifting of teeth. Over time, without proper treatment, it can even lead to teeth falling out.
- Missing Teeth: There are a few reasons why teeth may be missing. For instance, a patient’s teeth may be missing due to them being knocked out, pulled, or loosened to the point where they fall out. Whatever the case may be, missing teeth often lead to migration, which in turn leads to teeth shifting.
- Bruxism: Bruxism is the clenching or grinding of the teeth (most commonly occurring at night). The pressure this puts on a patient’s teeth can eventually cause lasting damage, including the shifting of teeth.
Avoiding Premature Shifting
There are some simple steps you can take to avoid premature shifting. These include brushing twice a day, flossing, rinsing, and visiting your dentist every six months for your regular cleaning and checkup. If your dentist determines you are suffering from bruxism, it’s important to wear a night guard to ensure your teeth aren’t damaged and they don’t begin to shift.
With regular trips to the dentist and proper care, you should be able to avoid premature shifting.
Contact Us
If you have noticed your teeth shifting or you are considering treatment for your shifted teeth, contact us today. We’ll take a look at your shifted teeth and determine what the best course of action is to address the shifting.
We look forward to speaking with you and helping to meet your dental needs.