Can Shifting Teeth Be Corrected
Teeth may shift out of alignment for any number of reasons, including: gum disease, bruxism, missing teeth, and malocclusion. Mesial drift happens when the teeth slowly move towards the front of the mouth and can lead to crowding. Depending on the extent of misalignment and the reason your teeth shift, your dentist can help determine what treatment option would be best for your specific needs to correct shifting teeth and prevent it in the future. Let’s review the causes of shifting teeth a little more in depth.
Poor oral hygiene or even just genetics can lead to gum disease. Gum disease causes gum recession and bone loss, thereby allowing for mobility in the teeth. Additionally, when a tooth is missing or extracted and not replaced, the surrounding teeth will shift in an effort to close up the space left by the missing tooth.
Teeth grinding (bruxism), dental decay, and even genetics can all play a role in shifting teeth. Orthodontic treatment works to correct tooth alignment and while it is more commonly used for younger patients to align their adult teeth once they have come in, it can help patients of any age. Though if the patient does not wear their retainer after completing orthodontic treatment, the teeth will slowly begin to drift back to their original position.
Correcting Shifting Teeth
Orthodontic therapy is the most common treatment for shifting teeth and can be achieved with either traditional braces or clear aligners (like Invisalign). If only minor correction is needed, some patients may be a candidate for porcelain veneers, which have the added benefit of improving the overall appearance of your smile if that is also a concern.
Traditional braces utilize metal brackets that are affixed to each tooth with an archwire threaded through the brackets and held in place with small rubber bands on each bracket. The archwire is tightened and adjusted to push, pull, and rotate teeth into alignment. Braces are the best option for major cases that need a significant amount of correction. Some patients may even require jaw surgery if their bite is severely off.
Many adult patients choose clear aligner therapy that works the same as braces but instead of metal brackets and wires, the teeth are shifted into alignment with the use of a progressive series of clear plastic trays that fit over the entire arch of teeth. Clear aligners may not be ideal for more severe cases but for those who need minor adjustments, clear aligners are great! Patients who had braces as an adolescent and have since noticed shifting have great success with clear aligners.
Porcelain veneers are the fastest way to correct shifting teeth. The size, shape, and color of the teeth can all be changed with porcelain veneers. Veneers are only appropriate for minor cases of shifting since the teeth need to be somewhat in the correct position before the veneers are placed.
Any amount of teeth shifting needs to be addressed by your dentist to determine the underlying cause as it is important to address that as well. Your dentist may provide orthodontic treatment but can also refer you to an orthodontist if needed. If you prefer veneers, your dentist will be able to provide treatment.