How to Prevent Teeth from Shifting
As we age, it is natural for our teeth to shift and become crowded simply due to the aging process and changes in jaw bone structure. Patients that go through orthodontic treatment can also notice some shifting after treatment is complete. There are steps you can take to prevent your teeth from shifting, regardless of the cause.
How can I prevent my teeth from shifting?
Wear a Retainer or Night Guard
Anyone can have a retainer or night guard made, even if they did not undergo orthodontic treatment. Patients who are aging and just want to keep their teeth from moving out of their existing position can have a retainer or night guard to sleep in and protect the teeth from shifting and bruxism. Bruxism is when we grind and/or clench our teeth, usually when we sleep, and can cause the teeth to shift out of alignment due to the immense pressure that is constantly being applied.
Patients that have completed orthodontic treatment will be given a retainer to wear all the time at first, then they will eventually move to wearing it only to sleep. The job of the retainer is to keep the teeth from moving back to their original position so it is crucial to wear your retainer as directed, keeping your teeth in alignment in their new position and to avoid having wasted your time and money on orthodontic treatment.
During ortho, the jaw bone and gum tissue become thin and soft as the teeth are pulled and pushed into alignment. Once treatment is complete, they begin to regenerate and become strong again.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Your oral hygiene routine is a great way to help keep your teeth from shifting. Regardless of orthodontic treatment, taking care to remove plaque build up every day is important. When plaque is not regularly removed, it hardens into tartar which cannot be removed with brushing and flossing. Your dental hygienist has to scrape it off, which is why regular dental cleanings are vital! An accumulation of tartar can cause your gums to recede from tooth structure and lead to bone deterioration, allowing for mobility in the teeth.
Our teeth always want to return to the position in which they initially erupted so it is important, especially for orthodontic patients (like those receiving Invisalign treatment), to keep our teeth in alignment not only for the aesthetics of a straight smile but for our overall health. Straight teeth are much easier to clean and care for than crooked and overlapping teeth. Additionally, teeth that are out of alignment can cause a bad bite (malocclusion) which can lead to more severe issues including headaches and broken teeth.
If you are interested in keeping your teeth in alignment, talk to your dentist to see what options they have available. A simple retainer that you sleep in can be incredibly beneficial and they may even offer orthodontic treatment in-office. Any patient can benefit from a night guard to prevent damage to the teeth while sleeping, which has the added bonus of helping to keep teeth from shifting!