Is Teeth Shifting Serious
As with many other changes in the body, shifting teeth is a normal part of the aging process. As we age, the lower jaw tends to grow forward and become more narrow which can lead to shifting and crowding. However, significant changes in the alignment of your teeth may be cause for concern. It is important to discuss any amount of shifting with your dentist to determine the cause and begin treatment to prevent further damage.
Signs that your teeth are shifting include changes in your bite, crowding and overlapping, and gaps between teeth. You may even notice changes in your speech, perhaps a new lisp or trouble pronouncing certain words. There are a few treatment options to correct shifting teeth but it is important to get to the root of the problem and treat the cause first.
One treatment option that you may be given is orthodontic treatment. Braces and clear aligners can correct teeth that have shifted by applying pressure to gently and gradually move the teeth into alignment. When orthodontic treatment is complete, it is important to wear a retainer when you sleep to maintain alignment and prevent the teeth from shifting again.
Other factors that can lead to shifting teeth include:
Gum Disease
Gum disease develops when plaque is not regularly removed with proper brushing and flossing and hardens into tartar. This leads to inflammation of the tissues and gum recession and eventually, bone loss. When the jaw bone becomes compromised, the teeth can become mobile and are at risk of shifting or even falling out. Gum disease needs to be treated before any tooth shifting is addressed. If the gum disease is left, any alignment treatment will not work long-term.
Bruxism
Many patients unknowingly clench or grind their teeth during the day or even while sleeping. This is called bruxism and puts pressure on the teeth and can cause them to significantly wear down. Bruxism can cause headaches, jaw pain, bleeding gums and can also lead to shifting teeth. Your dentist can provide a custom day or night guard for you to wear to help combat the effects of bruxism.
Tooth Loss
If you have a congenitally missing tooth, or if a tooth falls out or is extracted, the teeth surrounding the gap tend to shift towards one another in an effort to close up the space left behind. This shifting can cause a major change in your bite and cause your teeth to chip or fracture. It can also cause bone loss and additional tooth loss so it is important to restore the missing tooth with either a dental bridge or a dental implant.
Shifting teeth is not always a serious issue but it is important to see your dentist to determine the cause and to address any underlying issues. Your dentist will be able to provide the necessary treatment or refer you to a specialist, such as a periodontist or orthodontist, when necessary.