Why Are My Teeth Shifting
Shifting teeth is a very common problem for patients. Our teeth are constantly making minor movements and overtime, can become visibly crooked or crowded. Patients who have had orthodontic treatment are encouraged to either wear a removable retainer when they sleep or have a permanent retainer placed on the back of the anterior teeth to keep the teeth in their proper position.
Some patients may experience shifting due to extraction, jaw bone growth, teeth grinding, gum disease. Patients with sleep apnea that use a CPAP machine may also notice some movement. In this section, we will get a better understanding of why teeth may shift.
Why are my teeth shifting?
Extraction: When a tooth is extracted, neighboring teeth often start to move in an effort to fill the space left after the extraction. This is why it is important to replace a missing tooth with a dental prosthesis such as a dental implant or dental bridge which will help prevent further tooth loss.
Jaw Bone Changes: Jaw bone growth typically affects adolescent patients who are still growing. As the patient grows and develops, the jawbone will grow along with them. As adult patients age, the jaw tends to grow forward and become more narrow. Whether or not you will need treatment will largely depend on how severe changes in the jaw are. Minor shifts may need no additional attention whereas some patients experience more severe shifting and need to have their bite corrected.
Bruxism: Bruxism is when we clench and grind our teeth. Many people do this in their sleep and it can cause a lot of problems. If you ever wake up with a sore jaw, you could be grinding your teeth in your sleep. Bruxism can lead to excessive tooth wear and shifting. Your dentist can have a custom night guard fabricated to help buffer the stress your teeth endure while you sleep. If you notice that you clench or grind your teeth during waking hours, ask your dentist about a day guard.
Gum Disease: Gum disease can greatly affect the stability of our teeth. When gum tissue is infected, the tissue becomes weak and begins to recede from the tooth surface, leading to tooth sensitivity, bone loss, and mobility in the teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene with regular visits to your dentist will help resolve any gum disease and prevent it from coming back.
CPAP: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is used to treat sleep apnea patients by ensuring a steady flow of oxygen during sleep. Sleep apnea is a condition in which the tissues at the back of the throat relax during sleep, restricting the flow of oxygen. Most CPAP machines cover only the nose but some also cover the mouth. Your dentist can help address any negative side effects from your CPAP machine to keep your mouth healthy.
Shifting teeth may not need to be addressed immediately though any degree of shifting should be brought to your dentist’s attention. It is important to find the cause and have treatment as necessary. If they think you would benefit from that orthodontic therapy (like Invisalign), they will refer you to an orthodontist to get your teeth back in proper alignment to make sure your smile is healthy for a long time!