Shifting Teeth

As of March the 21^st we can remove our masks! And while some of us may choose to be a little more cautious, we will be seeing more smiles around us very soon! This is very exciting and hopeful for a brighter year ahead.

It is also making us think about the condition of our teeth more – sooner or later we will have to show our smiles to the world not just to our Zoom colleges…

So, the next few blog articles will be dedicated to some problems we might notice when we smile.
 

Shifting Teeth

Though you may think that your teeth are set in place, they actually move and adjust position throughout your life. This is typically normal and unproblematic. However, in some cases, this movement can be more pronounced, causing crowding (malocclusion) and sometimes tooth discomfort. 

There are many reasons that teeth change position, such as from wearing braces, adjusting after having teeth removed, grinding teeth, growth of the jaw, and gum disease. Even wearing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy device for sleep problems can cause teeth to shift. 
 

Braces

While braces and other orthodontic treatments like Invisalign aligners are effective in fixing uneven smiles, it is possible for the teeth to start shifting back to their original positions. For instance, your teeth may start gradually reverting to how they were if you lose your retainer or stop wearing it after your braces have been removed.

Additionally, significant motion can arise due to problems with fixed retainers, which are permanently bonded to teeth. Like other types, these are often installed following braces to preserve tooth alignment. Issues with these retainers, like broken wires and problems with the bonding agents, can result in shifting teeth.

Make sure you’re consistent about going to follow-up appointments during and after orthodontic treatment. This way you’ll be able to catch tooth shifting or other issues. As you undergo treatments, check-ups may be necessary as often as once a month. You should also let your dentist know if you encounter any issues or note damage to your retainers.