Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you—so if you’re looking in the bathroom mirror and realizing that your teeth have shifted and look a little crooked, the odds are that you aren’t the only one who’s noticed! That said, you’re also probably wondering what caused this movement and if there’s anything you can do to correct it. Here’s more from your dentist in Friendship Heights.
Five Reasons for Shifting Teeth
Your teeth can move and shift around for a variety of reasons, but five of the most common explanations include:
- Natural aging – As your body ages, it undergoes several natural changes, many of them occurring inside of your mouth. Over time the ligaments, tissues, and fibers composing the jaw muscles grow weak, causing your teeth to loosen. Your lips also contract as you age, which creates pressure on the exterior of your bite and gradually pushes your teeth inward. Even the mineral content in bones throughout the body decreases over time, reducing jawbone density and causing teeth to move.
- Bruxism (tooth grinding) – This condition is characterized by the grinding and clenching of teeth, usually without the patient’s realization (it often happens during sleep). This grinding can lead to bite misalignment, enamel reduction, and even changes to the shape of your teeth—and if left untreated, it can progress into a debilitating TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder!
- Tongue thrust – Your tongue can also be responsible for shifting teeth. Tongue thrust, also called reverse swallow, happens when you involuntarily push your tongue forward against your teeth. It can happen while speaking, swallowing, or even while you’re asleep. This force of pressure can gradually create a gap between the upper and lower teeth.
- Untreated gum disease – Periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease, can completely obliterate gum tissue and bone matter alike, which will certainly lead to tooth movement that results in total tooth loss.
- Dental trauma – Sustaining a blow to the mouth can lead to several different problems. Sometimes these injuries can partially extrude a tooth, which means the tooth is still attached but has been shifted out of place. Other times, the tooth can become entirely displaced.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Since tooth movement is difficult to detect with the naked eye, it’s going to take the help of your dentist to determine how much your teeth have shifted and what needs to be done to correct the issue, as it’s not something that will clear up on its own. If you suspect your teeth have shifted, regardless of how you think it was caused, you should consult with your dentist as soon as possible.
- Many patients opt into orthodontics to correct their teeth that have shifted out of place; clear aligners such as Invisalign have become widely popular due to their discreteness and convenience. These aligners work to gradually shift your teeth into a straighter position over the course of several months.
- Porcelain veneers can also be bonded to the outer surfaces of shifted teeth to give them a straighter, more uniform appearance.
- Oral appliance therapy can be used to target bruxism and other issues that affect your TMJ (temporomandibular joints).
Ultimately, the best solution for correcting teeth that have shifted will be your provider’s call—but it’s absolutely possible!
About the Author
Dr. Yelena Obholz received her DDS from the New York University College of Dentistry and is a proud member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the District of Columbia Dental Society. Her practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options. If you’re concerned that your teeth have shifted and would like to arrange a visit, you can contact Dr. Obholz through her practice’s website or over the phone for assistance: (202) 364-8989.