Why Do Teeth Shift?

September 22, 2023

Teeth movement isn’t just a figment of your imagination. Over time, you may have noticed a shift in your teeth’s alignment. Should you worry? What’s the underlying cause? Does it necessitate a surgical procedure?

Let’s delve deeper.

The phenomenon of teeth shifting
As the years pass, many individuals witness shifts in their teeth positioning. Past orthodontic treatments, like braces during younger years, don’t guarantee permanently fixed positions. As our bodies age, there’s a reduction in bone density and the flexibility of connective tissues, leading to potential tooth shifts – a phenomenon often referred to as teeth shifting.

Decoding the reasons behind tooth movement:

Inherited Traits
Certain individuals are genetically predisposed to teeth shifts. If family members have faced similar issues, there’s a higher likelihood of you encountering them too.

The Ageing Process
Natural changes with age can lead to less structural support, causing teeth to drift over time.

Gum Ailments
Chronic gum conditions can pave the way for numerous dental challenges, including missing teeth and shifting. Inflamed gums might recede, inducing teeth drift as ultimately our gums are keeping our teeth firmly in place along with the jaw bone.

Physical Trauma
Accidents, be it vehicular mishaps or falls, can cause abrupt tooth movement or loosening. Speak to your dentist immediately after for the best support and advice possible.

Bruxism
Known as teeth grinding, this habit, either due to stress or during sleep, can exert pressure, instigating tooth shifts over the long haul.

Missing teeth conundrum & how this affects teeth
The absence of teeth can trigger adjacent teeth to tilt or shift into the vacant space, often leading to alignment challenges.

Everyday habits
Habits such as nail-biting, incessant thumb-sucking, or using teeth as tools can contribute to teeth shifting especially in early life while the jaw is still developing.

Orthodontic Interventions
While alignment adjustments are intentional results of orthodontic therapies, neglecting post-treatment care, like retainers, can lead to undesired teeth movement. Many people who do not continue follow up care see their teeth return back to their original position.

Do shifted teeth require realignment?
While minor tooth movement is a natural occurrence, significant shifts, especially if they impact your bite or create discomfort, should prompt a dental consultation. Potential remedies can range from braces or transparent aligners for slight readjustments to more advanced solutions like dental implants or bridges for addressing missing teeth challenges.

For those considering solutions for missing teeth, Smile Circle offers a variety of treatments, including full mouth dental implants, tooth implant procedures, and the cutting-edge ‘all on 6 dental implants’ method.

Have you got concerns regarding teeth movement? Consult Smile Circle!
If this discussion hasn’t fully addressed your concerns, the experts at Smile Circle are ready to support you. Recognised as one of the top dental clinics, our commitment is to offer quality and affordability. Reach out to us today and let us help you regain your smile’s confidence.