Is Teeth Shifting Serious
Shifting teeth is a normal part of the aging process but significant changes in the alignment of your teeth may be cause for concern. Your dentist can determine the cause of your shifting teeth so it is important to bring it to their attention as soon as you notice it. The underlying cause may need to be addressed to prevent further shifting and damage.
There are a number of reasons that you may experience some shifting in your teeth. Age is one such cause of shifting teeth. As we age, the lower jaw tends to grow forward and become more narrow which can lead to shifting and crowding. Other factors that can lead to shifting teeth include:
Gum disease: This is a problem that definitely needs to be addressed by your dentist. Gum disease develops when plaque is not regularly removed and allowed to harden into tartar. This leads to inflammation and gum recession and eventually bone loss. When the jaw bone becomes compromised, the teeth are at risk of shifting or even falling out.
Tooth loss: When a tooth is congenitally missing, falls out, or is extracted, surrounding teeth 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.
Bruxism: This is the clenching and/or grinding that many patients do throughout the day without realizing it or during sleep. Bruxism puts a lot of pressure on the teeth and can cause them to wear down significantly or even break. It can also lead to shifting teeth.
Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Shifting
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.
How are shifting teeth fixed?
If you are missing a tooth, the simplest way to restore the area and prevent shifting is to have a bridge or dental implant placed, replacing the missing tooth and keeping the area healthy. Depending on the cause of your shifting teeth, you may need to have gum disease treated or undergo 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.
While shifting teeth is not always a serious issue and is a normal part of the aging process, it is important to see your dentist to determine the cause of shifting teeth and to address any underlying issues. Your dentist will be able to provide the necessary treatment or refer you to a specialist when necessary. As soon as you notice any changes to the alignment of your teeth or to your bite, see your dentist as soon as possible.