If you had a straight smile, then you may know how a balanced grin and healthier bite can help you feel more confident. However, if your teeth are moving out of their once-desirable alignment, you might be left confused. You likely don’t want to develop crookedness, so it’s important to get to the bottom of this shifting. Here are several possible culprits and how your dentist can help with orthodontics.
What Can Make Teeth Move?
As was mentioned above, you should find out the reason that’s causing your teeth to move. Regular aging may be one, but there are other ones you should keep in mind, such as:
- Your jaw might’ve changed, meaning new gaps or crowding can happen over time.
- Teeth grinding or clenching can be troublesome, as this is a subconscious habit you may do during the night. The pressure it causes can lead to increased enamel wear as well as movement.
- Gum disease affects the soft and bone tissue in your mouth. When they are weakened, they can lead to shifting and even tooth loss in severe cases.
- Orthodontic relapse can happen if you had a smile-straightening treatment before but didn’t keep up with your retainer.
- Tongue thrusting is another habit you may do when you swallow, talk, or even rest. The force applied can slowly shift your grin.
- Missing teeth may be the reason, as the nearby structures will want to close the space.
How Can I Straighten My Shifting Teeth?
Since there are several culprits, you might wonder what you can do about a moving smile. Thankfully, your dentist is here to help with reliable treatments. Orthodontics are often the go-to choice as they can correct mild to severe misalignment. Even if you had them before, you can still get them with another round.
One option that’s effective with many cases is traditional braces. While the idea of wires and brackets may not entice you, they are a reliable choice that can handle intense issues. Better yet, they have evolved over the years, so they are more comfortable than in the past while being reliable.
If you have mild to moderate crookedness, then clear aligners might be an option instead. These are thin, plastic trays you wear for 22 hours daily to shift your teeth into their desired positions. They are removable, so you don’t need to adjust your diet, but it’s crucial you put them back in. If not, then you risk delays to your results.
In the end, while your teeth might be moving, you don’t have to simply deal with it. By talking to your dentist about what you can do, you can take the next step to getting a smile you feel your best in.
About the Author
Dr. Mike Rolfes earned his dental degree from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale. He has since taken advanced training across the various fields of dentistry, including occlusion and bite therapy. Dr. Rolfes is proud to offer both traditional braces and Invisalign as effective solutions to a crooked grin. By having a consultation, you can find the right choice for your unique case. If your teeth are on the move, schedule an appointment or call our office at (386) 761-5883.