Six Reasons Your Teeth Shift Unevenly
Posted on 3/22/2022 by Covington Family Dental |
Teeth move and adjust position throughout your life. Most of the time, this is normal and unproblematic. In some people, this movement can cause crookedness and sometimes discomfort in the teeth.
There are many reasons teeth change position, such as braces, grinding teeth, jaw growth, gum disease, tooth removal and even wearing a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy device for sleep issues.
Braces are brackets worn on the teeth to straighten them by pressuring them into the proper position. Invisalign (clear plastic aligners) or removable retainers can also be worn to maintain or adjust the teeth. Braces and other orthodontic treatments are effective in fixing uneven teeth, however it is possible for teeth to shift back to their original position if retainers are not worn consistently.
Teeth grinding also know as bruxism can cause a range of dental issues. Along with causing headaches, jaw pain and clicking and popping in the jaw, bruxism may affect the position and integrity of your teeth.
Jawbone growth continues throughout childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. Typically, during the teenage years, lower jaw growth exceeds that of the upper jaw, which can cause tooth crowding in your lower teeth. Sometimes, this excessive movement may cause a change in how your teeth fit together, which requires treatment.
Gum Disease, such as gingivitis (inflamed, bleeding gums) and periodontitis (infected gums and a complication of gingivitis) may also lead to teeth shifting through the loss of the underlying bone.
Tooth Removal can also cause teeth to shift position. Following a dental extraction and an open space results, the remaining teeth naturally readjust their position, gradually drifting into the space in not an ideal position.
CPAP therapy, which treats sleep apnea, delivers filtered, pressurized air through a tube attached to a face mask, nasal mask or nasal pillows. The air pressure is thought to push the tongue forward, causing shifting and flaring in the front teeth. In addition, the full face mask can push the teeth out of alignment.
Treatment for teeth shifting can include wearing a removable or permanent appliance or retainer, braces or other orthodontic options. A mouth guard worn at night to manage teeth shifting can be effective as well.
Critical to taking on shifting teeth is preserving the health of your teeth. Good oral hygiene means: brushing properly twice a day, flossing at least once a day, avoid smoking, eat a well-balanced diet, drink fluoridated water, and keep visits consistent with your dentist and dental hygienist.
If you feel your teeth are shifting see a dental professional and discuss your options to correct problems early.
The DENTAL HYGIENIST is a key component to caring for your oral health needs and discussing changes to your smile, which can be corrected to provide you with optimum health.
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