Causes of Teeth Shifting
Shifting teeth can happen to people of all ages, and sometimes, teeth can shift so gradually that the process is barely noticeable; it’s not uncommon for a person to simply recognize, one day, that their teeth are noticeably positioned differently, gapping or overlapping where they were once even. Shifting teeth are more common in young people whose jaws are still growing, though the teeth can shift for a few different reasons throughout a person’s lifespan, and, in many cases, more than one of these causes will work together to lead to shifting teeth.
In childhood and adolescence, the most common cause of teeth shifting is failure to wear a retainer following orthodontic treatments like braces. Following orthodontic treatment, especially in younger people, the oral tissues are particularly susceptible to pressures and forces, which is why orthodontists recommend that patients use a retainer to help the teeth anchor in place as the bone and gum tissues heal and settle. Failing to wear a retainer as directed could allow the teeth to shift out of place and negate or nearly negate the benefits of orthodontia.
There are other causes of teeth shifting, too, and these can affect any person at any age. Periodontal disease, which is characterized by inflammation or infection in the jawbone, gums, and oral connective tissues, can weaken the oral tissues and make the teeth more prone to mobility. As the connective tissues and bone continue to deteriorate as periodontal disease progresses, the teeth become increasingly mobile and can eventually fall out. As people age, their facial bones also continue to change, diminishing and weakening throughout the lifespan. It’s not uncommon for a person’s lower jaw to narrow and shift forward as they age, causing the lower teeth to overlap and affecting the way the upper and lower rows of teeth meet while biting, which can create gaps in the upper teeth while crowding the lower teeth. Other parts of a person’s face also change as they age, and pressures from these anatomical changes can also cause the positioning of the teeth to slowly shift. Additionally, any time a person loses a natural tooth, the adjacent teeth become more susceptible to shifting into the newly formed space.
Teeth grinding and clenching can also cause the teeth to shift. Habitual clenching and grinding, called bruxism, can happen while sleeping or as a response to stress and is usually done unconsciously. The excessive pressures bruxism places on the teeth can cause them to shift in various directions when the habit is allowed to continue over time. The best way to stop the teeth from shifting because of grinding or clenching is to use mouthguards and stress-reduction techniques to protect the teeth while reducing or eliminating the habit itself. While you may not be able to stop your face from changing shape, you can address the problems of shifting teeth in a number of different ways, each of which depends on the cause of the problem. Your dentist and orthodontist can review your options with you, and adhering to their recommendations, like wearing a retainer after orthodontic treatment, can help your teeth from shifting and maintain your symmetrical, functional smile.
If you have shifting teeth, reach out today to learn about Invisalign treatment.