Post Braces & Wisdom Teeth Removal with Shifting Teeth
It’s completely normal for a person’s teeth to shift slightly over their lifespan, as bone and tissues shift and change, though sometimes, the teeth can shift more significantly, migrating into crooked positions that cause problems with the bite, hygiene challenges, and aches and pains in the teeth and jaw. There are several causes for this problematic shifting of teeth, which can include braces and orthodontia, bone growth or deterioration, missing teeth, gum disease, and continuously applied pressure like that of chronic tooth grinding or clenching. Two of the more common catalysts for teeth shifting are braces, and tooth extraction, including wisdom tooth extraction.
Braces apply pressure to the teeth to gradually push them into their ideal alignment, correcting problems with alignment, crowding, and the evenness of the bite. Using metal brackets and a series of wires and elastics, orthodontists can significantly modify the arrangement of the teeth; for less dramatic changes, some patients may choose to use invisible aligners or less invasive methods. Each of these orthodontic treatments temporarily compromises the stability of the teeth, weakening the oral tissues as the teeth move. This is why orthodontists recommend that patients wear retainers following orthodontic treatment: retainers hold the newly redesigned teeth in place while the bone and oral tissues heal following treatment, helping the teeth anchor into their new positions. Some patients receive permanent retainers, which are bonded to the teeth, while other retainers are removable. When patients fail to follow their orthodontists’ instructions for wearing their removable retainer, or if their bonded retainer loosens or becomes damaged or a wire breaks, the teeth can slowly migrate out of alignment, undoing the benefits orthodontic treatment provides. It’s imperative to see your orthodontist for recommended follow-up appointments, in addition to following other instructions for aftercare following braces, and you should make sure to inform your orthodontist if you have any issues with your retainers or if a permanent retainer becomes damaged or detached.
Another reason the teeth might shift is because of tooth extraction. The most common dental extraction procedure is wisdom teeth extraction, which can help reduce the likelihood of crowding, gum disease, and dental abscess. However, any time a tooth is extracted, the remaining teeth can be expected to migrate, filling in the space left by the missing tooth. Your dentist and oral surgeon will assess the alignment and position of all of your teeth when determining the best approach to wisdom tooth extraction. In many cases, dental shifting after wisdom teeth extraction can help overcrowded teeth fit more comfortably in the mouth as the teeth spread out more evenly. While the teeth might move slightly, it is unlikely that gaps or misalignment will result from wisdom teeth extraction, which instead relieves the pressures that can lead to gaps or misalignment and helps the teeth return to their normal, ideal positions. Following aftercare recommendations, including recommendations for continued effective oral hygiene, will help your jaw and other oral tissues return to health following wisdom teeth extraction, allowing them to effectively support the remaining teeth as they settle into place. If you notice anything amiss as you recover from wisdom teeth extraction, see your dentist right away.