Symptoms of Shifting or Shifted Teeth
Because we see ourselves in the mirror pretty often, usually every day, we might not notice gradual changes to our appearance, like shifting or shifted teeth. It can be pretty disconcerting, however, to notice crooked or misaligned teeth seemingly all of a sudden, especially if you’ve invested a fair amount of time and money in orthodontic treatment like braces. Even when people haven’t had any orthodontic treatment, it’s not uncommon for the teeth to shift toward the front of the mouth over time, though these shifts are often so minor and incremental as to be largely unnoticed – that is, until they’re not. Thankfully, there are treatments available to stop or prevent the teeth from shifting, and there are ways to determine whether the teeth are shifting or have shifted before the results of this movement are too significant.
Some of the symptoms of shifting or shifted teeth are more visible than others. The most noticeable symptom of teeth shifting is a misaligned or shifted midline. The midline of the teeth is the line between the front teeth on the top and bottom rows. When the teeth and jaws are even and aligned properly, this line is continuous, running straight through the two upper and lower teeth and, if continued visually, bisecting the nose and the space between the eyes and eyebrows and providing symmetry to the smile. If the line between the upper front teeth doesn’t match with the line between the lower front teeth, or if this line doesn’t symmetrically bisect the other facial features, this midline shift could be an early sign that the teeth have started to shift.
Sometimes, teeth shift because of periodontal disease or other problems with the health of the oral tissues. One of the first signs of periodontal disease is bleeding gums, which are often accompanied by visible inflammation and swelling in the gums. If you notice that your gums are inflamed or bleeding, or if you see gaps beginning to appear between any of your teeth, see your dentist, as these can also be early indications that precipitate teeth shifting and also often indicate the presence of destructive periodontal disease, which can wreak havoc on the oral health if left untreated. Tooth pain and sensitivity can also indicate that the teeth are shifting.
If you have had braces and notice that your retainer has become unusually uncomfortable or feels like it doesn’t fit anymore, this could be a sign that your teeth have shifted out of alignment following orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist can readjust your teeth, though additional orthodontic treatment will probably be necessary; this is why it’s so important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for aftercare and follow-up after treatment.
Because the teeth shift slowly and gradually, their movement may not cause pain or discomfort, though the periodontal problems that often come with shifting teeth can be painful and unpleasant. Without professional intervention, these periodontal problems are likely to cause considerable complications, which could include dramatic misalignment of the teeth or jaw and might also result in the loss of teeth and deterioration of facial bone. The best way to prevent such issues, and to help the teeth stay securely where they belong, is to follow your dentist’s and orthodontist’s instructions for at-home care and hygiene, to see your dentist regularly for professional checkups and cleanings, and to see a dental professional right away if you notice any symptoms of gum disease, periodontal concerns, or shifting or shifted teeth.
If you have shifting teeth, reach out today to learn about Invisalign treatment.