The human body is constantly changing. As we age, we grow bigger, our features become more refined, and we accessorize and customize ourselves in a variety of ways. While we have great control over some of these changes, others occur whether we’d like them to or not. One frustrating, undesirable change that some encounter is shifting teeth. It’s not always obvious what causes teeth to move out of their original positions over time. Here’s a closer look at some of the possible causes of shifting teeth, along with how a professional intervention can address the issue.
5 Possible Causes of Shifting Teeth
There are numerous reasons for teeth shifting out of place, but five of the most common explanations include:
- Bruxism – Also known as teeth grinding or jaw clenching, this condition usually occurs at nighttime while you are asleep. It can lead to dental misalignment as well as worn enamel, changes to the shape of your teeth, and discomfort in the joints that connect the lower jaw to the rest of the skull (your temporomandibular joints).
- Gum Disease – Gum disease poses a big threat to your oral health, and it can cause your teeth to move out of place. Untreated gum disease can progress into periodontitis, an advanced form of the illness that can deteriorate your bone and the overlying gum tissue. This may cause your teeth to loosen and move around. Gum disease is usually caused by chronically poor oral hygiene (including avoiding floss) and may require the intervention of a gum specialist (a periodontist) to correct and manage.
- Tongue Thrust – This condition occurs when a patient pushes their tongue forward against their teeth. It can happen while speaking, eating, or even sleeping. This excess force can gradually create gaps between the teeth.
- Aging – We like to imagine that our teeth are these ivory monuments that are set in a stone foundation. However, our teeth, and the jaw bones that support them, are flesh and blood just like the rest of our bodies. Just as your skin will lose its elasticity and sag as you age, your teeth will show their age over time by moving into new positions. It’s well-studied that the degree of crowding of the six lower anterior (front) teeth tends to increase with each decade of life.
- Physical Trauma – It’s also possible that getting hit in the face or mouth can lead to dental issues, including teeth shifting out of place. Sometimes these injuries can partially extrude a tooth. Other times, teeth can become entirely displaced (which may lead to further tooth movement). For this reason, mouthguards should be worn during sports and intense physical activity.
How Your Orthodontist Can Help
If you suspect that your teeth have shifted, you’ll want to have a consultation with your orthodontist. The shifting issue is not going to resolve itself! In fact, it may continue to worsen without professional intervention. The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the shifting and the underlying cause.
Ways that shifted teeth can be resolved include traditional orthodontic options like metal braces, clear aligners, or oral appliance therapy. Rest easy knowing that your issue can be easily handled with the help of your orthodontist, and you can go back to sporting your best, healthiest smile!
About the Practice
The talented team at Grayslake Orthodontics has proudly served the needs of families in the Grayslake, IL community for years under the leadership of Dr. Ben Youel. They’re thrilled to offer a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including traditional metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and other solutions. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, feel free to contact the team online or over the phone for assistance. Telephone: (847) 548-4330.
