Teeth Shifting: Common Causes and Treatment

Have your once straight teeth begun to shift out of place? Or maybe you’ve always struggled with crowded or gapped teeth, but the problem has worsened recently. Either way, teeth shifting is extremely common, but not entirely ideal, especially since it could be a sign of trouble. That’s why an orthodontist in Heath is sharing the common causes and which treatment options are available!

4 Common Causes of Teeth Shifting

In a perfect world, your teeth would grow in perfectly straight and remain in place throughout the years. Unfortunately, illness, poor habits, and genetics often prevent that from happening. Here are a few potential culprits of your shifting teeth:

• Tongue thrust – When you swallow, your tongue involuntarily moves forward, pushing against your teeth. While this may initially seem inconsequential, the force can gradually create a gap between your front teeth. Over time, it can result in movement that negatively impacts your smile.
• Gum disease – When the condition of your teeth, gum tissue, and jawbone is compromised by a condition like gum disease, it can wreak havoc on your oral health. In addition to leaving you vulnerable to inflamed gums and loose teeth, this serious health concern can also result in your teeth shifting out of place.
• Tooth loss – With over 170 million Americans struggling with tooth loss, it’s safe to say this is a widespread concern. If the gap isn’t replaced quickly with restorations like a dental bridge or dental implant, the adjacent teeth can begin to drift into the open space.
• Natural aging – Throughout your lifetime, your jawbone gradually shifts forward. Eventually, this process can push your upper teeth out of place, causing them to become misaligned. Your teeth can also become loose, which shifts your bite and negatively affects the aesthetic of your smile.

How Your Orthodontist Can Help

Fortunately, whatever the root of your shifting teeth may be, there is a solution: orthodontics. Both traditional braces and discreet alternatives, like Invisalign, are designed to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal position, leaving crooked and gapped teeth in the past. In addition to creating a completely custom treatment plan, your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer, which is designed to preserve your hard-earned results for decades to come!

Whether your teeth are just starting to drift out of place or you have been wanting straighter teeth for years, there is no time like the present to schedule an initial consultation with an orthodontist. That way, you can achieve the dream smile you’ve always wanted and preserve it for years to come!

About the Practice

Wigal Orthodontics is a family-owned practice founded on personalized care, exemplary service, and beautiful smiles. Dr. Timothy Wigal and our team know straight teeth can improve your smile, bite, and speech, which is why we go above and beyond to deliver an end result that is as gorgeous as it is functional. If you are currently looking for an orthodontist in Mt. Vernon, don’t hesitate to visit our website!