Many people believe that once you reach adulthood and have all of your permanent teeth, that your mouth will look as it does for the rest of your life. This is a common misconception! In this blog we will discuss how and why adult teeth can shift over time.
What Causes Adult Teeth to Move?
Like with other parts of your body, things are always changing as you go through life. Your nose and ears never stop growing! In the case of your teeth and jaws, the changes can be caused by a few different reasons.
One reason that can cause your teeth to shift as you age is the loss of bone density in your jaws. Over time, repeated pressure can affect the density of your bones in your mouth. If you are someone who clenches your jaw a lot, or grinds your teeth, these can help contribute to bone density loss. Losing bone density is also a natural part of aging. Many adults will find that their bones become weaker as they age, this is also why it is so easy for elderly individuals to break their bones.
A second reason that can cause teeth to shift over time is repetitive movements. Like mentioned above, grinding teeth can cause pressure and affect bone density, this can also cause shifting from repetitive movements. Improper chewing habits can also lead to teeth shifting over time.
Gum recession and gum disease can influence your teeth to shift. Gums are an essential part of oral health that help protect and support your teeth. If your gums are not being properly cared for and cleaned, they can become weaker and shrink, leaving your teeth more vulnerable.
Tooth loss can cause your teeth to shift. If you have lost a tooth as an adult, the resulting gap will cause your other teeth to move. This is because your body naturally wants to fill in any openings.
Can We Prevent Teeth Shifting?
There are a few ways to prevent your teeth from shifting as an adult. Regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and checkups will be an essential part of this prevention.They can keep track of how your teeth sit in your mouth. They will help keep your teeth and gums clean. If you have had braces or Invisalign earlier in your life, making sure you wear your retainers is also an essential part of preventing your teeth from moving. If you have never had orthodontic care.
Adult Orthodontics
If your teeth have started shifting and you would like the to return into their natural straighter position, you can always visit an orthodontist! There are many adults who choose to have braces or use Invisalign to straighten their smile. Following this, you will receive a retainer that you can wear every night to help maintain the straightened position of your teeth.
If you are interested in starting orthodontics as an adult, Green Valley Ranch is happy to help! You can book a consultation with us here!