Why do teeth shift?

While there are a variety of reasons that may cause your teeth to shift, here are some of the most common:  

• Aging 

  • As you age, your cheeks and lips do too, and this can impact your teeth. Lips, for example, get thinner and tighter as you grow older. That means more pressure on your teeth and—surprise!—added crowding.

• Teeth grinding 

  • Typically occurring at night, teeth grinding puts pressure on your teeth that can cause your teeth to become misaligned.

• Changes to your jaw

  • Your jaw actually never stops growing forward. This can cause your lower teeth to jut up against your upper teeth lower lip. The width of your jaw also shrinks over time, which can crowd your teeth even more.

• Periodontal Disease

  • Crowded or teeth with spaces lead to Inflammation of your gums and bone due to periodontal disease can weaken your teeth, which can cause them to shift.

If you suspect that your teeth are shifting, take our Smile Assessment to get started today.

Teeth Shifting Symptoms

You may or may not experience teeth shifting symptoms, but here are some of the telltale signs: 

• Bleeding gums

• Gaps in your teeth

• Teeth sensitivity

• Retainers not fitting properly

The importance of having straighter teeth goes beyond physical appearance. Straighter teeth can also have a number of positive health benefits.

How to stop teeth from shifting 

There’s a lot you can do to help correct teeth shifting and prevent your teeth from moving in the wrong direction down the line.

Treat shifting with clear aligners

Wearing clear aligners can help correct the misalignment and shifting of your teeth by applying targeted pressure to your teeth. That pressure slowly moves your teeth into alignment based on your doctor’s prescription. Not only is the Motto process simple but many of our patients complete treatment in less than 6 months.¹

Practice good oral hygiene

Using good oral hygiene can help prevent further periodontal degradation (loss) leading to teeth shifting and infections. Create an oral routine that’s easy to stick to every day. Brush and floss on a regular basis and make sure you use toothpaste with fluoride. These everyday habits, along with routine visits to your dentist, can go a long way in protecting your gums and bones.

Overcome poor oral habits 

To help prevent further damage from teeth grinding or clenching, consider wearing a night guard or retainer. Do you bite your nails when you’re nervous? Nail biting or chewing on any foreign objects not only damages your teeth, but it can cause them to shift which can lead to malocclusions.

Straighten teeth shifting out

Teeth shifting is a process that is completely natural as you get older. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept it. Motto clear aligners can help you get your smile back on track and protect it for years to come. Book your free scan today. 

Disclaimers:

¹Average patient treatment plan lasts 5.4 months. Results may vary.