Shifting teeth are more common than you think. Even after braces, movement in your teeth is gradual and it happens to just about everyone. In some cases, this shifting needs corrected. If the movement is significant it can lead to an uncomfortable bite, jaw pain and headaches.
While it is normal for teeth to move and shift throughout life, here are a few extra causes of shifting teeth:
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Age: when teeth just shift over time it is very gradual. You won’t wake up one morning and not recognize your smile. Without any other factors it is normal for teeth to gradually shift towards the front of your mouth. If this happens quickly or aggressively it leads to overcrowding.
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Enamel: loss of enamel from erosion or decay can change the shape of the tooth. If a tooth shape changes it leaves room for change in your smile.
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Decay: If decay is severe enough it leads to chipped, broken or lost teeth. That extra space in your mouth will cause your teeth to shift if you don’t get a proper crown or implant.
Preventing Shifting
Like every other dental problem, your best prevention is proper hygiene. Preventing decay and enamel loss helps to keep your shifting teeth to a normal, sustainable rate. And make sure you always let your dentist know if you notice anything out of the ordinary. Your dentist needs to know if:
- Your bite feels misaligned
- You have any discomfort
- A tooth chips or breaks
In most cases, your dentist can repair the decay or damage to prevent shifting from occurring.
Correcting Shifting
Most cases of shifting teeth do not require a big fix. However, an orthodontist will have to step in if the shifting is severe. Your dentist will refer you to a specialist if your teeth have shifted so far to cause a painful, unnatural bite or overcrowding.
Let Eagle Rock Dental Care take care of you. If you are feeling any discomfort or feeling as though something is off, let’s get you in our chair. Our trained professionals care and are here to help you in any way that they can. Contact us at any of our three offices in Southeastern Idaho, or simply request your appointment online.
