It is not a happy feeling at all to look in the mirror and see your smile looks nothing like it used to. Crowded teeth, gaps, or overlaps may stare back at you. Stay calm. There is no need to panic. Ask your dentist or orthodontist and he or she will likely tell you that it is common for teeth to shift out of alignment. You may even get some quick tips on how to prevent teeth shifting in order to preserve your bite and smile.
Why Are My Teeth Shifting?
Those wanting to know how to prevent teeth shifting often wonder why it’s happening in the first place. An important thing to remember about teeth shifting is that teeth can move out of proper alignment whether you wore braces or not. And, there are some common culprits to blame. Here is a list of reasons why teeth gradually move in different directions:
- Tooth loss
- Lip aging
- Teeth grinding
- Skipping a retainer
- Jawbone growth/development
- Periodontal disease (gum disease)
4 Important Tips on How to Prevent Teeth Shifting
There are several options available to prevent teeth shifting. Your options may also depend on how much shifting has occurred. But you may already know that getting braces is an excellent way to restore a well-aligned formation of teeth.
#1: Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining your oral health through daily brushing and flossing helps minimize the chance of gum disease and tooth loss. If you’re ever tempted to skip flossing, remember that flossing removes trapped food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw bone loss.
#2: Control Teeth Grinding
Many people grind their teeth out of habit because of stress or while sleeping. You can control grinding or clenching your teeth by wearing a mouthguard or nightguard during sleep. Your orthodontist may recommend a customized nightguard made of a material similar to your retainer.
#3: Get Braces
As you comb through dental articles online on how to prevent teeth shifting, you’ll eventually see that orthodontic treatment is an option. Adults and teens can get braces to close gaps, prevent overcrowding, improve bite problems, and reduce shifting. Whether it’s the traditional wire and bracket braces or a different kind, you will be on your way to properly aligned teeth and a straight smile.
#4: Wear Your Retainer!
Your orthodontist may warn you to wear a retainer as teeth can move once braces are off. Retainers are the most reliable way to keep your teeth in place after braces. Retainers are usually removable and are worn at nights, so there’s no need to stress about your appearance. Even if you require fixed or permanent retainers, they are worth the while.
#4: Schedule Routine Teeth Cleaning
Every now again your teeth need professional teeth cleaning or even fluoride treatments. The reason you should have your dentist clean your pearly whites at least twice a year is to get rid of built-up tartar and plaque at the back of the mouth or other hard-to-reach areas. Your dentist will use specially-designed dental tools to clean your teeth in ways standard toothbrushes and floss cannot. Your dentist may also recommend gum disease treatment, fillings, root canal, or dental implants to replace missing teeth.
Ask How Lovett Dental Vintage Park Can Improve Your Smile
Teeth shifting can change your overall bite or even cause jaw or neck pain. Get the shift in your smile under control by contacting our orthodontist at Lovett Dental Vintage Park. Call 832-843-6776 to schedule an appointment today. Ask about our specialty services for adults and pediatric dentistry for kids and teens.
