Are your teeth moving? Find out why and how to stop it

Have you noticed that your teeth aren’t in the same position they once were? Maybe you had orthodontic treatment, but your teeth don’t seem as aligned as they used to be.

Teeth shifting is more common than you might think, and there are several possible causes behind it. Recognising the signs of shifting teeth and addressing the issue early is crucial to preventing further oral health problems.

In this blog, we’ll discover what causes teeth to shift and the steps you should take to realign your teeth or keep them from moving further.

How to spot the signs your teeth are shifting.

If you’ve noticed your smile looks different than normal, you may be asking yourself, “Are my teeth shifting?” We’re here to outline the key signs that indicate that your teeth are shifting.

Here are some telltale signs that your teeth are moving:

• Overlapping teeth: If you had aligned teeth before, you may now notice some overlapping or crowding.
• Gaps: Your teeth may also move away from each other, causing gaps (also called diastemas) to form.
• Pain or discomfort: Teeth shifting can, of course, cause some pain or discomfort.

Understanding these signs is important to prevent your teeth from shifting further and protect your oral health.

Why are my teeth moving? Understanding what causes teeth to shift.

Your teeth can shift for a variety of reasons, and understanding these causes is key to maintaining good oral health. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why are my teeth moving?” this article will explain what causes teeth to shift and how to address it.

Can teeth start shifting after extraction or wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, teeth can shift after an extraction or you may find that they’ve shifted after wisdom teeth removal. If you don’t treat the gap from an extracted tooth, the surrounding teeth may gradually shift into the space. To prevent shifted teeth after an extraction, dentists usually recommend follow-up care such as retainers or spacers.

Can teeth start moving if you have spacing issues?

As mentioned above, if you have gaps or spacing in your teeth, the surrounding teeth will likely start shifting toward the gaps. You should discuss treatment options with your dentist to fill the gap in your teeth or prevent them from shifting further.

Do teeth start shifting after braces or aligners?

Teeth can start shifting post-orthodontic treatments with braces or aligners. To maintain the alignment of your teeth, you should wear retainers for the duration recommended by your dentist.

Do your teeth move as you get older?

Yes, because of changes in the body as you age, your teeth do move as you get older. With age, gums, jawbone and surrounding tissue can become weaker, which can lead to teeth moving gradually. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene are key to keeping your mouth healthy as you age.

Are there other factors that can lead to teeth moving?

Yes, there are additional factors other than those mentioned above that can cause teeth to shift, such as conditions like bruxism or hormonal changes in the body.

Bruxism, which is the act of clenching or grinding teeth, can cause the enamel to wear down and the teeth to shift over time. If you have bruxism, you should consult with a dental professional about treatment options so that you can prevent any further oral health problems from occurring.

Additionally, hormonal changes in the body such as during pregnancy or menopause can contribute to teeth shifting. Regular dental check-ups are important during this time to catch changes and get treatment if needed.

How to stop your teeth from shifting.

There are several precautions you can take to help prevent your teeth from moving, such as addressing bruxism, finding solutions for gaps, and maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine. Below, we’ve outlined some key recommendations on how to stop teeth from shifting.

Do retainers stop teeth from moving?

Yes, retainers do play a crucial role in stopping teeth from moving, especially after orthodontic treatment. After treatment with braces or aligners, teeth can start shifting back to their original positions due to the elasticity of surrounding tissues. Retainers help stabilise your teeth until the surrounding bone and gums adjust to the changes. Wearing your retainer is essential for maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment and preventing future teeth movement.

How regular dental check-ups can prevent teeth from shifting.

Regular dental check-ups are essential to prevent teeth from moving as your dentist can monitor your oral health and detect early signs of movement. They can also identify issues that may eventually lead to your teeth becoming misaligned and treat them promptly. Overall, routine check-ups help detect problems early and provide solutions to keep your teeth aligned.

What to do if you notice that your teeth have shifted?

If you notice that your teeth have shifted, particularly after having orthodontic treatment with braces, here you can find out how to fix them.

First, schedule an appointment with your dentist to assess the extent of the movement and determine the best treatment option for you. There may also be underlying causes that your dentist can help identify and treat. If the shift is significant and affects your oral health, your dentist may suggest further treatment with braces or aligners.

How Impress can help realign shifted teeth

If your teeth have shifted and you want to realign them for a healthier smile and more confidence, Impress offers a solution. Impress clear aligners are a comfortable, discreet alternative to traditional braces, with visible results in as little as 6 months.

To discover more about Impress clear aligner treatments and to find out about other treatments we offer, pay our team a visit at your nearest Impress clinic. You can also book a free orthodontic evaluation online, by calling us at +44 20 3808 1072 or via WhatsApp.