Can Shifting Teet be Corrected?
If you or your dentist have noticed teeth shifting you are probably concerned with how to make it stop. There is only so much you can do, as at the end of the day some movement is to be expected. Your tissues are alive, blood pumps through them, and this makes the semi-malleable, like any other organ in your body. However, you need to recognize what movement is par for the course and what movement is detrimental to your dental health. This is when it is most important to consult with your dental care team to find solutions.
Why are my teeth shifting?
This is the question you will need to ask your dentist. If the shifting is due to disease, you have to treat the disease and then address the shift. If it is due to tooth loss, you have to address what caused the tooth loss, investigate replacement options, and then address the shift. Here are a few usual suspects in the investigation of teeth shifting
Common Causes of Shifting Teeth
Tooth Extraction- If one your teeth is removed it is like removing a jenga block, sometimes the structure is fine and sometimes it is compromised. The ergonomic structure of your jaw and teeth placement can be fragile, and removing a tooth from this structure can open up the opportunity for more teeth to shift or move out of place. This is especially true if the underlying disease or infection which caused the original tooth extraction is still being treated.
Infection- Infection is very popular in dental patients. Maintaining perfect dental hygiene is difficult, and even then disease can find its way into the mouth. If infection is plaguing the underlying tissues within your gums, the root structures are weakened and overtime this allows slight to moderate movement of the teeth. Once this weakness is compromised, it gives way to more movement, and more pressure on other teeth to move with different forces exerted.
Orthodontic Work- Sometimes after months of years of strategic force placed on a tooth to move it into place, the tooth will begin to move back to its original space. There is only so much to do here, besides try again or accept the placement.
Jaw Changes- As we grow our jaw changes shape. Sometimes it grows, or becomes more defined, sometimes it shrinks. With it, the structures of our teeth have to change as well.
Correcting Shifting Teeth
Begin with a visit to your dentist. They will be able to determine, through x rays and treatment, which of the underlying causes is leading to shifting teeth. They can then recommend further options like
Tooth Replacement- Some patients opt for dental implants, dentures, bridges, veneers, and number of tooth replacement options. Many of these can help to reinforce the placement and spacing of teeth in the mouth, and implants can integrate with the jaw and strengthen it.
Orthodontic Work- Orthodontic work can shift teeth into more desired or original spaces. This would include braces or retainer work with a licensed orthodontist who can monitor your progress and make recommendations.