4 Reasons Your Teeth May Have Shifted
If your teeth have shifted over time and your smile and alignment is no longer the way it once was, then there are several potential causes. No matter how it happened, it can cause dental issues over time. In some cases, the cause is natural and there isn’t much you can do about it. In other instances, there are steps we can take to minimize shifting and the consequences of shifting. Read on to learn about four of the reasons your teeth may have shifted and then make an appointment with California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to get a dentist’s perspective.
- It may be your age
- Your wisdom teeth may be growing in
- Dental work can shift your teeth
- You had braces and didn’t use a retainer
Eventually, every part of your body is going to be impacted by aging – including your teeth. When you get older, you may notice your teeth crowding toward the front of your mouth. We refer to this as the “mesial drift.” It’s very normal but we know it can be frustrating – especially after a lifetime of straight and aligned teeth.
If your wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow, then they can shift the rest of a person’s teeth. If you had braces before your wisdom teeth came in, then you should talk to your dentist about how your teeth are likely to be impacted. In many cases, people simply have their wisdom teeth removed so that these issues don’t affect their smile.
In some cases, going to the dentist and having dental work done can eventually lead to your teeth shifting. One example is having a cavity filled. When you do, it could affect your bite and the way your teeth crowd. It all depends on how severe the amount of tooth decay is. If it’s advanced, then advanced intervention will be necessary, which may include removing a large part of the tooth. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you brush and floss regularly, and that you’re getting dental exams and cleanings on a regular basis.
If you previously had braces or another orthopedic option to straight your teeth, got a retainer when it was done, and didn’t wear it, then your teeth may have shifted back. If this is what happened, just give California Dental Group a call at (800) 407-0161 and let us know. We’ll find the best way to correct the situation.
There are several options to repair your teeth
If your teeth have shifted due to any of the issues above, then there may be options to fix the problem. For example, you could get braces or Invisalign to straighten your teeth. If you are dealing with wisdom teeth that are crowding out your other teeth, then they can be removed. If you’re concerned about your bite or the alignment of your teeth then we recommend you call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment with a local dentist.
