{"id":111,"date":"2021-08-04T14:47:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-04T14:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smiledmd.com\/blog\/?p=111"},"modified":"2021-09-28T14:48:43","modified_gmt":"2021-09-28T14:48:43","slug":"why-are-teeth-shifting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smiledmd.com\/blog\/why-are-teeth-shifting\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Are My Teeth Shifting?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Everyone knows that your body changes over time, but did you know that your teeth can change too? Although it might not seem obvious, they gradually shift throughout your life. Even if you\u2019ve had orthodontic treatment or some other dental work, your pearly whites will continue to move ever so slightly. In most cases, people don\u2019t realize until there\u2019s a significant change in movement. Read along to learn what causes teeth shifting and how your dentist can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Do Teeth Move?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several reasons why teeth move, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aging is one of the most common causes behind shifting teeth. Over the years, the jaw muscles, ligaments, and tissues become weak along with the rest of the body. Your pearly whites can turn loose and shift your bite. And since your lips get thinner as you age, they contract and create pressure on the outside of your bite, pushing teeth inward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Do you grind your teeth at night? It\u2019s much more common than you realize! Most people do it unconsciously, causing unexplained shifts in their bite. Along with teeth shifting, bruxism can also lead to enamel reduction and changes to the shape of teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis or gum disease can destroy the gum tissue and jawbone, causing teeth to move. It\u2019s crucial to catch periodontal disease as early as possible to prevent it from spreading and becoming life-threatening. Keep an eye out for symptoms like red, swollen, tender, inflamed, or bleeding gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jaw Movement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As we get older, our jaw structure changes as well. The jawbones tend to move forward throughout a person\u2019s life, contributing to tooth movement. When the teeth become misaligned, it alters the bite and eventually leads to the development of gaps in the upper teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tooth Loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Did you lose a tooth from an injury, illness, or mere aging? A gap causes your remaining teeth to naturally shift over time to fill the space left by a missing tooth. This movement can also affect bite alignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Your Dentist Can Correct Shifting Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Are you unhappy with the way your teeth have moved? Don\u2019t worry \u2013 your dentist can address your concerns with orthodontic treatment. Here are two ways you can achieve a straight smile once again:<\/p>\n\n\n\n