What Makes Teeth Move from Their Positions Over Time?

As much as any former orthodontic patient would love to believe that their teeth will always stay in place after they complete their treatment, this is sadly not the case. The human mouth will continue to develop and change shape with age, and this can cause teeth to shift out of alignment over time. This happens for a variety of reasons and can sometimes lead to oral health issues. Here’s why your teeth may have shifted out of place along with a few things you can do about it.

What Can Cause My Teeth to Shift Over Time?

Your teeth can drift out of place over time for a variety of reasons. A few of these include:

The Aging Process

As you age, your jaw and facial structure will gradually change. Years of use can cause muscles to grow weaker, and your bones will lose density. At the same time, the tissue connecting the teeth to your jaws will weaken as well, causing them to loosen and shift positions. These changes can cause your teeth to become crowded or new gaps to form in your smile, and the process can be so slow and subtle that you won’t even notice it for a long time.

Bruxism

Many people grind their teeth while awake or involuntarily in their sleep as a stress response. Over time, this will wear down the teeth and chip away at their enamel, which will eventually change the way they bite together. This shifting bite can often lead to TMJ issues as well as neck pain, headaches, or backaches.

How Can I Straighten Out My Smile Again?

Luckily, there are things you can do to regain your beautiful alignment. Even if you’ve had one before, a round of orthodontic treatment can straighten out your teeth. Traditional metal braces are an incredibly reliable teeth-straightening method, but Invisalign can realign your teeth using removable clear aligners that allow you to enjoy any food or drinks you like. As long as you wear your retainer afterward, you can expect your teeth to stay in a proper alignment for the long run.

There are things you can do to keep your teeth in shape as you age. Consulting with your orthodontist can determine which treatment is right for you.

About the Practice

Serenity Orthodontics is dedicated to straightening out smiles from six locations in Cumming, Braselton, Roswell, Jonesboro, and Suwanee, GA. Led by Drs. Susan Podray-Donovan, Kylie Lewis, and Karolina Grochowska, the staff is dedicated to making orthodontic treatments comfortable and effective for patients of all ages. Areas of expertise include traditional orthodontics, Invisalign clear aligners, and dentofacial orthopedics. To schedule an orthodontic consultation, contact the office online.