Why teeth shift and what can be done about it

Article written byElite Dental Group

As a person ages, they may notice gaps and overlapping. Teeth can shift for many reasons even if the person has worn braces and a retainer when they were young. Some of the main reasons include:

Periodontal disease – Periodontal disease refers to an illness that affects the gum and bone beneath a person’s teeth. As a person’s gums weaken their teeth will start to move and loosen.

Jawbone changes – A person’s facial bones continue to change as they get older. As people age, their lower jaw grows forward and starts to narrow. As the lower jaw narrows teeth can crowd and overlap.

Teeth grinding – Grinding teeth at night is a symptom of stress. Teeth grinding breaks, chips, and flattens teeth. This unnatural pressure also causes teeth to shift.

Tooth loss – Tooth loss because of injuries, dental decay, gum disease, and other causes, can leave gaps that cause teeth to move.

skipping a retainer – A retainer is key after wearing braces as it ensures that a person’s teeth stay in place.

Adjusting and aligning teeth, will not only strengthen your teeth they will help keep teeth clean while ensuring a well-balanced smile. There are many options dentists can offer to reduce the effects of shifting teeth.

Firstly, make oral health a priority by brushing twice daily and flossing before bed. If teeth grinding is a concern a mouthguard can protect your teeth while you sleep. Additionally, adult teeth can be aligned using discreet aligners which strengthen teeth within a short time.   

Dr. Andre Eliasian is one of the leading dentists in oral surgery in Glendale CA. His clinic offers several services which include fillings, tooth extractions, and complex oral surgeries. If you are looking for wisdom tooth extraction in Glendale or dental implants in Glendale call for an appointment.