Straight teeth not only look great, but they can also give you a healthier bite. You may revel in the comfort and confidence of your smile, but what if you notice that it’s slowly starting to shift? It may be headed toward misalignment, and you might be wondering why this is the case. Keep reading to learn some common reasons for this happening and how an orthodontic treatment can help you.
What Can Cause Teeth to Shift?
Before you can start your journey toward an aesthetic grin, it’s important to understand why your teeth started shifting in the first place. Here are some culprits:
- Your Jaw Changed Naturally: Over time, the structure of your face and jaw will start to change. As you age, you may notice new gaps or experience crowding.
- Bruxism: This is a subconscious habit where you grind or clench your teeth while you are sleeping. You may wear down your enamel faster, but it can also cause some dental movement.
- Periodontal Disease: An infection in your gums can destroy your soft and bone tissue, causing shifting. It can even lead to tooth loss when left untreated.
- Missing Teeth: If you have an empty space, your nearby teeth will naturally move to close it if it’s not replaced.
- Tongue Thrust: Many people involuntarily push their tongue against their teeth when they swallow, talk, or rest. This force gradually moves a smile.
- Orthodontic Relapse: If you had braces or the like in the past and didn’t wear your retainer, then your grin can shift back to its original position.
Is There Anything I Can Do About Shifting Teeth?
While misaligned teeth may not look the best, they can also impact your oral health. A reliable solution for them is with ClearCorrect or Powerprox Six Month Braces. The former service uses clear aligners to correct your bite, while the latter uses tooth-colored wires and brackets. Talking to your dentist about either of these options can help you understand what you can expect from an orthodontic treatment.
Both options are great choices; it just depends on what issues need to be corrected. In the end, you will be well on your smile-straightening journey. To help you avoid any delays, you can also keep up with your oral hygiene and routine visits. That way, your dentist can catch any dental problems that get in the way of your confident grin.
About the Practice
At Rancho Park Dental Group, you benefit from the compassionate leadership of Dr. Nicole Sassounian and Dr. Albert Silvera. We are proud to help the Los Angeles community get an aligned set of teeth that they feel better in through an orthodontic treatment. Through a thorough consultation, we can find the right option for you and be with you every step of the way. If you have gaps or a crooked smile, schedule an appointment or call our office at (310) 575-0886.