How to Deal With Shifting Teeth – 5 Options For Florida Residents

October 17, 2024

Have you noticed your smile subtly changing? If a swift glance in the mirror leaves you startled because your teeth don’t quite look the same, you may be experiencing shifting teeth. This common issue can affect your bite, lead to discomfort, and impact your oral health. But understanding why this happens and knowing how to stop your teeth from shifting can help you regain confidence in your smile. We’re here to explain what’s happening, outline your options, and highlight what to avoid.

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How To Spot Teeth Shifting – Early Signs

While a shifting smile might not be immediately noticeable, there are signs you can look for to identify the issue before it progresses too far:

  • Changes in your bite or how your teeth fit together.
  • New gaps between teeth or increased crowding.
  • Discomfort when chewing or speaking.
  • Difficulty flossing between certain teeth.
  • Visible changes in your smile alignment.

What Could Cause My Teeth To Shift?

  1. Age-Related Changes: Our facial bones and jaw structure naturally change as we age, affecting tooth alignment. This process involves gradual alterations in bone density and gum health, which can cause teeth to shift. The cumulative effects of years of chewing and speaking can also contribute to subtle tooth changes over time.
  2. Tooth Loss: Missing teeth create gaps that allow adjacent teeth to drift.
  3. Periodontal Disease: Gum disease can lead to increased mobility and, subsequently, teeth shifting.
  4. Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism): These habits exert excessive pressure on teeth, causing movement over time.
  5. Emergence of Wisdom Teeth: The arrival of wisdom teeth can create crowding and shift other teeth.
  6. Not Wearing Retainers as Prescribed: Failing to wear retainers after orthodontic treatment can result in teeth returning to their original positions.

It’s worth noting that children and teens may experience more dramatic shifts due to oral growth, and adults can face shifting teeth due to untreated conditions. If you’re noticing changes in your smile, it’s best to consult one of our dental professionals to verify what’s happening and have a personalized treatment plan drawn up to address the root cause.

5 Treatment Options for Dealing With Shifting Teeth in Florida

Tampa Palms Dentistry employs several treatment options to treat shifting teeth effectively. Depending on your individual assessment, we may recommend any combination of:

1. Orthodontic Treatment.

Traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign can correct shifting teeth and improve your bite. Depending on the severity of the case, treatment duration typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years.

2. Custom Retainers for Minor Teeth Shifting.

Custom retainers can help maintain alignment for those with minor teeth shifting. Wear them as prescribed, whether nightly or several hours daily.

3. Night Guards.

If teeth grinding or clenching at night is causing your teeth to shift, consistent use of custom-molded night guards can help protect your teeth and prevent further movement.

4. Dental Implants or Bridges.

If you’ve experienced tooth loss, dental implants or bridges can effectively fill in the gaps, preventing your adjacent teeth from drifting into the empty spaces. Implants integrate with your jawbone over several months, providing a stable, long-term solution, while dental bridges can be placed more quickly for immediate support.

5. Periodontal Treatment.

If gum disease is causing shifting teeth, our comprehensive periodontal treatments can address the root of the problem and help stabilize your smile. Treatment may involve deep cleaning, medication, or surgery in more advanced cases.

When to See Us at Tampa Palms Dental?

Don’t wait to address shifting teeth—contact Tampa Palms Dentistry today if you’ve noticed any changes in your smile, experienced discomfort, or it’s been over six months since your last check-up. Call us at (813) 333-1922 or schedule your appointment online, and let’s work together to keep your smile straight, bright, and healthy!

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