As we age, our upper and bottom teeth shifting is a completely natural process. However, it’s pretty difficult to notice the signs your teeth are shifting until one day, your smile’s looking a little different. These subtle changes can sneak up on you, so it’s important to know exactly when it’s time to give a dentist in Charlotte, NC, a call. Let’s break down this whole conundrum of shifting teeth – it’s not as scary as it sounds!
What Is Teeth Shifting? Is It Common?
Tooth shifting is exactly what it sounds like – they’re gradually moving around over time, as odd as that might seem. Most people don’t even notice it at first, and they probably feel crazy once they start wondering – why are my teeth shifting? Is this even possible?
It’s not only a possibility – it’s basically a given! And how long does it take for your teeth to shift? Well, your whole life! These changes in teeth alignment often start in the twenties and become more obvious as the years go by.
Most of the time, the teeth are subtly moving towards the front and center of the mouth. Over time, there might be noticeable changes, such as new gaps, crowding, bite issues, or even a tooth or two feeling a bit wobbly.
What Causes Teeth to Shift?
It’s easy to point the finger at our wisdom teeth when it comes to this phenomenon – especially since they, too, start making an appearance in your twenties. However, many studies have shown that wisdom teeth aren’t the main culprit here.
There isn’t a straightforward answer to the question – why are my teeth moving? Actually, many factors are at play here, including the following:
- Age – As we age, our bones and gums naturally change, which can lead to subtle shifts in the alignment,
- Genetics – Like many other things in life, this process can be intensified if it’s present in your family history,
- Tooth loss – The surrounding teeth may slowly shift into the empty space, causing changes in the overall alignment,
- Oral habits and lifestyle – Grinding teeth (bruxism), tongue thrusting, or even using them to open things can cause movement,
- Certain dental conditions – Tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues can weaken the supporting structures and, therefore, impact alignment,
- Incomplete orthodontic treatment – If braces or aligners haven’t been worn enough or maintained properly, they can slowly shift back to their original positions.
What Does the Ideal Alignment Look Like?
Every smile is unique, and that’s the beauty of dental work. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a generalized “ideal” alignment that’s, more than anything else, a sign you’ve got strong and healthy teeth.
First things first, the upper teeth should slightly overlap the lower ones. When it comes to molars (those big back teeth used for chewing), they should fit nicely into the molars on the opposite jaw.
For the front teeth – known as incisors – the top and bottom ones should line up straight. All in all, the whole alignment should feel nice and comfortable, with jaws lining up evenly.
What Are the Most Common Signs Your Teeth Are Shifting?
So, how do you know your pearly whites are making a move? As we’ve said, it’s not always obvious at first. However, over time, there are some telltale signs that they might be shifting around:
- Your bite starts feeling awkward or even uncomfortable when you’re chewing,
- The teeth start to overlap or become tightly packed,
- You notice gaps popping up between that used to sit snugly together,
- Some teeth feel a little loose and wobbly.
What Are the Risks of Neglecting These Signs?
Misalignment is more than just a crooked smile. Uneven wear on teeth, discomfort in the jaw, or even trouble with speaking or chewing are all possible side effects. And even if you’re keeping up with the oral hygiene routine, misaligned teeth are harder to clean properly, which means an increased risk of cavities and gum disease as food particles get trapped.
Significant shifting can also throw off the jaw’s balance, which is known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). But before you start thinking, “oh, no, my teeth are moving, will they fall out,” take a breather. Even with such serious changes, our practice of general dentistry in Charlotte, NC, offers plenty of solutions to get you a smile makeover that both looks and feels great.
When Is It Time to Get in Touch With the Charlotte, NC, Dentist?
If you regularly visit a Charlotte dentist in SouthPark for cleanings and exams, you’ve got nothing to worry about. During these check-ups, they’ll be able to notice the early signs and help you manage this process.
Otherwise, when is it time to pick up that phone and schedule a dentist appointment? Well, it’s a good idea to do so as soon as you notice any of the signs we’ve discussed. And if you’re googling “my teeth are shifting, and they hurt,” you should definitely stop playing the guessing game and get some expert advice promptly.
Give Us a Call Before Things Shift Out of Control
At Aspire Dental Wellness, we offer a range of solutions to keep your teeth right where they should be. Whether you need custom-made retainers, top-notch nighttime aligners such as OrthoFX NiTime, or a personalized treatment plan, our holistic dentistry practice is all about comfort and convenience. If you’re ready to give your smile the attention it deserves, contact us, and let’s get things shifting back to where they belong!
