Did you know that your teeth aren’t immovable? They are connected to your jawbone by the periodontal ligament and cementum material, which allows your pearly whites to withstand the pressure of chewing. They have a little flexibility, which can increase with age. As a result, your teeth can shift over the years. Many factors can trigger tooth movements, but your cosmetic dentist has the solutions you need to restore a straight smile.
Common Causes of Shifting Teeth
Your teeth shift naturally for various reasons. No matter the cause, alignment issues can increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and dental emergencies. Poorly aligned teeth can also affect your bite and cause jaw pain. Common causes of shifting teeth include:
- Orthodontic regression
- The aging process
- Injury or impact to the mouth
- Grinding your teeth
- Poor dental health
- Untreated missing teeth
Treating Shifting Teeth
You don’t have to live with gaps, overcrowding, or other alignment issues. Your cosmetic dentist can restore a stunning smile. After examining your mouth and learning more about your preferences, they’ll discuss your treatment options, like:
- Tooth Replacement: Tooth loss causes your adjacent teeth to lose support, which can make them drift toward the open space. A bridge or dental implant can treat tooth loss to complete your smile and stop your teeth from moving. No matter the method, you’ll enjoy natural-looking results to give you a smile that you’ll be proud to show off.
- Veneers: Bonding veneers to the front surfaces of teeth improves many issues, like discoloration and chips. However, veneers can cover minor alignment problems in just 2 appointments. The minimally invasive procedure provides results that can last for more than a decade with the right care, like brushing and flossing.
- Metal Braces: A system of brackets and wires are used to move teeth into alignment. The average treatment takes about 18 to 24 months. They can treat the most complex alignment issues to improve the appearance, health, and function of your teeth.
- Clear Aligners: Clear aligners are worn over your teeth to apply gentle pressure to reposition them in small increments. They can fix many bite and alignment issues using a discrete solution. You won’t have to worry about the appearance of metal braces. The average treatment with Invisalign is about 12 to 18 months.
Although you can’t stop time, your dentist can turn back the clock by treating shifting teeth. They’ll create a straight, healthy smile to be proud of.
About Dr. Travis Rottman
Dr. Rottman achieved his dental degree at the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry and has completed additional training in various specialties, like conscious sedation, laser dentistry, and same-day dentistry. He has earned Fellowship status with the Academy of General Dentistry. If you’re ready to stop your teeth from shifting, request an appointment through his website or call his office at (469) 757-9942.