Like other parts of your body, even your teeth have undergone wear and tear with a lifetime of chewing, grinding, and biting. That is why they might shift as you lose bone and gum strength, putting you at risk of an overbite, teeth overlapping, gapped teeth, etc.
So, if you are here because you have recently noticed any changes in your teeth, you are probably not hallucinating. Below are some of the ways in which your teeth shift with age.
- Collapsing teeth – Did you know that your teeth survive in living tissue. It means that their position in your mouth is not static, and the bones and ligaments often move back and forth. If you have gapped teeth and have failed to replace or treat a missing or worn-down tooth, the rest of your teeth might start collapsing and changing your jaw structure.
- Overlapping teeth – The structural change in your jawline with age often leads to a significant shift in your midline. This midline defines the ideal positioning of your teeth on either side of it. However, as you grow old, this midline shifts, giving rise to the overlapping of your teeth.
- Excessively gapped teeth – Ageing impacts the muscle strength inside your mouth and increases the risk of periodontal disease. The bacteria responsible for this condition often cause inflammation and, in turn, the spacing apart of the front teeth. Additionally, bad oral habits like tongue-thrusting or nail-biting could also lead to gapped teeth with age.
Although teeth moving and their effects on your beautiful smile are concerning, the good news is that this unwelcomed gap between your teeth is curable. Here is a list of possible remedies for teeth shifting.
- Metal braces – Braces are traditionally reliable and results-oriented orthodontic treatment. Even though it might take more time for teeth correction due to your age, you will begin to see noticeable changes soon. Braces exert a subtle yet steady pressure on your teeth, slowly shifting them into alignment. The treatment is affordable.
- Ceramic braces – If you are not a fan of metal braces at this age, you could consider opting for an option that matches the color of your teeth to avoid visibility. Ceramic braces function the same as metal braces. The only difference is that they have clear or tooth-colored brackets rather than gray or metallic silver brackets and wires, which could be a little more expensive.
- Lingual braces – This treatment is another ideal alternative to metal braces because lingual braces are placed behind your teeth for a more discreet teeth-moving treatment. Rightly known as hidden braces, this treatment involves attaching an archwire behind your teeth that pulls them back into their correct position.
- Self-ligating braces or Damon braces – Damon braces, although having similar effects as metal braces, exert more passive pressure on your teeth. This means the brackets used in this treatment do not require elastic o-rings to hold the wires in place, unlike metal braces. These features reduce your visits to the dentist for checkups and make these braces easier to clean.
- Clear aligners or Invisalign – Invisalign or clear aligners could be one of the most convenient and hassle-free treatments to correct the shifting of teeth in adults. These are customized according to the shape of your jaw, are removable, transparent, pain-free, and easy to maintain.
Additionally, if you are suffering from a condition called bruxism, wherein you tend to grind your teeth at night, nightguards can help. With this information, you have some idea about teeth shifting with age and the possible treatments.
The next best step is to visit your orthodontist. They will assess the severity of your condition and recommend an ideal treatment in your case, ensuring you revive your beautiful smile as soon as possible!
Author Bio:
Emily Taylor found the perfect fit for herself as the Online Marketing Manager at Thurman Orthodontics in Fresno CA as she believes that a great smile does more than just make a person look great – it makes them feel great as well. The power of a smile has always been a mystery to Emily, and she loves researching and writing about it. She loves to write about everything to do with a healthy bite and a beautiful smile – weather is it ways to achieve it or the importance of it in the various aspects of life. What brings a big smile on Emily’s face is her family and surfing. She also likes to bake, and her children and co-workers call her the cookie fairy!
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