If you had a straight smile in the past, then you might’ve enjoyed having a balanced grin. It might’ve helped you feel confident, but what if you noticed your teeth shifting over the years? This can leave you a bit self-conscious, but you might be more confused about why this is happening. Here is what can cause this over time and how your orthodontist can correct any crookedness that developed.
What Makes Teeth Move Over Time?
Your teeth can move naturally, but some things can exacerbate it. These are a few culprits to watch out for:
- Orthodontic relapse can happen if you don’t wear your retainer after finishing up braces or clear aligners.
- Your jaw can change as you get older, meaning new gaps might’ve formed.
- Teeth grinding or clenching can put excess pressure on your smile and cause movement.
- Gum disease attacks your gum and bone tissue, which help support your grin. As they weaken, shifting or tooth loss is possible.
- Tongue thrusting puts force on your grin and will lead to drifting.
- Missing teeth can also be the reason, as the structures nearby will shift to close the space.
How Can I Straighten My Teeth?
With all that said, you might wonder what you can do about a shifting smile. Thankfully, there are plenty of solutions. You can get orthodontics to close any gaps and get back your healthy alignment.
A couple of options are traditional or clear/ceramic braces. While having wires and brackets placed on your teeth might not sound enticing, it’s effective against mild to severe malocclusion. This makes them a reliable choice no matter how your grin is. Better yet, the latter service is made from tooth-colored materials, so it can blend in and not look as obvious.
Another choice you may consider is clear aligners. These are thin, plastic trays that you wear for 22 hours every day. They are removable and metal-free, meaning they are often comfortable and discreet. You’ll just have to be diligent about your routine with them. That said, they are typically best only for mild to moderate misalignment, so you will need a consultation to ensure they are a good fit for you.
Regardless, your orthodontist is here to help. They will be able to see what movements are needed and get you started on the path to a confident look once again.
About the Practice
At G&G Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our dental team is dedicated to helping the Naperville community get the straighter smiles they dream of. With an orthodontist on staff, you can feel confident about starting your journey to the healthier bite you deserve. By staying at your side throughout, you can trust you avoid delay to your results. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our office at (630) 778-9500.
