Why Teeth Move After Braces Come Off

ONCE UPON A TIME you had perfectly straight, beautiful teeth! Have you noticed your smile isn’t as straight as it was when you first got your braces off? Where did your perfect smile go? Sadly, if you’ve neglected wearing your retainer, your smile may have changed over time.

A Few Reasons Your Teeth May Have Shifted

Grinding

Teeth grinding usually occurs while people are sleeping. Grinding forces your jaw forward and puts stress on your upper teeth, which can cause them to shift.

Age

As you age, your facial and jaw structure can change. This commonly begins in our late 20’s. Often, teeth start to crowd toward the front. Without a retainer to help keep your teeth in line, this can result in crooked front teeth.

Cavities and Decay

Poor oral hygiene can change your smile. Numerous fillings and crowns can shift the balance of your bite. Even worse, untreated gum disease can loosen your teeth.

Tongue Thrusting

Tongue thrusting is a condition that occurs when your tongue presses against your teeth as you swallow. This condition causes your teeth to move because of the pressure your tongue exerts.

How To Help Prevent Shifting

There’s a very simple way to stop your teeth from shifting… WEAR YOUR RETAINER!

If it has been a while and you’ve lost your retainer—or if your retainer just doesn’t fit right—give us a call and let’s visit. We may need to take a look at your smile and design a new retainer for you. If you need re-treatment, we can help you plan a way back to that beautiful, straight smile.

Thanks for your trust in our practice!