Why are my teeth shifting?
Bad news for everyone with straight teeth: teeth can shift at any time, even in adulthood. Teeth like to move, and how strongly they tend to do so varies from person to person. If a new gap appears or a tooth becomes crooked, quick action is needed to detect and correct the misalignment as early as possible and avoid another lengthy, complex treatment.
Teeth shifting with age
In young adulthood in particular, teeth often still shift, rotate or overlap. These changes usually affect the front teeth. But even later in life, straight teeth can shift again (and further). As we get older, teeth often shift more quickly, so you should definitely not hesitate. Any hygiene problems caused by crooked teeth should be avoided at all costs. With crooked teeth, it is of course much harder to clean the spaces between them with a toothbrush and dental floss. This increases the risk of plaque, tooth decay, bad breath and even periodontitis.
Teeth moving back after orthodontic treatment
Unfortunately, our teeth are creatures of habit and like to return to their crooked starting position, even after successful orthodontic treatment. The more crooked the teeth were before correction, the more likely they are to shift or rotate again. Jaw growth can also trigger tooth movement. The muscles of the jaw and face can have a strong influence on the position of the teeth. (e.g. tongue thrusting, an open-mouth posture, …)
Perfect orthodontic treatment and retention
The most straightforward way to straight teeth is invisible braces. Adults in particular prefer this method, as conventional fixed braces often bring back memories of their teenage years. No metal brackets at all, and no embarrassed hand in front of your mouth every time you smile. Invisible braces are completely transparent and don’t restrict the patient’s quality of life. What’s more, they aren’t fixed to the teeth but can simply be taken out when needed – for example when eating and, above all, for daily oral hygiene.
After successful orthodontic treatment, retention is particularly important. It effectively prevents the teeth from shifting again and ensures the results of treatment last. Patients can choose between an extra-thin metal wire attached to the inside of the teeth or a night-time retainer.
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