Achieving a straight, aligned smile through orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign is a significant milestone for anyone invested in their dental health. However, after putting time, effort, and money into perfecting your teeth, sometimes they seem to shift back out of alignment. Understanding why teeth move after orthodontic treatment can help you prevent it and maintain your ideal smile. Let’s look at 10 reasons why teeth may shift after the completion of orthodontic treatment.
1. Not Wearing Your Retainer as Advised
The primary reason for post-orthodontic shifting is simply not wearing the retainer recommended by your orthodontist. After braces or Invisalign, your teeth need time to stabilize in their new positions. A retainer provides this support, ensuring the teeth don’t return to their previous alignment. Orthodontists might advise you to wear the retainer throughout your life or for shorter periods depending upon the complexity of the case.
2. Natural Aging Process
Teeth naturally shift over time as part of the aging process. This gradual change, called “physiologic drift,” happens as the bones, ligaments, and muscles around the teeth change with age. Even if you’ve had orthodontic treatment in your teens or twenties, your teeth may shift slightly over time.
3. Bone Remodeling
After orthodontic treatment, bone remodeling continues as the bone and gums around the teeth adjust to their new positions. This is why teeth can quickly return to their old alignment if not retained. Bone remodeling is part of your body’s natural maintenance process and doesn’t necessarily end when braces or aligners come off.
4. Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth (Bruxism)
Grinding or clenching your teeth, known as bruxism, exerts significant force on your teeth. Over time, this pressure can cause teeth to shift out of alignment. Bruxism is often unconscious, occurring during sleep or moments of stress, so many people may not realize they have this habit.
5. Loss of Teeth or Gaps
Losing a tooth can create a gap, and nearby teeth may gradually shift into the space. The same would happen with untreated spaces or if the gaps were closed improperly.
6. Wisdom Teeth Eruption
Wisdom teeth typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. When they erupt, they can pressure adjacent teeth, pushing them out of alignment, especially if there isn’t enough room for them to come in properly.
7. Changes in the Jawbone or Facial Structure
Your facial structure and jawbone can change with age, impacting your bite and alignment. For instance, the jawbone may grow or shrink slightly, causing your teeth to shift even after orthodontic treatment. These changes can affect how your teeth sit together, potentially leading to movement or spacing issues.
8. Gum Disease and Bone Loss
Gum disease can lead to bone loss around the teeth, weakening the support that keeps them stable. When the gum and bone tissue recede, the foundation holding your teeth in place reduces, making it easier for them to shift over time.
9. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty, can affect the gums and surrounding tissues, making teeth more susceptible to shifting. For example, pregnancy-related hormone changes can increase gum sensitivity and the risk of gum disease, which can lead to slight tooth movement.
10. Injury or Trauma to the Mouth
An injury to the mouth, such as a fall, sports-related impact, or accident, can result in a sudden shift of teeth. Even with braces or Invisalign, the force from an injury can affect alignment, especially if the trauma is severe.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment or have noticed changes in your teeth alignment following previous braces or Invisalign treatment, our expert orthodontists at Go Dental Clinic are here to help. Call 800777000 to book your appointment today. Achieving a straight, aligned smile through orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign is a significant milestone for anyone invested in their dental health. However, after putting time, effort, and money into perfecting your teeth, sometimes they seem to shift back out of alignment. Understanding why teeth move after orthodontic treatment can help you prevent it and maintain your ideal smile. Let’s look at 10 reasons why teeth may shift after the completion of orthodontic treatment.
