So, let’s say you do a pretty good job with dental hygiene. You remember to brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily, and rinse with mouthwash. However, a nice smile depends on more than cleanliness. You should also keep track of tooth alignment! If you don’t, your pearly whites may shift over time and thus hurt your looks. To that end, your dentist in Canton is here to help. Read on to learn what causes shifting teeth and ways you can correct them.
What Causes Shifting Teeth?
Several factors can contribute to shifting teeth. Some of the most common, though, are:
Natural Bone Loss
The minerals in your bones tend to diminish over time. As that happens, your bones’ density begins to change.
This loss of minerals, unfortunately, also affects the jawbone. Consequently, your jaw’s connection to your teeth can weaken and make the latter move.
Tooth Loss
Many would consider tooth loss terrible on its own. Even so, it can cause adjacent and opposite teeth to move. More specifically, it creates a tooth gap that draws pearly whites towards itself. This process leads to shifting teeth in the short-term and further tooth loss in the long term.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth. Its advanced form, periodontitis, can lead to gum recession and bone loss, which tooth movement. This effect usually occurs when the infection spreads to surrounding body tissue.
Tongue Thrust
A tongue thrust is when you involuntarily push the tongue against your teeth while swallowing, speaking, and resting. It generates a force that can cause a gap between the forward upper and lower teeth.
What Can My Dentist Use to Correct Them?
Fortunately, your dentist in Canton has the power to correct shifting teeth and restore your aligned smile. Their treatment options for this issue are usually:
- Traditional Braces – Just as your teeth can get misaligned, they can also be aligned with orthodontics. Traditional braces, in particular, use metal brackets and wires to shift crooked teeth into alignment over a few years.
- Invisalign – Like regular braces, Invisalign trays move teeth back into aligned positions. In contrast, though, they’re clear, subtle, and removable. Many patients thus consider them convenient.
- Porcelain Veneers – Veneers could hide your crooked smile. By covering up your teeth’s front surfaces, the porcelain layers would help your grin look straighter.
As you can see, oral hygiene is only part of what makes a good smile. Among other things, you also need teeth that are straight and aligned!
About the Practice
Robison Dental Group is based in Canton, MI. As led by Dr. J.D. Robison, our practice embodies reliable and luxurious dental care. To that end, we perform treatments spanning preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including emergency procedures. Our office is also a certified provider of traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them on our website or by phone at (734)-453-6320.