Why teeth shift with age

As we get older, our teeth can become crooked, crowded or develop spaces for a variety of reasons. One of the main sources is a loss of bone density in our jaws, which can cause our teeth to drift out of position. It’s not uncommon to notice your front teeth getting more crowded with age.

If you grind or clench your teeth together, this can change the balance of your muscles and cause your teeth to move. Natural wear and tear can also wear your teeth down and result in crowding or gaps.

If you’ve previously worn braces but stopped wearing your retainers, your teeth can shift as they start to relapse back to where they started.

Lastly, missing teeth can affect the positions of the surrounding teeth, which may gravitate into any available gaps or spaces.

How to prevent your teeth from moving

If you want to stop your teeth from moving, there are several things you can do. One of the most important is to wear a retainer, especially after braces. Retainers help to keep your teeth in position by gently applying pressure to hold them in place. You can choose between fixed and removable retainers or a combination of the two.

It’s also essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing daily to keep your teeth healthy and free from plaque. Avoid bad habits like chewing on ice, pens or anything that will place unnecessary stress on your teeth. If you grind or clench your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a nightguard to protect them.

If you have missing teeth, speak to your dentist or a specialist about replacement options, including dental implants, bridges and dentures.

How your orthodontist can help

To help us understand why your teeth are moving, we offer free consultations to over 18s. You’ll be able to discuss your concerns and goals with a specialist orthodontist in Hove, who will examine your smile and go through all your treatment options.

Unfortunately, orthodontic treatment doesn’t always include retainers, so we frequently meet patients whose teeth have moved after wearing braces. In these cases, we can fit new retainers to hold your teeth in their new positions. Or we can straighten your teeth first and correct any relapse using fixed braces or clear aligners.

Invisalign is a popular aligner system that straightens teeth using custom-made clear aligners. Invisalign Express and Invisalign Lite are great for treating relapse cases quickly and discreetly.

Our specialist orthodontists are experienced providers of the latest appliances, so together, we can find the perfect option for you. All our treatment packages include fixed and removable retainers and 12 months of aftercare to keep your new smile looking its best.

To arrange your initial consultation, contact our friendly team. We’ll be delighted to answer your questions and arrange the next steps.