{"id":102,"date":"2022-01-24T22:15:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-24T22:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.terryrakowsky.com\/blog\/?p=102"},"modified":"2026-03-24T03:58:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T03:58:55","slug":"what-are-potential-reasons-for-my-teeth-shifting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seanbrowndds.com\/blog\/2022\/01\/24\/what-are-potential-reasons-for-my-teeth-shifting\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Potential Reasons for My Teeth Shifting?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you noticed something off about your smile recently? It is not uncommon. People look in the mirror one morning and wonder if that gap has always been there or if their teeth always overlapped that way. Well, teeth move gradually over time, meaning you often won\u2019t notice until there\u2019s a significant change. Read on to learn more about the causes of teeth shifting and how your dentist in Doylestown<\/a> can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Common Causes of Teeth Shifting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people believe teeth can only move with orthodontic treatment, but that\u2019s not the case. These are a few reasons why shifting teeth may occur:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teeth Grinding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Also known as bruxism, this is much more common than you may realize. Studies show that 10 percent of adults and 15 percent of children grind their teeth. It\u2019s a common stress response and often happens while you sleep. The pressure of grinding or clenching can shift your teeth through force and wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Periodontal Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis and gum disease can destroy your gum tissue and jawbone, weakening your tooth\u2019s support system. If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause your teeth to shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tooth Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of if it\u2019s age-related or from a sports injury, a gap in your smile can cause neighboring teeth to shift and change your overall bite. As the other teeth spread out, you may develop more gaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aging<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like the rest of your body, your jawbone and associated structures change over the years. The ligaments, tissues, and fibers comprising the jaw become weak, causing the teeth to loosen and shift your bite. Your lips get thinner as you age and can push your teeth into a new position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jaw Movement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over time, your lower jaw grows forward and becomes narrower, causing your lower teeth to crowd together and overlap. When the teeth become misaligned, it alters your bite and will eventually lead to the development of gaps in your upper teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can My Dentist Help Correct My Shifting Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your teeth have already moved, don\u2019t worry \u2013 there are several ways your dentist in Doylestown can get your bite back on track! You can achieve a straight smile once again with one of the following treatments:<\/p>\n\n\n\n