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Shifting Teeth: Causes and Types   

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Shifting teeth, also known as misaligned teeth, is a widespread problem that affects many people. Although many reduce this issue to cosmetic issues, shifting teeth can also have serious health implications. Shifting teeth can affect chewing, speaking and overall oral health.

In this blog post, we look at the reasons for teeth shifting. We explain how it happens and how to treat it, focusing on the options offered by Cosmedica Dental.

Types of Shifting Teeth

Shifting teeth, or tooth misalignment, can manifest in various forms, each with unique characteristics and implications for oral health. Understanding the diverse types of shifting teeth is crucial for diagnosing and planning effective treatment strategies. Here is a detailed overview of the most common types:

Crowding

Crowding occurs when there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to fit properly. As a result, teeth may overlap, twist, or become displaced. Crowding can affect both the upper and lower teeth and is often more pronounced in the front teeth. It can make cleaning difficult, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Spacing

This refers to gaps between teeth, which can occur throughout the mouth. The most noticeable form is a gap between the two upper front teeth, known as midline diastema. While some spacing may be purely cosmetic, larger gaps can lead to issues with biting and chewing.

Crossbite

Crossbite is when the upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This can happen at the front of the mouth (anterior crossbite) or the sides (posterior crossbite). Crossbites can cause uneven wear on the teeth, gum recession, and jaw issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Open bite

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, creating an open space. This can affect the front teeth (anterior open bite) or the back teeth (posterior open bite). Open bites can cause difficulties with biting, chewing, and speech.

Overbite

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. A small overlap is fine, but a large overbite can lead to problems.

Underbite

An underbite is characterized by the lower front teeth extending past the upper front teeth. This condition can affect the overall facial appearance and lead to difficulties with chewing, speaking, and even breathing.

Tooth rotation

It occurs when a tooth turns out of its normal alignment, rotating on its axis. This tooth movement can happen to a single tooth or multiple teeth. It often occurs because of a lack of space in the jaw.

Tooth extrusion and intrusion

Extrusion refers to a tooth that has partially moved out of its socket. Intrusion, on the other hand, involves a tooth being pushed further into its socket.

Causes of tooth shifting

The causes of tooth shifting are varied and can include both genetic and external factors. The most common causes that lead to teeth shifting include:

  • Genetic predisposition: Often, misaligned teeth and crooked teeth are passed down from generation to generation. A jaw that is too small or teeth that are too large can be inherited.
  • Loss of teeth: If a tooth is lost and not replaced, the surrounding teeth can shift. This happens to close the gap that has been created.
  • Unhealthy habits: Habits such as tongue thrusting or chewing on objects can lead to misaligned teeth. It is especially a problem if they occur in childhood.
  • Inadequate orthodontic treatment: If transparent or fixed retainers are not worn correctly, the teeth can shift. This can also happen if treatment is stopped too early.
  • Jaw problems: Uneven growth of the upper and lower jaw can also lead to tooth shifting.
  • Mesial drift: The physiological mesial drift describes the shift of the lateral teeth (maxillary lateral incisor) towards the middle of the jaw. This is because the tooth wears down increasingly during daily chewing and therefore becomes smaller.

How to Prevent Teeth Shifting

  • Maintain Good Dental Hygiene: Good oral health is the foundation of dental health and can help prevent conditions that might lead to tooth shifting. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential and prevent oral health issues. Be careful about periodontal diseases.
  • Avoid Harmful Habits: For children, prolonged thumb sucking can lead to misalignment and shifting teeth. Nail biting can also cause minor shifts in the teeth, particularly the front teeth. Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite on hard objects, as this can shift or damage them. Also avoid grinding your teeth and putting pressure on your teeth.
  • Address Tooth Loss Promptly: When a tooth is extracted or lost, the surrounding teeth may shift to fill the gap, leading to misalignment. Consider getting a dental implant or bridge to fill the space and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. If an implant or bridge is not feasible, a partial denture can also help maintain the position of surrounding teeth. This also refers to wisdom teeth removals.
  • Correct Bite Issues Early: Malocclusions can lead to uneven pressure on teeth, causing them to shift over time. Consider getting an appointment with a dentist or orthodontist for a dental procedure.
  • Post-Orthodontic Care: If you had braces or other orthodontic treatment, continue to care for your straightened teeth. Ensure your retainer fits properly and replace it if it becomes worn out or damaged. Wear the retainer regularly.

Treatment Options at Cosmedica Dental Dental Clinic

Patients recognize our dental clinic in Turkey for its innovative treatment methods. It offers a wide range of solutions for tooth shifting. Here are some of the main treatments in Turkey:

  • Transparent aligner: A popular alternative to traditional braces, clear aligners. These removable braces are invisible and offer a comfortable way to correct misaligned teeth.
  • Dental Implants: If tooth shifting has been caused by the loss of a tooth, dental implants can provide a permanent solution. Cosmedica Dental specializes in implantology and offers high-quality implants that look and function like natural teeth.
  • Surgical Procedures: In severe cases where orthodontic treatments alone are not sufficient, jaw surgery may be required. Cosmedica Dental offers specialized surgical procedures to correct the jaw and achieve optimal tooth alignment.

Conclusion

Tooth shifting is a frequent problem that can have not only aesthetic but also functional effects. The causes are varied and range from genetic factors to unhealthy habits, but they all cause teeth to shift over time. Fortunately, modern dentistry has numerous options for correcting misaligned teeth.

Our dental clinic in Turkey offers many treatments tailored to the needs of each patient. We offer modern technology and an experienced team of dental professionals. If you are unhappy with your teeth, you should visit Cosmedica Dental Clinic. This could be the first step to a more beautiful smile.