If you notice any signs of your teeth shifting after wearing braces, it’s best to see your orthodontist.
Some telling signs could include gaps developing between teeth that used to touch, teeth not meeting properly when biting down, increased sensitivity to hot/cold, a loose feeling when closing your teeth, teeth looking crowded, tilted or uneven compared to before, changes in the shape of your jawline or smile, or your retainer feeling loose.
A dentist can examine your teeth and bite to check for any irregular shifting that may need correction.
It’s important not to ignore these subtle warning signs, as neglecting shifted teeth could potentially lead to other oral health issues down the line, such as cavities, gum disease or chronic biting problems.
Seeing an orthodontist sooner rather than later will help them determine Signs why your teeth are shifting if your teeth need adjustments to prevent further shifting.
Table of Contents
- What does teeth shifting feel like?
- Signs your teeth are shifting
- How can I stop my teeth from shifting?
- My teeth are moving will they fall out
- How to relieve pain from shifting teeth
- Key takeaways
What does teeth shifting feel like?
You may notice several signs that indicate your teeth are shifting out of place. One common feeling is an uncomfortable bite where your teeth don’t come together smoothly during chewing or biting like they used to.
Individual teeth could also feel loose instead of securely in position. Shifting can create new pressure points when you bite down that weren’t there before.
Gaps may start to form between teeth that were previously touching. The alignment of your teeth may look or feel off with teeth appearing crowded, crooked or irregularly positioned compared to the past.
Biting together may have an unsteady, unbalanced feeling rather than an interlocked occlusion. Additionally, you could sense tension, tiredness or soreness in the jaw joint or muscles from compensating for changes in the way your teeth meet.
Feeling any abnormality with how your teeth and jaw function compared to normal should prompt visiting the dentist for an evaluation.
Signs your teeth are shifting
Gaps Forming
Spaces start to appear between teeth that were previously touching closely together. This is usually one of the first visible signs of teeth drifting out of alignment. Pay attention to spaces developing at the fronts of mouths as well as in between back teeth.
Improper Bite
Teeth no longer meet together smoothly when biting or chewing food. The bite feels “off” or unbalanced. There may be new areas of pressure on certain teeth when biting down. It could also now be difficult to fully close the teeth together.
Tooth Misalignment
The positions of teeth look different when inspected in the mirror, such as tilting sideways at the neck, crowding more together, protruding more or overlapping differently compared to their original orthodontically aligned positions.
Tooth Sensitivity
Teeth become increasingly sensitive to hot, cold, sweet foods or pressures like biting or air blowing. This could be because shifting has caused thin areas of enamel to wear away or roots to become exposed they were fully covered before.
Loose Teeth
Individual teeth may feel loose and mobile in the gums, wiggly or able to be moved by gentle wiggle pressure rather than being firmly stable and stationary in place within the jawbone. This instability indicates loosening from their foundation.
Shifting Jawline or Smile
Changes in the way back teeth interconnect and function can alter lower face appearance over time, affecting chin profile, jawline angles or the width of smile displayed. Teeth are keys to determining facial structure.
Retainer Discomfort
Teeth have moved from their orthodontically straightened final positions, so retainers no longer fit properly and stay in place correctly or Invisalign trays are loose on shifted teeth, losing effectiveness at holding recent gains.
How can I stop my teeth from shifting?
- Wear your retainer . Retainers after braces are key to holding teeth precisely in place. Wear as directed.
- Practice good oral hygiene .Brush and floss well daily to maintain healthy gums and bone around teeth.
- Limit acidic/sugary foods . These can cause decay and bone loss supporting teeth.
- Go for cleanings/checkups . Dentist will monitor shifting and catch issues early before repair is needed.
- Use mouthguard for contact sports .Protect teeth from blows during activities like soccer.
- Limit teeth grinding/clenching . A night guard can help reduce stress on teeth from grinding.
- Chew properly .Avoid biting nails, pens, ice which can put excess pressure on certain teeth.
- Consider orthodontic treatment . If shifting is severe, another round of braces or Invisalign could realign teeth properly.
Consistent prevention habits along with retention devices are key to keeping teeth stabilized long-term in their straightened positions. See your dentist and orthodontist if concerned.
My teeth are moving will they fall out
No, shifting teeth will not necessarily fall out on their own. If teeth are shifting, it means they are becoming loosened or misaligned over time from their intended positions.
This does not automatically mean they will fall out.Several factors influence how severe shifting needs to be before potential tooth loss becomes a concern:
- Age and health of the patient
- Location and severity of shifting
- Underlying bone and gum support
- Previous dental work history
Minor shifting can often be corrected without penalty. However, advanced shifting that undermines tooth roots or supporting structures could eventually lead to loosening if left unchecked.
It’s best to see your dentist for an examination if noticeable shifting occurs. Early treatment like orthodontics, fillings or extractions may help stabilize teeth to prevent future mobility issues. With proper dental care, shifted teeth rarely fall out spontaneously.
How to relieve pain from shifting teeth
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the painful teeth. The cold can help numb pain sensors.Gently massage your jaw muscles. Tight muscles can exacerbate tooth pain.
Loosen them up with gentle massage.Try placing an orajel/ambesol patch on the gumline near the hurting tooth. The numbing agent may ease pain.Avoid chewing on the painful side if possible.
This limits additional pressure on shifting teeth.Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. The salt can reduce swelling around shifting teeth.
Use awarm compress on the outside of your face near the affected area. Heat may relax muscles and increase blood flow.Apply clove oil or peppermint oil topically. Both have numbing and pain-relieving properties
See your dentist if pain is severe or persistent. They may adjust your bite or offer other treatment options.Reducing stress on painful shifting teeth along with medications and home remedies can help provide relief until the underlying cause resolves.
Key takeaways
- Notice subtle signs – gaps opening, improper bite, sensitive teeth, changing smile or jaw appearance.
- See dentist for early intervention before issues develop further. They’ll check severity and recommend treatment.
- Wear retainers as directed to hold teeth in place after braces and prevent shifting.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing to keep supporting gums and bone strong.
- Use OTC pain relievers, cold therapy, soft foods for minor discomfort. See dentist for worsening pain or symptoms that don’t improve.
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