One important aspect of your oral health is keeping your teeth straight. Crooked teeth can lead to serious problems that could affect the rest of your body. This field of dentistry is called orthodontics. Misaligned teeth can contribute to serious oral health issues. When teeth are compacted or bunch together and when they create gaps, damage to the teeth and gums is at a greater risk. Also, some individuals may view their misaligned teeth negatively. When this is the case, one’s self-confidence can take a serious hit. It makes sense to learn how to prevent teeth shifting or what can be done to re-align teeth so individuals have the smile they desire. At Lovett Dental Conroe, our orthodontists can give you tips on preventing teeth shifting, so you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile for the rest of your life.
Prevent Teeth Shifting With Clear Aligner Trays
For those who had alignment issues as children but didn’t get braces at the time, there are still options available to properly align teeth. One of the most popular options are clear aligner trays. For those with mildly crooked teeth, the solution may be to wear clear aligners. These acrylic devices are molded to the teeth. Patients wear a series of them that slowly push their teeth into alignment over time. Aligners are great for those who are wary of using braces; they are all but invisible to the naked eye and are easily removed to eat.
Braces
You may need to use traditional dental braces. Whether you have had braces before or need them for the first time, braces can improve your oral health. They are also easier to wear than ever. Orthodontists install the braces on your teeth after creating a mold.
This helps them ensure that the braces and wiring will fit within your mouth perfectly. Like veneers, braces will slowly move your teeth into the correct position over time. Because they are made of metal and other durable materials, they are better at performing jobs that require more force.
For those who really want to speed up the time they have to wear braces, you might also consider wearing headgear with your braces. When worn overnight, the headgear can move your teeth into place even faster.
Retainers
After you have had veneers or braces do their work, you may need to wear permanent retainers. These are durable strips of metal that rest along the inside of your teeth. Their job is to prevent your teeth from shifting. Permanent retainers may be the best option to prevent teeth shifting.
Because teeth naturally shift over time, having a set of retainers can keep the teeth in line rather than moving around in your mouth. To avoid wearing braces again in the future, it is wise to consider having retainers installed.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Most adults will eventually undergo a procedure to have their wisdom teeth removed. This is a crucial step because wisdom teeth aren’t necessary. All they do is take up room in your mouth. The real danger that they pose is upsetting the placement of your existing teeth.
Your wisdom teeth will start to exert pressure on the teeth surrounding them to make room for them. They will shove them out of the way so they can emerge, which can result in crooked teeth.
Removing your wisdom teeth, even before you have your teeth straightened, can be a great way to ensure that your teeth do not shift in the future.
Floss
One last method to prevent teeth shifting is to floss. You can and should do this every day. Flossing helps prevent teeth from shifting because it removes plaque growing between your teeth. When plaque buildup occurs, the forces can start to cause teeth to move away from each other.
Plaque fills up the flexible space between teeth. When teeth shift naturally, the existing plaque forces them to move in the direction where they can move—where no plaque exists. Flossing will remove the plaque. In return, your teeth have the natural space to shift harmlessly without exerting enormous pressure on each other.
Reach Out to Lovett Dental Conroe Today
The best way to prevent teeth from shifting is to call Lovett Dental Conroe. We offer a series of services that can combat the shifting of teeth. Aside from these specialty dental services, we also provide numerous cosmetic options to consider, such as:
Call Lovett Dental Conroe at 936-760-2400 to schedule an appointment for your next dental exam and cleaning and find out how we can help you keep your teeth from shifting.
