Did you know that sources estimate that up to 30% to 50% of adults with prior orthodontic work might require re-treatment at some point in their lives? Your teeth are anchored in place by muscles, ligaments, and other tissues with a natural capacity for movement, which is what allows options like braces to be effective.
However, your pearly whites might shift out of their ideal alignment for one or more reasons. Continue reading to learn about 3 potential causes behind your more recently misaligned grin!
Cause #1: Gum Disease
Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria in your mouth form plaque along your gumline and penetrate the tissues. This can start out small but often goes unnoticed and progresses to more advanced stages. Eventually, your gums start to recede to try to escape the infection, leaving your teeth without a firm enough foundation to remain in their rightful positions.
Not only that, but periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, is the leading cause of permanent tooth loss. If one or more of your teeth go missing, those left behind are likely to shift out of place to try to fill in the empty spaces, which increases the risk of developing decay or sustaining injuries.
Cause #2: Teeth Grinding
Have you noticed a persistent ache in your jaw, or do you often wake in the morning with a headache? If so, you might be suffering from bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding. If you clench your arches together at night while you’re sleeping, or even subconsciously during the day, the extra force can wear down your enamel unevenly or prematurely.
This added pressure can not only damage your teeth but also place uneven pressure on them, causing them to shift out of alignment, which sometimes requires repeated orthodontic treatment.
Cause #3: Physical Trauma
Athletes and others who participate in team sports or other close-contact activities are prone to sustaining injuries that can damage their smiles. For example, a single blow to the face that lands with sufficient force can displace a tooth, destabilize it, or knock it out. Furthermore, if your jawbone is injured or broken, it can affect your dental arrangement.
Wearing a mouthguard and other protective gear can help prevent these problems and safeguard your smile. Thankfully, your dentist can provide a custom-fitted oral appliance that fits like a glove to help prevent potential injuries.
If you’re unsure whether you require a second round of orthodontics to upgrade your grin, you can learn more by consulting your provider!
About the Practice
Patients at G&G Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics benefit from a team of experts eager to help families in Lake Zurich enhance their dental health and straighten their smiles. Although they focus on still-developing teeth, Dr. Nicole is a skilled orthodontist who welcomes patients of all ages. She is active with the American Board of Orthodontics and other prestigious institutions, and provides a range of services to address dental and bite misalignments and improve your condition. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (630) 778-9500.