You might find yourself confused if your teeth aren’t lining up like they used to. If you think this might be happening, you’re likely not imagining it. It is possible for teeth to move, rotate, and shift.
Even if your teeth were initially straight, as years pass they can begin to move into crooked positions due to a genetic predisposition. If it runs in the family, there may be nothing you can do to prevent this.
Cavities are a result of decay that eats away at your natural tooth structure. This decay can progress enough to destroy your jaw bone, causing your teeth to become loose and your bite to change.
New dental work and teeth fillings repairing the cavity can cause changes to your bite and the way your teeth come together. If you experience any changes as a result of dental work, it’s important to mention these changes to your dentist.
Repeated or constant force applied to the surfaces of the teeth can cause them to spread out or move and can lead to changes in the jaw’s alignment. Bruxism, also known as grinding, places tension on the teeth that over time changes the position and structure of the teeth. Some signs of bruxism include face or jaw pain, tired or tight jaw muscles, and increased tooth sensitivity. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact the office right away.
When you are missing teeth, the surrounding teeth will drift into the empty area in an attempt to fill that space. Teeth naturally want to come together, so we will work hard to fill any open spaces.
Gum disease can damage the soft tissue that supports your teeth. As gums recede the teeth may move because they aren’t supported as they once were.
Other factors include age, the state of the wisdom teeth, and conditions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
If you are noticing any changes in how your teeth come together or experiencing any tenderness or tightness in the jaw or facial muscles, please contact the office right away. We want to help you avoid any permanent damage and get you back to having a beautiful, healthy smile.
Do you want to straighten your teeth, fix your bite, or close gaps, but hate the idea of wearing metal? Most of us weren’t born with a Hollywood smile, but everyone deserves one. Our dentists in Everett WA understand that beautifully aligned teeth not only improve your appearance but also enhance the function of your mouth, your health, and your overall quality of life.
Technology has improved in recent years and brought with it many alternatives to traditional metal braces, opening the door to a variety of treatment options.
Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces are one alternative to metal braces. While they’re typically not recommended for severe cases, they can be a beautiful alternative. High quality ceramic braces are strong and can be less painful because they don’t irritate the gums. They offer high esthetic options for the right candidates and virtually disappear in the mouth.
Porcelain Veneers: A veneer is a thin ceramic covering that is bonded to the front of a tooth. It doesn’t change the alignment of the tooth but makes it appear as if you have. It is ideal for covering just a few teeth that are slightly misshapen or covering small gaps. Veneers give you the option of an attractive smile without a huge investment of time.
Invisalign®: Invisalign® straightens your teeth using a custom-made series of aligners created just for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your natural teeth. Invisalign® is rising in popularity and becoming the first choice for both professionals and patients due to its convenience and comfort.
Don’t let your fear or apprehension of conventional metal braces stop you from getting that beautiful, healthy smile you have always dreamed of having. Schedule a consultation today, and we’ll go over all available options so you can make a decision that works for you and your lifestyle.
