Teeth never truly stop moving. While the most dramatic movement occurs during childhood and adolescence as the jaw grows, subtle shifting continues throughout a person's entire life.
Why Teeth Keep Moving
Several factors contribute to this continuous movement:
- Bone remodeling: Our jawbones are constantly being remodeled, a process that can subtly alter the position of teeth.
- Tooth loss: The loss of a tooth can cause neighboring teeth to shift into the empty space.
- Gum recession: As gums recede with age, teeth can appear to move or become looser.
- Normal wear and tear: Daily activities like chewing put stress on teeth, leading to minor positional changes over time.
When is Movement Most Noticeable?
Although movement is constant, it's often more noticeable during certain life stages:
- Childhood and adolescence: Rapid jaw growth during these years leads to significant tooth movement.
- Adulthood (40s and beyond): The effects of bone remodeling, tooth loss, and gum recession become more apparent, potentially causing noticeable shifting.
Addressing Shifting Teeth
Even though teeth will always have a tendency to shift, there are ways to mitigate the effects and address noticeable issues. Retainers, for example, can help maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment. Dental procedures can also correct more significant problems associated with tooth movement. Regular dental checkups are essential to monitor any changes and address any potential issues early on.
As several sources indicate (Greenhill Dental, SportingSmiles Dental, WG Ortho, Putnam Bright Smile, Healthline, RV Orthodontics, Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists, Hodges Orthodontics, Band & Wire Journal), teeth constantly shift throughout life, though the rate and visibility of movement varies with age.
