Throughout life, various changes occur in the body, including in the oral cavity. One of the changes you may have noticed is that a tooth has changed its position. Why does tooth movement happen, and can this process be prevented?
Tooth Movement After Extraction
When a tooth is extracted, the neighboring teeth tend to fill the space left by the extraction. They tilt toward the gap, while the opposing teeth grow into that space.
To prevent this process, it’s necessary to replace the missing tooth as soon as possible.
Tooth Movement Caused by Periodontitis
How Periodontitis Affects Tooth Stability
Periodontitis (gum disease) affects the supporting tissues of the teeth, and one of its consequences is tooth movement.
As the gums and bone level recede, the tooth becomes less stable. Under chewing forces, it begins to shift — usually outward.
Tooth Elongation and Treatment Options
Another common occurrence is so-called tooth elongation, when one tooth appears longer than the others.
Since periodontitis is a degenerative disease, detailed dental care and regular maintenance can stop further progression.
If significant shifting has already occurred, the issue can be corrected with prosthetic restorations.
Wisdom Teeth Pushing Other Teeth
Although it is a common belief that wisdom teeth push all the teeth in front of them, this theory is still debated in dentistry.
In patients whose wisdom teeth erupt with difficulty and who already have crowding among the front teeth, there is still no definite proof linking these two problems.
Tooth movement also occurs in people who don’t have wisdom teeth.
However, what we can confirm is that a wisdom tooth can negatively affect the tooth directly in front of it — the second molar.
If it pushes against it, it can endanger its position and health, in which case the wisdom tooth should be extracted.
Front Teeth Crowding and Shifting
When Dental Crowding Occurs
When there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to align properly, they start to overlap — a condition known as crowding.
Crowding isn’t only an aesthetic problem but also a functional one, as such teeth are more prone to cavities and gum inflammation.
How to Correct Crowding
With age, teeth can continue to shift and overlap due to natural wear and chewing forces.
This problem can only be corrected through orthodontic treatment — with either fixed or removable braces, depending on the case.
If there isn’t enough space, one or more teeth may need to be extracted for orthodontic reasons, allowing the remaining teeth to align properly.
Malocclusion (Improper Bite)
Malocclusion is usually genetic or the result of inadequate dental restoration.
During chewing, strong forces act on the teeth; when a tooth is misaligned, these forces can cause movement over time.
This issue can be resolved by wearing braces or reconstructing the bite using prosthetic restorations.
Tooth Movement After Orthodontic Treatment
Why Teeth Move Back
It’s common for teeth to shift slightly back to their original positions after braces are removed.
This happens because orthodontic results are not fully stable immediately after treatment.
Teeth naturally tend to return to their genetically determined position.
The Importance of Retention
To prevent relapse, wearing a retainer (retention aligner or wire) is essential.
These retainers are discreet, easy to maintain, and help ensure that the achieved results remain stable over time.
When to Consult Your Dentist
If you’re not sure why your teeth have shifted, consult your dentist.
For a free online consultation, email dr.bede@eunet.rs and include your name, X-ray image, and a short description of the problem you’d like to solve.
