Here’s How Your Smile Can Change As You Get Older

As you get older, your mouth will evolve. Not only will your teeth wear down from chewing every day, but they will actually continue to move in your adult life. In some cases, teeth may move quite a bit as you age and in others the movement and shifting of teeth may be more subtle. Everyone is different, but here are a few ways you can expect your teeth to change in the years to come.

Crowding

Your jaw bone shrinks as you age, causing crowding within your bottom front teeth. Crowding can also be caused be facial trauma, reverse swallowing, mouth breathing and tongue thrusting. Some seemingly minor aspects of your dental health like mouth breathing might not cause issues tomorrow, but over time the impact can be noticeable.

Gaps

Diastema, also known as a space between your front teeth, can occur from teeth crowding, inflammation from gum disease, and even swallowing with your tongue pressed against your front teeth. Everyone’s mouth is different, and the formation of gaps can impact you at any age.

Shifting

Teeth shifting can occur for a number of reasons, but here’s a look at the top causes:

• Periodontal Disease: A disease of the gums that keep your teeth in place. If you’re not brushing or flossing properly your gums can deteriorate and as a result, your teeth become more movable.
• Jaw Bone Growth: As you grow, your bottom jaw continues to grow forward and narrower. Because of this, the space for teeth diminishes and causes crowding, and your bite may change enough to cause gapping in your upper teeth.
• Lip Aging: As your lips age, they grow smaller and tighter, and that added pressure over time could shift your teeth.
• Teeth Grinding: Grinding your teeth is more common than you think; people do it when they’re sleeping or even if they’re stressed. Much like aging lips, teeth grinding or clenching puts pressure on your teeth that could cause them to shift.

Misaligned Bite

Whether your teeth are too big for your mouth, or your upper and lower jaw aren’t the same size, there are many reasons why teeth and bites end up misaligned. Check out this blog post for more information.

Adult Orthodontics On The Rise

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), roughly one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. It’s never too late to improve the appearance and health of your smile with orthodontic treatment. Straight teeth are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they are easier to keep clean and maintain a healthy mouth.

There are a variety of ways that your smile can change over the years, but the good news is, orthodontic treatment can help. If you’re starting to notice your smile change, contact our office today for a free consultation.