People with straighter teeth appear smarter, more successful, and seem to have more dates. Therefore, if you’re noticing that your teeth are shifting after your braces have been removed, then you need to do something about it quickly. From poor oral health to natural aging, there are a number of causes of teeth shifting. And yet, you don’t have to “grin and bear it.” If you follow our tips on how to prevent further teeth shifting, you can keep your teeth straight for longer.
Wear a Dental Retainer
Many people think that when the orthodontist removes the braces, the treatment is over. You can simply expect your teeth to remain straight forever from now onwards. And yet, keeping your retainer in your mouth after the braces have been removed is important to ensure your teeth settle in the adjusted places. The retainer is placed over your teeth. Unlike your braces, the retainer is removable. Therefore, you don’t have to wear it all of the time. By wearing your retainer after your braces are removed, you can ensure you prevent your teeth from shifting back into the previous positions.
To learn about the dental retainers we offer at SportingSmiles, click HERE.
Good Oral Health Care
If you want to stop teeth shifting back into place, you need to practice good oral health care. This starts with brushing your teeth twice every day. Once in the morning and once at night before bed. Moreover, you should also be flossing regularly a few times per week. Despite the recommendation to brush twice daily being promoted by dentists, many people continue to ignore the advice. As many as three in ten young people brush only once per day. This can cause pieces of food and bacteria to build up in your teeth and gums. This can cause your teeth to shift over time. You need to start following oral hygiene guidelines to prevent this.
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Even if you practice good oral health at home, this may not be enough to prevent teeth shifting. You may also need professional teeth cleaning. This can sometimes be the only method of removing the decay and bacteria in your teeth. Your dentist can perform teething cleaning. You should arrange regular appointments with him or her to ensure your teeth are strong and healthy. Speak with your dentist about how frequently you should schedule professional teeth cleanings. This could be between one and four times per year.
Get Better Sleep
More than one-third of Americans don’t get enough sleep. This is defined as between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. However, it’s not only the amount of sleep that’s important. How you sleep also matters. Do you sleep on your back, stomach, or side? Nearly one-fifth of people sleep on their stomachs. This can increase the probability of the shifting of your teeth. Teeth move over time due to sustained pressure, such as squashing your face on a pillow. That’s why you should be sleeping on either your back or side to prevent teeth shifting.
Change Your Workplace
The majority of Americans do desk-based jobs. This means that you’re spending hours and hours in the same position. You may wonder what this could have to do with your teeth. Well, poor posture can actually impact the shifting of your teeth. For example, if you rest your chin in your hands, you could be pushing your teeth. Make sure your computer screen is at eye level and you sit upright at your desk.
Stop Grinding Your Teeth
Do you grind your teeth? This is especially common among young children. However, adults also do it. You may grind your teeth without knowing it while you’re asleep during the night. Or, you could be clenching your teeth during the daytime.
You can prevent damage from teeth grinding during the night with a grinding guard. At SportingSmiles, we offer a wide selection of teeth grinding guards designed to help reduce damage to teeth, as well as symptoms such as headaches and jaw pain.
This causes your upper arch to move. This causes your teeth to shift back to the previous location.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
There are several causes of teeth grinding. You may need to adapt your life to prevent bruxism. Around four-fifths of Americans say that they suffer from stress. This could be due to everything from a demanding job to personal anxiety. Symptoms of stress include teeth grinding. In fact, up to 70 percent of teeth grinding is caused by stress and anxiety.
Quit Smoking Cigarettes
The number of people smoking in the United States has fallen significantly over the past few decades. However, around 15 percent of Americans continue to smoke. Poor oral health is one of the many consequences of cigarette smoking. In particular, smoking increases your risk of developing gum disease. This subsequently causes your teeth to shift position even more.
Avoid Playing With Your Teeth
If you have suddenly developed confidence for your teeth after braces, you may be tempted to play with them. Do you enjoy the feeling of your tongue pressed against your teeth? This isn’t just a bit of fun. This can actually cause your teeth to revert back to the previous positions.
Chew Your Food Right
Chewing your food can cause your teeth to move. You are probably used to chewing your food as a cow would. This involves the grinding of your food side to side inside your mouth. You need to be crushing your food instead. That’s how the human mouth is designed. Therefore, always remember to chew your food carefully to prevent your teeth from moving.
How to Prevent Further Teeth Shifting?
You may not realize why your teeth are moving back to the previous locations. You have been wearing braces to straighten your teeth permanently. It will be extremely disappointing for your teeth to move back in a few months. But now, there is no need to worry. You know how to prevent further teeth shifting after removing your braces. Want to know more about how not to lose your straight smile? Check out our blog post on the best retainers for you.
