Having your teeth shift out of alignment can occur for several reasons. A simple reason may be that you sleep consistently on one side – or perhaps you grind your teeth at night while you are asleep. It’s also possible that bad dental habits can cause teeth to fall out of alignment. No matter what the cause of the shifting is, misaligned teeth can bring on more dental problems if left untreated since teeth that have shifted can be difficult to properly clean.
To find the right treatment for your shifting teeth, you first need to determine the cause of the shifting. Your dentist can guide you through this. For you to get an idea while you wait to see your dental provider, here are some of the common reasons for teeth shifting.
Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding. These are very bad habits for your teeth, as they can force either your top or bottom teeth to misalign from added pressure. Some people do this in their sleep and may have no idea they are doing it.
Tooth Loss. If you lose a tooth, you should have the spot filled. Otherwise, the additional space in your mouth leaves room for the surrounding teeth to shift toward that spot to fill the gap.
Tooth Decay or Cavities. Not treating a cavity can cause the teeth to shift as the decay spreads. Also, the composite that is used to fill cavities may cause shifting – it is best to avoid cavities at all if possible.
Genetics and Age. Even if you are born with perfectly straight teeth, you may have genes that dictate the shifting of your teeth at a later age in life. Additionally, when a person grows older the natural wearing away of the areas between each tooth can cause shifting.
No matter what the cause is of the shifting of your teeth, contact your dental team for an assessment to get it taken care of. There are many solutions to shifting, and the answer for your mouth will depend on what is causing the shifting.
Hello! I’m Dr. Kevin Lee, a certified orthodontic specialist at PacificWest Dental Group, proudly serving the vibrant communities of Vancouver and Surrey. My journey into orthodontics began back in high school. As a teenager wearing braces, I became fascinated by the intricate blend of art, engineering, and biology that defines this field. This early experience ignited a passion that has guided me throughout my career.
I pursued my academic journey at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 2006, followed by a Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2011. After a year-long residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, I returned to UBC to complete a combined Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology and a Diploma in Orthodontics in 2015. That same year, I achieved certification from both the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and the American Board of Orthodontics.
With over a decade of clinical experience, I remain deeply committed to staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements. At PacificWest Dental Group, we prioritize personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring comfort and care every step of the way. Our goal is to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Outside the clinic, I enjoy engaging with our community and staying active. Whether it’s through local events or outdoor activities, I believe in building strong relationships both inside and outside the office. I look forward to meeting you and working together to create a beautiful, confident smile.
Services we provide:
-Invisalign
-Braces
-Lingual Braces
-Digital treatment planning
-TMJ and headpain treatment
-Laser Therapy
-Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
-Dysport Cosmetic Injectables
