Professional orthodontic treatments are the best way to get a straighter smile, but once treatment ends, you might wonder, “How fast do teeth move?”
Nearly 4 million people in the U.S. have braces, and while there’s a lot of focus on the treatment itself, the results will only last as long as you’re committed to maintaining them. If you don’t remain disciplined in your aftercare, the reality is your teeth can – and likely will – start to shift back into their old positions.
Tooth movement in adults is a significant and legitimate concern, as people want to know how fast can teeth shift after they finish treatment. If you’re about to start or are undergoing orthodontic treatment, you’ll likely have questions such as:
- How quickly can teeth shift?
- Do teeth move over time or immediately after I get my braces off?
- Do your teeth ever stop shifting?
- How long does it take for teeth to shift?
- How much do teeth move after orthodontic treatment?
Keep reading to find the answers to these questions and what you can do to keep your smile looking great long after your last orthodontic visit.
Do Your Teeth Ever Stop Shifting?
Our jaws continue to develop and change shape throughout our lives, which means our teeth can shift and crowd, especially as we age. It’s a natural process, but it can be accelerated by certain habits, like chewing on ice or biting your nails.
Orthodontic treatments use devices like braces or aligners to stop tooth movement in adults and correct alignment. But once you complete treatment, there’s no longer a device physically stopping your teeth from shifting back into their original positions.
Teeth will eventually slow their movement; however, they’ll always continue to move slightly unless prevented through orthodontic intervention through active treatment or retainers.
What Causes Tooth Movement In Adults After You Finish Treatment?
Do braces move your teeth every day? Yes, orthodontic treatments help create purposeful tooth movement in adults and children by applying pressure to various sections daily. However, once braces or aligners are removed, your teeth are no longer under that same pressure.
The removal of that consistent pressure means your teeth can start shifting back into their old positions. That kind of tooth movement in adults is much more likely to happen if you don’t wear a retainer, mouth guard, or other appliance as directed by your orthodontist after the initial treatment ends.
There are a few other things that can shift your teeth, including:
- Chewing habits: Biting your nails or chewing on ice can put extra pressure on your teeth and shift them out of their new positions.
- Grinding or clenching: This common problem can occur during the day and at night. Talk to your orthodontist about getting a mouthguard if you think you might be grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy causes all sorts of changes in the body, including your teeth. Hormonal changes can loosen teeth, causing them to turn or shift slightly.
How Fast Do Teeth Move?
Fortunately, teeth don’t move quite as quickly as you think! In general, it can take years for teeth to shift significantly, though teeth can start moving slowly back into their old positions after only a few weeks or months.
Micro movements in teeth are often unnoticeable to the naked eye but lead to significant changes over time, especially if you undergo orthodontic treatment at a young age. And if you don’t wear your retainer as prescribed, your teeth could start shifting within just a few weeks.
So, do teeth move back after braces, and how can you keep them from moving too much?
How to Prevent Teeth From Shifting
Always follow your orthodontist’s directions to keep your smile looking great after treatment. And do these things to help ensure your teeth don’t shift:
1. Wear Your Retainer As Prescribed
Do teeth move over time? Yes, if you don’t follow your directed treatment plan. Always wear your retainer according to your orthodontist’s instructions.
If you lose or damage your retainer or feel like it’s tighter than usual, contact the office right away! You may also be a candidate for a permanent retainer, so be sure to discuss all your options with your orthodontist.
2. Avoid Hard And Sticky Foods
Pay attention to the types of foods you eat. Hard and sticky foods can damage your retainer or teeth and also increase the risk of your teeth shifting. Try to avoid things like chewy candy, hard pretzels, and sticky sweets.
3. Wear A Mouthguard When Playing Sports
You might be surprised to learn that physical activity can impact how fast teeth can shift. If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and mouth from injury, keeping your smile looking great.
4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
One of the best ways to keep your teeth healthy – and in their new positions – is to practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings.
Perfect Your Smile For Good With Bates Orthodontics
How fast do teeth move? Though it could take weeks or months to see the beginnings of tooth movement in adults after treatment, you won’t want any movement once you achieve your dream smile. By following the tips above and your orthodontist’s directions, you can keep your smile straight and healthy for the rest of your life!
If you’re concerned about your smile after treatment, still wonder, “How fast can teeth shift?” or are interested in learning more about how to perfect your smile for good, contact Bates Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation!
We’re happy to answer your questions you may have and help you achieve the beautiful, confident smile you deserve.
