Have you started to notice subtle changes in your smile? Your once-straight teeth now appear slightly crooked or misaligned. Many believe their teeth will stay in place after completing orthodontic treatment or reaching adulthood. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Teeth shifting is a natural process that can occur at any stage of life. Whether it’s due to aging, lifestyle habits, or underlying dental issues, recognizing the cause is the first step toward preserving your oral health.

At Square One Health Group, we take a holistic approach to dental care—integrating advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and a supportive wellness environment to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.

Here are four common reasons your teeth may be shifting—and what you can do about it.

1. Natural Aging and Jaw Changes

One of the most common reasons teeth begin to move over time is the natural aging process. Our facial structure, jawbone density, and soft tissues gradually change as we age.

What Happens as You Age?

• Bone Resorption: Over time, your jawbone may lose density, a condition known as bone resorption. This process reduces the structural support that keeps your teeth firmly in place.
• Ligament Wear: The periodontal ligaments that hold your teeth can stretch or weaken with age, allowing your teeth to shift gradually.
• Shifting Jaw Alignment: For some people, the lower jaw may continue to grow slightly forward, pushing lower teeth against the back of the upper front teeth, causing misalignment.

How Square One Health Group Can Help

Our dental professionals at Square One Health Group offer comprehensive oral health assessments, including digital imaging and bite analysis, to track subtle changes in tooth alignment. Regular dental checkups can help us detect and address early signs of movement before they progress into more significant issues.

2. Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)

Do you wake up with jaw pain or headaches? You could be grinding or clenching your teeth, also known as bruxism. This common yet often unconscious habit can put excessive pressure on your teeth, gradually causing them to shift out of place.

The Hidden Impact of Bruxism

• Uneven Wear: Grinding wears down the enamel, changing the natural shape of your teeth and affecting how they fit together.
• Micro-Movements: Constant pressure from clenching can loosen teeth slightly, especially if it happens nightly over many years.
• TMJ Stress: Bruxism often leads to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, further affecting jaw alignment and contributing to tooth movement.

Customized Night Guards at Square One

At Square One Health Group, we provide custom-fitted night guards to protect your teeth while you sleep. These appliances are designed to reduce the pressure from grinding and minimize wear on your enamel, keeping your smile aligned and pain-free.

We also offer TMJ assessments and therapy options to help relieve associated muscle tension and joint discomfort.

3. Skipping or Inconsistent Retainer Use

If you have ever worn braces or clear aligners, your orthodontist probably emphasized the importance of wearing your retainer. Failing to do so—even for just a few nights a week—can result in teeth slowly shifting back to their original positions.

Why Retainers Matter

• Post-Treatment Stability: After orthodontic treatment, the bone and ligaments around your teeth need time to stabilize. Retainers help hold your teeth in place during this transition period.
• Lifelong Maintenance: Shifting can occur even decades after braces. Wearing your retainer regularly ensures your smile stays in its corrected position.

Orthodontic Support at Square One

If your teeth have shifted due to retainer neglect, we offer fixed and removable orthodontic options to help you regain alignment. Our team can also evaluate your current retainer and provide a new one that better supports your smile.

4. Gum Disease and Oral Health Issues

Poor oral hygiene and gum disease are major contributors to teeth shifting. When gums become inflamed or infected, they recede, weakening the foundation of your teeth.

The Consequences of Gum Disease

• Loss of Attachment: Gum disease damages the soft tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place.
• Tooth Mobility: As the support structure weakens, your teeth can become loose and drift or tilt.
• Irregular Gaps: Gum recession can create gaps between teeth, changing how they bite together.

Preventive Care at Square One Health Group

Our dental team emphasizes preventive care as the first defence against gum disease. We offer:

• Professional dental cleanings
• Gum disease screenings
• Scaling and root planning
• Customized oral hygiene education

Keeping your gums healthy, we help protect your teeth’ alignment and long-term integrity.

Bonus Factors That May Cause Teeth to Shift

In addition to the four leading causes above, several lifestyle and health-related factors can also contribute to shifting teeth:

• Tooth Loss: A missing tooth can cause neighbouring teeth to drift into space.
• Mouth Breathing: Chronic mouth breathing can affect jaw development and tongue posture, especially in children.
• Pregnancy and Hormones: Hormonal changes can temporarily affect gum health and lead to slight tooth movement.

At Square One Health Group, we address these underlying causes with a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together dental, medical, and wellness professionals to create a comprehensive care plan that supports your total health.

How to Stop Your Teeth from Shifting

Whether your teeth have already started shifting or you want to prevent them, here are a few key tips:

1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly – Biannual checkups help catch early signs of tooth movement.
2. Wear Your Retainer – Make it a habit, even years after orthodontic treatment.
3. Protect Your Teeth at Night – Ask about a custom night guard if you grind or clench.
4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Brush and floss daily to prevent gum disease.
5. Get Professional Advice – Don’t ignore small changes—early intervention is key.

Why Choose Square One Health Group?

Your smile is vital to your overall health at Square One Health Group. Our integrated dental team works closely with other healthcare providers in our clinic to ensure a full-body approach to wellness. Whether you’re dealing with tooth movement, jaw discomfort, or gum issues, we offer personalized care plans to restore your confidence and comfort.

Our services include:

• Family and cosmetic dentistry
• Orthodontic evaluations
• TMJ therapy
• Preventive cleanings
• Restorative and surgical dental care

All under one roof—conveniently located in Mississauga near Square One Shopping Centre.

Final Thoughts

Tooth movement may be a natural part of life, but that does not mean you must live with it. Whether it is due to aging, bruxism, gum disease, or retainer neglect, understanding the reasons behind your shifting teeth is the first step toward protecting your oral health.

At Square One Health Group, we are here to help you reclaim your smile with proactive, professional dental care that fits your lifestyle. Schedule your dental checkup today, and let us help you maintain a healthy, straight, and beautiful smile for years to come.

Book Your Appointment Now