How to prevent or slow down teeth shifting if I have never worn braces and do not have retainers?

With time, our body changes and ages. Just like skin that looses elasticity and collagen, white hair that appear, bone that looses density, so do teeth shift. It’s a natural, slow physiological process.

There are steps we can take to keep this natural teeth shift in check.

1) have regular gum cleaning and rental check ups to keep gums in tip top condition. Gums are like the soil propping up trees. Poor gums result in poor support for your teeth and they are more likely to drift and shift.

2) get your teeth position checked by an Orthodontist. Certain malocclusion/ bad position of teeth and heavy, uneven biting forces are more likely to cause teeth to shift. Examples are scissors bite and protruding front teeth and an associated lip trap.

3) Retainers are like a snap-shot in time of your teeth position. There’s no harm in fabricating a pair of retainers to wear during sleep to keep teeth position in check.

Hope this information helps!

Cheers,

Dr POON Kee Hwang

Specialist Orthodontist

Couldn't agree more with Dr Poon. As orthodontists, we do see a greater proportion of patients in their late teens/early 20s coming to see us with regards to overlapping of the lower front teeth in particular. There are many theories for this late crowding, however the treatment options are the same.

Retainers would be the best way to maintain the alignment of your teeth. Many of us grind our teeth in our sleep, the retainers could also function as a nightguard and protect your teeth if you do. If your teeth have shifted, you may want to consider aligning them before making a pair of retainers. If you decide to straighten your teeth later on, you won't be able to wear these retainers anymore, which will be a waste.

Most importantly, make sure you see your general dentist every 6 months to make sure your gums are in tip top condition.

hope this helps!

Warm regards,

Dr Geraldine Lee

Orthodontist