How do I stop my teeth from shifting?

To prevent your teeth from shifting, focus on consistent retainer use and addressing habits that contribute to movement. Here's a breakdown:

Retainers: Your First Line of Defense

Retainer, Retainer, Retainer: (Reference 1) This is the most important step. Your orthodontist prescribed a retainer for a reason. Wear it as instructed! This is critical, especially immediately after braces removal. Retainers actively hold your teeth in their corrected positions, preventing relapse.

Keep Your Gums Clean: (Reference 2) Gum health is essential for tooth stability. Inflammation and gum disease can weaken the supporting structures of your teeth, making them more prone to shifting.
- Brush twice daily and floss daily.
- See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

Sleep On Your Back: (Reference 3) While not a primary cause of shifting, sleeping on your stomach or side can exert pressure on your jaw and potentially contribute to minor tooth movement over time.
Become Aware of Mouth Habits: (Reference 4) Certain habits can put undue pressure on your teeth, causing them to shift.
- Examples:
  - Tongue thrusting: Pushing your tongue against your teeth, especially when swallowing.
  - Nail-biting: This can put pressure on your front teeth.
  - Teeth grinding (bruxism): Often occurs during sleep. A night guard can help.
Stop Leaning On Your Hand: (Reference 5) Propping your chin or jaw up with your hand can apply pressure to your teeth, leading to shifting over time.

Here's a summary table:

Strategy	Description
Retainer Use	Wear your retainer exactly as instructed by your orthodontist.
Oral Hygiene	Brush twice daily, floss daily, and maintain regular dental checkups.
Sleeping Position	Try to sleep on your back to avoid pressure on your jaw.
Habit Modification	Be aware of habits like tongue thrusting, nail-biting, and teeth grinding and take steps to correct them.
Avoid Hand Pressure	Refrain from leaning on your hand and putting pressure on your jaw.