Do teeth move as you get older ?

[Acc72]

Might be a bit if a weird question .....

I used to have protruding front teeth and 5 years ago went for the veneer option which "straightened" their appearance (although ther actual underlying teeth are the same as they always were).

I am now 35 - will my teeth continue to move etc. as I age so that my now stright teeth will become protruding / wonky ! again, and I will need to have new veneers fitted ?

Or is it just luck of the draw ? - some peoples teeth move and others don't ?? !!

[Justie]

Toothsmith will be able to give you more of an idea but my guess is that it depends on what was making the teeth move in the first place. I've just had orthodontic treatment for an overbite that was corrected in my teens but as my bottom lip sat under the top front teeth over time that pushed them out again. I may now need a retainer permanently or the correction may be enough that the bottom lip is no longer going to push them forward again (I had teeth out too) - only time will tell. I don't know how veneers work though to straighten teeth but I think they will need at least maintenance in years to come - your dentist should have been able to tell you what the long term prognosis would be though.

[Toothsmith]

Yes - they do move.

There is a process called 'mesial drift' that goes on throughout your life whereby the teeth gradually move forwards.

The exact mechanism for it isn't exactly understood, and it's only about 2-4mm throughout your entire life, but if you have teeth that are slightly crooked, you will notice it. Or if you have teeth that have been made perfectly straight!

Some gum problems do cause teeth to move as well, so it's important you mention the matter to your dentist (But I wouldn't make a special appointment, unless it's moved suddenly) just so he can make sure it's 'natural' and not gum disease.

[Acc72]

Thanks Justie and Toothsmith,

My teeth haven't moved - yet .......

I was just thinking that maybe over the next 20 years or so, they may move and become crooked again.

I have seen a few of those "top 20" compilation programmes or whatever on TV (where they show you clips from years ago and then interview the actors now) - and I noticed on a few that there teeth had moved quite significantly !!

Maybe I shouldn't think too much !!

[queensway_boy]

Do teeth move as you get older ? (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=5390792#post5390792)

yeah they do,i put mine down 5 minuits ago and now i can't bleedin find em:rotfl: