Whether you’re an adult or a child, steady pressure applied to your teeth can slowly move and shift them. That’s how braces and retainers realign teeth and that’s how bad habits can shift them into mis-alignment. Adults with lifelong tongue thrusting habits or those who like to compulsively chew on pencils (or the like) may notice their teeth becoming crooked over time.

It’s usually a slow process and sometimes hard to notice. To realign your teeth, the first step is to stop whatever habit is causing the shift. Since many habits are unconscious, you may need to pay close attention to possible causes. The reality is, you’ll likely need the assistance of an orthodontist to realign your teeth with the help of a a retainer, braces, or Invisalign braces - somewhat of a hybrid between a retainer and traditional braces. Make an appointment with your dentist today to discuss your options.