HELP! My teeth are becoming buck at 48 yrs old!?

Question

A very strange phenomena is happening to me!

For the past few weeks I have this strange feeling/awareness of my teeth/bite. My upper and lower teeth have a strange sensation, like it is moving forward (similar to when I had braces on & the dentist was moving them in place).

I noticed that my upper teeth seem to be beginning to plow into my upper lip! It feels like they are becoming buck. My teeth were not buck as a teenager, they were just crooked. 3 of my siblings had severely buck teeth & had teeth pulled. They used a palette expander on me because they told me that if they pulled 4 teeth I would have a pan face in my 50's which would make me look old. He gave me this horrible full mouth rubber exercise retainer which I hated and my teeth moved back somewhat crooked again.

Any ideas what my teeth are doing now and why my bite is changing? I very concerned. Could it be due to a medical condition. I don't have dental insurance right now so can't run to the dentist.

Answer 1

You did not mention anything about your back teeth. One dental phenomenon that could be causing this is called "posterior bite collapse." Usually this is what happens when you have had some back teeth removed, but not replaced. (I'm not talking about having teeth removed for braces, because that space is then closed.) You can also be grinding so much that you are causing the same thing. Your front teeth are not made to bear the weight of chewing without support of all of your back teeth and they start to "buck out" or flare in the anterior region.

It would seem unlikely, but this could also be related to a new tongue habit. In a younger person, we would routinely look for a tongue thrust, but if you never had one, it would seem odd that you started doing this at age 48. The tongue is a MIGHTY force, though, when it comes to moving teeth. Consider any changes in habit that might be significant.

If you can not find a dental cause, yes there are medical conditions that lead to expanding bone and the accompanying flaring of the teeth. Search on "acromegaly" and you will find all kinds of information on this hormonal condition that can lead to flaring of the teeth. I think this is the most common underlying condition, but I'm not an expert on this topic.

Answer 2

I just got my retainers and decided to read up some facts about them (I know, kind of weird) but anyway, I found out that people's teeth do shift and change (even if not very noticeable) as people age. I would say that the change in the position, alignment, etc., of the teeth would be more drastic in a person who doesn't have naturally straight teeth. I was reading that that's why some people have their retainers for life, usually wearing it every night, every other night, a few months in a year even til old age (unless you get something cosmetically done). That would be more likely if you had crooked teeth and had braces.

So basically, what I'm trying to say is that people's teeth naturally shift with age. But don't worry, I'm sure things will work out. There are so many options to help straighten and "fix" teeth.

Answer 3

I can't say that I know what is happening to your teeth, but I can help you afford getting it checked out and fixed. There is a very in-expensive but high-quality dental plan that can help you with that. It doesnt pay 100%, but can save you signifcant money, and most dentists are good about taking payments if you at least have a plan of some sort. Another good thing is, unlike tradional insurance, everyone in the US qualifies for it (except alaska and montana) Read on:

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Answer 4

You may have an underlying systemic problem. A complete history and physical might shed light on something. There are countless medical problems that affect the teeth and gums. See your primary care physician for an exam and/or referrals to a specialist(s) to rule out systemic causes. Then see your dentist for a complete oral exam. It sounds like it COULD be chronic generalized periodontitis which will cause your teeth to shift. Depending on the diagnosis, the are usually several treatment options available to you. Sorry about the no insurance. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Find a dentist who will work with you on payments, a change in your bite could indicate gum disease, and if you wait much longer, you won't have any teeth to be concerned about.

Answer 6

before i ws dianosed with diabeties and fibromyalgia my teeth were drastically changing. for awhile i felt i lived at the dentist. he said"are you sure you dont have some underlining disease " i told him oh your crazy i feel fine well...........look what i got now please see your dr and have some tests done first and if they are all clear see your dentist for treatment. he may have to pull your top teeth and fit you for dentures good luck to you

Answer 7

It could be related to gum disease. Go to your dentist and have it check and to see if you have gum disease. It also depend on the degree of your disease if you have been dx with gum disease.

Answer 8

this happens to people all the time and many people will get braces to correct them

Answer 9

Your whole body is changing- its morphing and will continute to morph until you die.