HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Drift of the Teeth
Drift refers to gradual movement of the teeth:
- Toward an empty space between the teeth. Drift commonly occurs after the loss of a tooth.
- From the back to the front of the mouth. Drift is a normal process during the adult years. It seems to explain why many adults have increasingly crowded lower front incisors.
Drift may cause Reference malocclusion Opens New Window (poor bite) and could require Reference orthodontic treatment Opens New Window with braces or other devices.
Credits
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 11, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference William F. Hohlt, DDS - Orthodontics |
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