Shifting of Teeth After Extractions

1) How soon after extractions will teeth begin to shift in an otherwise healthy mouth (no gum or bone issues)?

2) How do they normally shift - Backward, forward..  Sideways, even?

3) How drastic of a shift, in say, a 12-month period (if possible teeth can shift in 12 months) will a person notice the difference?

Lastly -

4) Can a retainer be used, alone, in lieu of braces?


Again - many thanks!

[SHELLBELL79]

i would like to know the answer to this myself. i know you can get a bridge or implant to prevent shifting  and before that you can get a fake tooth denture made while you wait.

[McMew]

I actually tried getting a partial denture in the meantime.  Unfortunately because my bite is so off, the partial won't fit right/would be too thick.

Hoping for a bridge sometime in January.  Implant's gonna be way too expensive.  Even the bridge is over budgey.  :"(