Shifting of Teeth After Extractions

[McMew]

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!

[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.  :"(

[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.