What Are Overlapping Teeth and How to Fix Them?
Is There a Way to Treat Overlapping Teeth?
Many people have problems with overlapping teeth. It is a common issue many people experience, at least to a degree. The situation also doesn’t have to be too complex, but it will nonetheless impact the treatment and how you approach it.
Teeth that aren’t perfectly aligned can cause problems with self-esteem, and many people look for a solution for aesthetic reasons. And that’s perfectly fine. There is a reason cosmetic dentistry exists, but at the same time, it can help you avoid potential problems in the future.
Treatment options for overlapping teeth include orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners, dental veneers, dental bonding, and tooth extraction in severe cases. The most appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the overlap and the individual’s specific needs.
What Are Overlapping Teeth
Overlapping teeth is a common problem, and many people experience it, especially at a young age. Essentially, it all boils down to overcrowded teeth positioned in front of one another.
While malocclusion can also lead to overlapping teeth, the condition refers to misalignment of the upper and lower jaw. But when teeth overlap, it is still possible that there are no problems with the jaw in the first place.
Of course, many people are unaware of the aesthetic problem with overlapping teeth. After all, they don’t look as beautiful as perfectly aligned ones. But still, overlapping teeth can cause oral health problems and make eating difficult, and that is the main problem that needs addressing.
Types of Overlapping Teeth
There are several types of misaligned teeth that can occur, and some of them fall in the malocclusion category, which is a misalignment of the upper and lower jaw that can cause various problems in the future.
- Overbite – The term refers to the condition where upper teeth completely cover lower ones. Overlapping front teeth are quite common, which can lead to a variety of health problems.
- Underbite – The opposite condition is called underbite, which means that the lower teeth are sticking out. In fact, the entire lower jaw can extend forward, and fixing it can require surgery.
- Open bite – With an open bite, the front teeth in the upper and lower jaw don’t touch each other. That means that only molars will be in contact when the mouth is closed, making eating quite challenging.
- Crossbite – Crossbite affects a group of teeth similar to an underbite. The only difference is that the latter can ruin all teeth and cause even more problems.
When there is a problem with the size of the jaw, it is also quite common for teeth to grow over one another.
Symptoms
Recognizing symptoms of overlapping teeth is quite simple. And it won’t take your dentist too long to spot the problem. The first thing they will notice is that teeth are not properly aligned, and some might even be out of place.
Based on the type of misalignment, there are several possible symptoms. These include headaches, problems with breathing, pain while eating, visible changes to the face, damage to teeth (and even gums), problems with speaking, snoring, tooth decay, and so on.
That is why it is essential to address it as soon as possible and look for the best orthodontic treatment that can solve the problem.
Prevention
In the majority of cases, prevention is not possible. These conditions are hereditary, and it is up to genetics, and thus pure chance, whether you will have problems with your teeth. However, there are a couple of things that can affect the process.
Thumb sucking after a certain age can cause problems with the teeth and disrupt jaw development. The same thing applies to pacifiers. So, if you have a child, it would be best to discourage them from sucking their thumb after age three.
And oral hygiene is still important. You will need to continue brushing and flossing and do everything you can to lower the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Treatment Options
While there are potential dental treatments, you will need to know the type of condition and the type of misalignment since that will affect the treatment process. For mild misalignments and minor overcrowding, the best option is to go for traditional metal braces.
They will be able to solve the problem with time and allow you to have a straight smile. In minor cases of overlapping, clear aligners can also help. But for severe cases, the only option is to go for braces.
Of course, if there is a problem with cavities, the dentist will need to address it first before they proceed to the next step. Additionally, people with smaller jaws might need tooth extraction because it is the only way for the remaining teeth to fit in the jaw.
Remember that severe underbite cases might require surgery, and it is the safest way to eliminate jaw pain and other problems that go with it.
What to Do?
There isn’t much you can do on your own when it comes to teeth and dental problems. That is why the best option is to visit your dentist. They will be able to provide more details about the problem and suggest the best possible way to treat it.
And if you are interested in fixing overlapping teeth, you should listen to your dentist. You may need to get dental veneers, surgeries, wear braces, and others. It all comes down to a specific situation.
Furthermore, some people will have issues with teeth grinding, and they will need to solve the problem first if they want their teeth to remain healthy. These procedures can be quite complex, and some of them require time.
So, be patient, listen to your dentist, and address the issue as soon as possible. That is the simplest way to solve the problem, and by acting on time, you might get a chance to avoid potential complications.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Lombard, IL
Since overlapping teeth can be a problem for so many people, it is crucial to look for a solution. And if you live in Lombard, Illinois, you can always visit Reflection Dental. And the best thing about it is that there are many different methods and dental techniques you can find.
Once you talk to the dentist, you will be able to know more about your options and find a way to make your teeth look perfect. Since every situation is unique, it is essential to look for personalized service. And Reflection Dental will be able to offer just that.
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