Overlapping teeth are fairly common. And while many people don’t mind a slight overlap, others feel self-conscious and would like it repaired.
What causes teeth to overlap?
Genetics or thumbsucking as a toddler can result in overlapping teeth. Of course, some kids have teeth that just came in that way.
The mouth may be too small to fit all the teeth effectively. Or having upper and lower jaws that don’t fit together can be a factor. In addition, an injury can knock the upper and lower jaw out of alignment. In some cases, missing teeth or extra teeth (such as wisdom teeth) can lead to overlap.
Unfortunately, overlapping teeth can cause oral dilemmas.
When does it become important to fix overlapping teeth?
- Overlapping teeth cause a lisp or
- makes chewing or speaking is difficult,
- leads to jaw pain,
- triggers tooth grinding or clenching,
- causes the person to bite their inner cheeks.
Certainly, there are benefits to fixing overlapping teeth in addition to cosmetic reasons.
How can you fix overlapping teeth? There are several methods for straightening overlapping teeth. Each has benefits and drawbacks. Discuss them with your dentist or orthodontist.
Are traditional braces the only way to fix overlapping teeth?
There are a few different types of braces available for fixing overlapping teeth:
- Clear aligners
- Invisalign
- Traditional braces
How long does it take to correct overlapping teeth?
The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the overlap and other factors. However, in most cases, it can take at least one year to repair overlapping teeth, depending on the technique.
Are overlapping teeth causing you oral issues?
If overlapping teeth cause complications such as tooth or jaw pain, difficulty speaking clearly, or damaging oral habits, it is a smart move to consider correcting. Correcting overlapping teeth can help put an end to bad habits like tooth grinding, clenching the teeth, and biting the cheeks.
Another thing to keep in mind is that teeth continue to shift with age. Therefore, if you correct an overlap as a child or teen, you will likely need a retainer to maintain the teeth’s position.
Contact Flawless Smile Dentistry:
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
Claremore:
1502 W Blue Starr Dr
Claremore, OK 74017
918-342-4444
Broken Arrow:
2319 North 9th Street
Broken Arrow, OK 74012
918-957-7777
