At Neal C. Johnson DMD, we provide cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry. That means we repair all types of smile flaws.
Overlapping teeth are fairly common. And while many people don’t mind a slight overlap, others feel self-conscious and would like it fixed.
What causes teeth to overlap?
Genetics or thumbsucking as a toddler can result in overlapping teeth. Of course, some children have teeth that just came in that way.
The mouth may be too small to fit all the teeth properly. 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 result in an overlap.
Unfortunately, overlapping teeth can cause oral problems.
When does it become important to repair overlapping teeth?
- Overlapping teeth cause a lisp
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Jaw pain
- Tooth grinding or clenching
- Biting of the 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 pros and cons. 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 correcting 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 correct overlapping teeth, depending on the method.
Are overlapping teeth causing you oral dilemmas?
If overlapping teeth cause complications such as tooth or jaw pain, difficulty speaking clearly, or damaging oral habits, it is wise to consider correcting them. 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 Neal C. Johnson DMD:
406-656-2700
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
176 S 32nd St W Ste 3
Billings, Montana
59102
