Treatment Options for Overlapping Teeth
At Ridgewood Dental Associates, we believe in tailoring all treatments to the patient. This focus on custom dental care allows us to achieve the best possible results for every patient, whether treatments involve cosmetic dentistry or more advanced dental therapies.
When it comes to teeth that overlap, it's important to note that nature and severity of the problem before proceeding with treatment. Let's take a moment to consider the basics and your treatment options.
Problems Caused by Teeth That Overlap
Overlapping teeth can lead to a combination of cosmetic problems and general health issues.
When it comes to the cosmetic problems related to overlapping teeth, there's the simple fact that crooked teeth tend to have a negative impact on overall smile aesthetics. This can lead you to feel self-conscious about speaking, smiling, or laughing around others, which includes family members and close friends.
As for dental problems and overlapping teeth, these issues can make it painful to bite and chew. Eating certain foods may feel next to impossible given the discomfort involved. Overlapping teeth may also increase your risk of teeth grinding (bruxism), which in turn increases your risk of tooth fractures, gum recession, and TMJ disorders.
Cosmetic and Restorative Treatments for Overlapping Teeth
When the overlapping teeth is generally minor, the problem may be treatable using only cosmetic or restorative dentistry procedures. This might include the use of porcelain veneers or dental crowns. Porcelain veneers can be used to mask imperfections from view.
A single porcelain veneers or a few porcelain veneers may be used to make your smile look perfectly aligned. It is also possible to use a dental crown to achieve this effect. The overlapping tooth can be reshaped and capped with a crown to improve its appearance.
Orthodontic Care for Overlapping Teeth
In the vast majority of cases, orthodontic care is an ideal option for overlapping teeth. By using braces, palatal expanders, headgear, and other appliances, careful pressure and tension can be applied to the teeth to promote better overall alignment. After several months, the overlapping can be eliminated.
In general, it's best for orthodontic care to to be carried out as soon as possible. It's easier to alter the position of the teeth and other structures of the mouth when patients are young and still maturing/growing. That said, great results can be achieved with adult orthodontics, though it will usually take longer.
Oral Surgery and Advanced Treatment Approaches
For extreme cases of tooth overlap, orthodontics alone may not be enough. This is when oral surgery is considered. An oral surgeon can extract teeth, adjust the bone and tooth structure, and make other adjustments as needed that cannot be made without surgery. After the dental surgery is completed, orthodontic care can be used to improve overall dental alignment and achieve final results.
These advanced approaches to treatment can vary from patients to patient, which is why the consultation process is crucial for ensuring optimal results.
Developing a Treatment Plan Just for You
As you can see, there are different ways to dealt with overlapping and crooked teeth. During your visit to the practice, we can assess your situation and offer honest insight on how to meet your needs.
Contact Ridgewood Dental Associates
For more information about your many treatment options for overlapping teeth, be sure to contact Ridgewood Dental Associates today. We will work closely with you to ensure you receive the right treatment for your needs.
