Teeth that overlap are a common issue that affects many people in the United States. Overlapping teeth are also known as misaligned teeth. Overlapping occurs when teeth place themselves in front of adjacent teeth on the same dental arch.
While most people do not think of overlapping teeth as a big issue, it can lead to several problems. It can make chewing and even speaking difficult. Overlapping teeth can also result in jaw pain. It can also lead to cavities because it's hard to clean misaligned teeth.
Causes Of Overlapping Teeth
There are two major causes of overlapping teeth. The first one is childhood habits. Childhood habits such as thumb sucking even after the permanent teeth come can lead to misalignment of teeth. The second reason your teeth may overlap is because of genetics. When your mouth is too small to fit all of your teeth, it may lead to misalignment.
Treatment Options
Even though most of these treatments may take a long time to complete, the results are absolutely worth it. They include;
Braces
This is one of the most common ways to fix overlapping teeth. Braces work by slowly impacting force on the teeth. Over time, this force will allow the teeth to move into the correct position.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a clear device that is worn over the teeth. Just like braces, they also use force to help the teeth shift into position. Most people prefer Invisalign over braces because they are not visible. This makes them aesthetically pleasing.
Extraction Of Teeth
For people who experience extreme overlapping, the dentist may recommend the removal of some teeth. This will help to reshape your jaw, allowing your teeth to be in alignment.
The duration it will take to fix your overlapping teeth is different for everyone. The duration will also depend on factors such as the method used and the severity of the overlapping. However, it typically takes around one year to repair the overlapping.
Teeth that overlap are a common issue that affects many people in the United States. Overlapping teeth are also known as misaligned teeth. Overlapping occurs when teeth place themselves in front of adjacent teeth on the same dental arch.