Misaligned
Teeth

Experts generally classify the reasons for overlapping teeth into two categories –
a) Primary overlapping caused due to genetics
b) secondary overlapping caused by habits such as thumb sucking.

Other reasons for overlapping teeth are as mentioned below:

• If the mouth is too small to accommodate the teeth, it results in crowding and shifting of teeth. It mostly occurs due to genetics.
• If the upper and lower jaw aren’t of the same size, it may result in either an overbite or an underbite.
• Sometimes, people may have extra teeth, which can put excessive pressure on their front teeth, causing them to overlap.
• Missing teeth and certain other unusual conditions, which hinder natural teeth eruption can cause them to overlap.
• Habits such as extensive bottle usage and thumb sucking may also lead to overlapped or misaligned teeth.
• Poorly done dental restorations, including dental treatments such as fillings and crowns, are also known causes of overlapping teeth.
• Oral health problems such as gingivitis or tumors in mouth and jaw often affect the structure of teeth, causing them to become misaligned.
• Injury to the jaw may also result in teeth misalignment.
• Sometimes, even wisdom teeth are responsible for causing overlapping teeth.

Overlapping front teeth, if left untreated, may cause the below mentioned dental health issues in the long run:

• Overlapping front teeth tend to wear out earlier as compared to straight teeth.
• Misaligned teeth often make even simple actions such as chewing and speaking difficult.
• Jaw pain may develop, along with headaches.
• It may promote tooth grinding and clenching, which can lead to more dental issues.
• Cleaning teeth becomes difficult, which may increase incidences of decay, cavities, and gum diseases.
• Possible loss of confidence due to crooked teeth. This may prevent you from speaking and smiling openly in public.
• In severe cases of overlapping teeth, the shape of the face may be changed, making it look abnormal.
• Problems of speech may develop.
• You may end up frequently biting your tongue or inner cheeks.
• You may tend to breathe with your mouth more frequently instead of your nose.

What Are the Treatments Available?

If you are looking for solutions to fix overlapping front teeth or overlapping bottom teeth, listed below are a few widely used orthodontic treatments. Let’s take a look:

1. Braces – It is one of the most effective and oldest approaches used to fix overlapping front teeth or overlapping bottom teeth. There are various types of braces available today. From traditional metal braces to lingual braces that are attached to the back of your teeth, you can take your pick depending on aesthetics, price, comfort, etc.
2. Invisalign – These aligners are one of the most preferred orthodontic treatments today for fixing misaligned teeth, including overlapping teeth. They are chosen over braces because of their multiple benefits. They are a set of clear or plastic trays which are customized to fit your teeth perfectly. They are easily removable, convenient, comfortable, and almost invisible. Although Invisalign braces are a bit expensive, the advantages which they offer over braces make them a worthy investment for a perfect smile. With proper diagnosis and planning they might be able to correct severe cases of overlapping also.
3. Veneers – Veneers are thin molds that are used to cover the front part of teeth. They are custom-made to match the shade of your natural teeth and are placed on the faulty teeth after sculpting them as required. They are used to correct a host of orthodontic issues and are slightly costly.

Apart from these treatment options, bonding is also sometimes used to fix overlapping teeth by changing their shape. In this procedure, a hardening paste is applied to the tooth, which can be shaped as desired.

These treatments stabilize your teeth so that overlapping doesn’t advance further. Extreme cases of overlapping teeth may require the removal of one or more teeth. Surgical reshaping of the jaw with the help of wires, plates, and screws is another option in severe overlapping cases. 

What Are the Benefits of Fixing Overlapping Teeth?

If you fix overlapping teeth before it turns severe, you can benefit in several ways. Some of these benefits are listed below:

• Brushing and flossing teeth and gums become easier, which helps curtail the risk of cavities, decay, and gum diseases.
• Excessive wear and tear of teeth are reduced.
• It reduces the risk of teeth getting damaged in case of an accident.
• Chewing isn’t a problem, so the associated oral and overall issues are also eliminated.
• A straight smile helps boost your personality, and as a result, your confidence to speak and smile in public is increased.

Even though overlapping front teeth or bottom teeth might seem like a trivial condition that can be left untreated, it shouldn’t be ignored. It may have serious repercussions on your oral as well as overall health.

If you are looking for solutions to fix overlapping teeth, get in touch with us at Rai Smile Central Dental Clinic and Facial Aesthetic Center. Dr. Divyaroop Rai, is a highly trained and an experienced Orthodontist, who has been specially trained in Orthopaedic and Surgical Orthodontics and Lingual/Invisible orthodontics. He has also done research on Smile Designing and Facial Aesthetics, and has keen interest in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and Pain treatment and correction of Occlusion creating Bad Bite causing Neck and Back Pain.

Our team of experts is dedicated to offer you exceptional oral care for a straight and healthy smile. Call to book your appointment now.