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March 13, 2025Many people feel shy because of having overlapping teeth. But, the good news is that there are plenty of options to fix them. Some solutions take time, while others offer fast cosmetic fixes. In this guide, we are to tell you what causes this problem and the best treatment options. Keep reading to learn more.
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ToggleWhat Causes Overlapping Teeth?
Several factors can lead to overlapping teeth. Here are the most common causes:
- Inherited small jaw or large teeth can cause misalignment.
- Thumb-sucking pushes front teeth forward and leads to overlap.
- Pacifier use beyond age three can shift teeth out of place.
- Injuries can move teeth and cause crowding or misalignment.
- Extra or missing teeth disrupt alignment and create gaps.
- Wisdom teeth can push others forward and lead to crowding.
- Prolonged bottle-feeding may affect jaw and teeth alignment.
- Mouth breathing can change jaw position and cause overlap.
- Tongue thrusting pushes teeth forward and leads to misalignment.
- Nail-biting and chewing on objects can slowly shift teeth.
- Teeth naturally shift with age, sometimes causing overlap.
- Gum disease weakens tooth support and leads to crowding.
How Can You Fix Overlapping Teeth?
The best cosmetic dentistry service to fix overlapping teeth depends on different factors like the severity of misalignment and your personal goals. Here are different treatment options:
Braces
Traditional metal braces use brackets and wires to move teeth into place. If you have moderate to severe misalignment, this dental treatment is a good choice for you. This treatment usually lasts between 12 and 30 months.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Clear aligners are a set of transparent, removable trays that gradually shift teeth into place. They are a good option for those with mild to moderate misalignment. The treatment usually takes about 6 to 18 months.
Veneers
Veneers are custom-made shells that cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. It is a quick cosmetic solution that doesn’t physically move the teeth but makes them look straighter by masking the overlap. It is a good choice for mild cases of misalignment.
Dental Bonding
When it comes to dental bonding, the dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to a tooth. It fixes overlapping teeth by adding resin to fill in gaps and shape the teeth to make them look straighter. Bonding works best for minor adjustments.
Tooth Contouring
This treatment fixes overlapping teeth by reshaping the edges to make them smoother and more even. During the procedure, the dentist carefully removes small amounts of enamel to improve the alignment and appearance of the teeth. You can opt for this treatment if you have mild overlapping.
Surgery
In severe cases and when non-invasive treatments don’t work, a dentist may recommend surgery. Surgery repositions the jaw or removes teeth to create more space. This can straighten the teeth and improve their alignment.
Can You Fix Overlapping Front Teeth at Home?
There are no proven home remedies to realign teeth effectively. Only professional treatments that we mentioned above can fix overlapping teeth in Avondale, AZ. But these habits can help you a lot:
- Wear retainers as prescribed to maintain teeth alignment.
- Try to brush and floss regularly.
- Avoid habits like thumb-sucking, nail-biting, or chewing on objects that can shift teeth.
- Follow your cosmetic dentist Avondale instructions carefully.
- Eat soft foods if you’re using braces or aligners.
- Stay consistent with any removable appliances like aligners.
Benefits of Fixing Overlapping Teeth
Fixing overlapping teeth comes with many benefits. You to opt for this dental treatment because it:
- Creates a straighter smile for a better appearance.
- Makes teeth easier to clean and reduces the risk of cavities.
- Lowers the chances of tooth damage, like grinding or chipping.
- Improves bite function and makes chewing and speaking easier.
- Boosts confidence with a straighter, more attractive smile.
- Prevents future dental issues by fixing misalignment early.
What Dental Health Issues Can Overlapping Teeth Cause?
Ignoring overlapping teeth can lead to serious problems. The most common ones include:
- Increased plaque buildup due to harder-to-reach areas.
- Higher risk of cavities from improper cleaning.
- Gum disease from trapped food and bacteria.
- Tooth wear from misaligned bites causing uneven pressure.
- Jaw pain or discomfort from bite problems.
- Difficulty chewing or speaking due to poor alignment.
- Increased risk of tooth sensitivity from exposed areas or uneven pressure.
- Higher likelihood of tooth fractures due to misalignment during impact.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) caused by improper bite alignment.
When to Fix Overlapping Teeth?
The right time for treatment depends on the severity and age. Let’s see when to consider treatment:
- In childhood (ages 6-12), treatment helps guide proper growth and prevents future alignment issues.
- In the teen years (ages 12-18), treatment ensures the best results, as the jaw is still developing and treatments like braces are most effective.
- In young adulthood (ages 18-25), overlapping teeth can still be treated effectively with braces or clear aligners if they cause discomfort or misalignment.
- If it causes bite problems, wear, or jaw pain in adulthood (ages 25+), you better fix them before they lead to further complications.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Overlapping Teeth?
The cost of fixing overlapping teeth depends on factors like the severity of the overlap, the treatment duration, and the location of the dental office. More complex procedures, like traditional metal braces or clear aligners, are more expensive due to the time and materials involved. If you want to learn the price based on the treatment and your conditions, contact us.
Overlapping Teeth Treatment Near Me in Avondale, AZ
If you are looking for expert dental care in Avondale, AZ, we can help you. At Desert Lake Family Dentistry, we provide personalized treatments for overlapping teeth. Whether you need braces, Invisalign, or a cosmetic fix, we have options for you. All you need to do is make an online appointment for a free consultation!
Last Word
Considering all these points, fixing overlapping teeth is not only about the beauty of your smile. It helps prevent future dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and jaw pain. Whether you’re a child, teenager, or adult, there are various treatments for you, including braces, clear aligners, dental bonding, and veneers.
FAQs
Yes, a slight overbite is normal, but too much overlap can cause problems.
Braces take 12-30 months. Invisalign takes 6-18 months. Cosmetic fixes like veneers or bonding are instant.
No, good oral hygiene helps, but only professional treatment can realign teeth.
Braces or Invisalign work best for alignment. Veneers or bonding help with minor cosmetic issues.
Genetics, childhood habits, or jaw structure can cause front teeth to overlap.
No! Procedures like contouring, bonding, or veneers are painless.