What Are the Treatment Options for Overlapping Teeth?
Overlapping teeth are a type of malocclusion, also known as a misalignment of your teeth that can lead to oral health issues.
Some people may only have one overlapping tooth, like a crooked tooth. Others may have several overlapping teeth.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the causes of overlapping teeth, the impact on your health, and the most effective treatment options.
What causes overlapping teeth?
Overlapping teeth can have several causes. Some of the most common include:
hereditary causes
thumb-sucking
prolonged use of a bottle as a child
use of a pacifier beyond age 3
That said, several other culprits can contribute to overlapping teeth. Let’s look at some of the possible causes in more detail.
Genetic traits
Overlapping teeth can be hereditary or passed down from your parents or grandparents. This is the most common cause of misaligned teeth, according to the University of Florida Health.
Hereditary traits may influence the size of the jaw or teeth. If your jaw is too small, or if your teeth are too large, there may not be enough space for your teeth to grow without overlapping each other.
Childhood habits
Many babies and toddlers self-soothe by sucking their thumb, which typically isn’t a problem when a child is young.
However, according to the American Dental Association (AAD), if the habit continues after a child’s permanent teeth come in, thumb-sucking may cause problems with the alignment of their teeth. It may also cause issues with the proper growth of the mouth or jaw, and cause changes to the roof of the mouth.
While not as serious as thumb-sucking, prolonged use of a pacifier may also cause changes to a child’s teeth or jaw. To prevent tooth alignment issues, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends weaning a child from their pacifier by age 3.
Other possible causes
In addition to childhood habits and hereditary factors, overlapping teeth may also be caused by:
dental crowding or insufficient space within the jawbone
injuries that cause misalignment of the jaw
cleft lip and palate issues
teeth that have been blocked from breaking through the gums
abnormally shaped teeth
extra teeth
crowns and fillings that don’t fit properly
tumors in the jaw or mouth
Can overlapping teeth cause any dental or health issues?
Teeth that overlap may make it more difficult to bite or chew your food properly. In more severe cases, teeth that overlap badly may result in an:
overbite
underbite
open bite
crossbite
Misaligned teeth may also increase the risk of tooth decay, especially if the teeth that overlap make it difficult to brush or floss thoroughly.
Because of the inability to brush and floss properly, overlapping teeth may also raise your risk of gum disease, known as gingivitis. If left untreated, this can progress to a more serious infection known as periodontitis.
Teeth that are seriously overlapped or misaligned may also cause physical pain, headaches, and jaw pain, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).
If the overlapping is severe, it could also affect your emotional health. You may feel self-conscious or embarrassed about your teeth. This could negatively affect your confidence and self-esteem.
Should you fix overlapping teeth?
The decision to fix overlapping teeth often comes down to the following factors:
cost
severity of the overlapping teeth
the need to minimize or fix other problems associated with the misaligned teeth
If the overlapping is minimal, your dentist or orthodontist may not recommend treatment. Instead, they may provide advice on how to effectively brush or floss the affected teeth to avoid any oral health issues.
They may also consider your age, as treatment is often more affordable and easier to correct with younger patients.
However, if the overlapping is moderate to severe, your dentist or orthodontist will likely suggest treatment options to correct the misalignment.
What are the treatment options?
If you decide to move forward with fixing teeth that overlap, the next step is to determine the type of treatment. Your dentist or orthodontist will guide you in this process and help you choose the best treatment for your situation.
Here are some of the most popular treatment options for overlapping teeth.
Braces
Traditional braces, which use metal brackets, wires, and elastic bands to correct your teeth, are often the first line of defense for overlapping teeth.
Braces work by putting constant pressure on your teeth for an extended period of time, typically 1 to 3 years.
This pressure can gradually reshape your jaw, which allows your teeth to move into their correct position. Treatment for adults typically takes longer than it does for children or teenagers.
The success rates of braces can vary depending on several factors, such as:
your age
when treatment begins
what your treatment goals are
how well you follow your orthodontist’s instructions
According to the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, braces also address jaw problems that may cause the teeth not to come together correctly.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, have grown in popularity as an option for realigning overlapping or crooked teeth, and are designed to make orthodontic treatment less conspicuous. However, clear aligners are typically not recommended for more severe overlapping issues.
While not completely invisible, these clear, flexible, custom-fit trays fit snugly over your teeth, and are a lot less noticeable than traditional braces.
For Invisalign and other clear aligners to work, you need to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day. You’re only meant to remove them when you’re eating, brushing your teeth, or cleaning the aligners.
Veneers
Dental veneers attach to the front of the tooth to improve its appearance. While not recommended for moderate to severe cases, some dentists may recommend veneers for mild cases of misalignment.
It’s important to note that veneers don’t change the position of your teeth or jaw. They can only improve the appearance of your teeth.
Tooth extraction or surgery
If your overlapping is more severe, your dentist or orthodontist may talk to you about removing one or more teeth. Or, they may suggest surgical procedures to reshape your jaw.
Surgical treatment is typically only recommended in cases where braces, aligners, or other less invasive options wouldn’t be effective at correcting your overlapping teeth.
The bottom line
Overlapping teeth are a common dental issue. If the overlapping is minor, a dentist or orthodontist may not suggest treatment.
But if the condition is affecting your dental or physical health, or your emotional health and self-esteem, your dentist will likely suggest options for correcting your teeth.
Treatment options usually include braces, clear aligners, or veneers. In more severe cases, tooth extraction or surgery may be recommended. If you have concerns about overlapping teeth, make an appointment to talk with your dentist or orthodontist.
