• Posted on: Dec 15 2017

There are specific aspects of teeth that translate into an attractive smile. Primarily, what the eye wants to see are symmetry and vibrancy. So, how straight and how bright our teeth are is important when we want to feel good about our smile. In fact, teeth straightening and teeth whitening are two of the most popular cosmetic treatments that are sought these days. Sometimes, though, we may misread what the smile needs.

Misalignment is sometimes as simple as two teeth being over-crowded and overlapping as a result. A crossover such as this is not only cosmetically concerning; it may present specific risks to tooth and gum health. Normally, it is assumed that overlapped teeth need to be straightened. This may not be the only option. Let’s take a look.

The first step in correcting overlap is to consult with your dentist. We would be happy to see your smile in our Grand Rapids Dental office. During this visit, we can observe the severity of the overlap and also evaluate the rest of your smile. This careful examination will allow us to consider corrective treatments such as:

Invisalign®

Orthodontic treatment has changed quite a bit due to the development of clear, plastic aligners. The Invisalign system is the original braces-free method of correcting mild to moderate misalignment, including overlapped teeth. Depending on the degree of straightening that needs to occur, the Invisalign treatment protocol may be conducted over 12 months or so. When a larger extent of crowding or other issues exists, treatment may extend by several months. Our initial consultation will provide us with the valuable information we need to estimate how long treatment would need to continue. The great thing about Invisalign is that, regardless of duration, there is nothing to degrade your smile as your teeth are straightened. Furthermore, this treatment corrects misalignment.

Porcelain Veneers

When an overlap is a mild cosmetic problem, it may be possible to disguise the issue rather than correct it. With a few porcelain veneers, the teeth that do not mesh well together are reshaped. This not only improves appearance but also mitigates the risks of tooth decay by closing up small spaces created by overcrowding.

Learn more about how we can help you bring out the best in your smile. Call 616-458-0631.

Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign