Overlapping (or crowded) teeth can affect both the appearance of your teeth and your ability to keep them clean.
In mild cases, it might involve one or two teeth sitting slightly out of position. In more complex cases, several teeth may crowd together, making them harder to brush and floss effectively.
Fortunately, overlapping teeth can be corrected with modern orthodontic treatments like Smilelign clear aligners. Designed to move teeth gradually and discreetly, Smilelign offers a comfortable and convenient way to achieve a straighter, healthier-looking result without the need for fixed braces.
Read on to find out:
- What causes teeth to overlap
- Why straightening overlapping teeth is important
- How Smilelign can help you realign your teeth
What causes teeth to overlap?
Overlapping teeth involves teeth shifting, twisting, or tilting into positions where they overlap one another.
It’s something that often begins during childhood or the teenage years, as adult teeth come through and compete for space.
Several factors contribute to this misalignment:
- Not enough space in the dental arch
- A family history of crowding and overlapping
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Thumb sucking or similar habits
- Mismatch between tooth and jaw size
- Not wearing your retainer after orthodontic treatment
Why straightening overlapping teeth is important
Overlapping teeth can lead to various oral health and aesthetic concerns.
Straightening them is essential not just for cosmetic reasons but also for improving overall dental hygiene and function. Here’s why it’s worth correcting overlapping teeth:
1) Better oral hygiene
Overlapping teeth can trap food and plaque in hard-to-reach areas, making brushing and flossing difficult. Straightening your teeth helps eliminate tight spaces, making it easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
2) Reduced risk of tooth decay and gum disease
The harder it is to clean your teeth, the higher the likelihood of plaque build-up. Plaque can lead to cavities and gum inflammation if not properly removed. Straight teeth are much easier to maintain and are less likely to harbour bacteria.
3) Improved functionality
Overlapping teeth can affect your bite and lead to uneven wear. Correcting this misalignment ensures your teeth meet properly when chewing, reducing strain on your teeth and jaw.
4) Enhanced appearance
Straight teeth can significantly boost your confidence. Overlapping front teeth, in particular, can make you feel self-conscious when talking, laughing, or smiling. Aligning your teeth creates a more aesthetically pleasing smile and helps you feel more comfortable in social situations.
In short, straightening your teeth plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term oral health and reducing the risk of more serious dental problems.
Can overlapping teeth be straightened without braces?
If you’re looking to straighten your teeth but are concerned about the idea of wearing traditional braces as an adult, clear aligners might be the ideal solution.
Unlike metal braces, clear aligners are discreet, removable, and comfortable, making them an appealing choice for many adults.
The material is virtually invisible, so you can undergo treatment without drawing attention to your braces.
Additionally, clear aligners don’t come with the same food restrictions or the need for frequent adjustments. You can easily remove them to eat, drink, and clean your teeth, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene throughout the process.
With fewer appointments and a more comfortable experience overall, clear aligners offer a much more convenient way to straighten your teeth without the hassle or visibility of traditional braces.
Why choose Smilelign?
As a UK-based treatment option, Smilelign offers several benefits for those seeking to realign overlapping teeth.
1) Comfortable and durable
Smilelign aligners are 3x stronger than standard aligners, and offer a seamless fit.
2) More movement per aligner
Smilelign aligners move teeth more efficiently (0.3mm per stage), meaning you need fewer aligners for your treatment. This can result in a more affordable and faster journey to a straighter smile.
3) Free goodies
When you start your treatment with Smilelign, you’ll receive some special goodies to help make your journey even easier and more enjoyable.
4) Smilelign app
The Smilelign app helps you track your progress and keep an eye on your treatment milestones.
Smilelign is designed for those who want a fast, effective, and comfortable solution for overlapping teeth. With the added bonus of an app to track your progress and stronger, more comfortable aligners, Smilelign helps you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted — without the hassle of traditional braces.
What to expect during treatment
Once your treatment begins, you’ll typically wear each set of aligners for two weeks before moving on to the next stage.
Each aligner is carefully shaped to guide your teeth into better positions, little by little, until they’re fully aligned.
You should wear them for at least 22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush/floss your teeth.
Throughout the process, your dentist may invite you for check-ups to make sure everything is on track.
You can also use the Smilelign app to monitor your progress from home and stay up to date with your treatment journey.
What do others say?
Starting something new like clear aligner treatment can come with questions, especially if you’re wondering how much it might affect your daily life.
Hearing from someone who’s been through the process can be helpful.
Briana, who’s recently finished her Smilelign treatment, shared how surprisingly simple it was to fit into her routine.
If you’re still unsure, it can help to speak with your Smilelign dentist, who can talk you through the process and address any concerns.
But the general feedback is clear: most people are pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to live with aligners, and how quickly they start seeing small but encouraging changes in their teeth.
Ready for a straighter smile?
If you’ve been putting off addressing your overlapping teeth due to the thought of wearing metal braces, Smilelign might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Clear aligners offer a discreet, comfortable, and effective way to achieve the straight teeth you’ve always wanted — without the hassle of traditional braces.
So, if you’re ready to take the next step toward a healthier, straighter smile, why not take action now?
Book an appointment with your nearest Smilelign dentist today and start your journey toward a more confident, comfortable smile!
