Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
An overbite — a condition in which the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth, resulting in an uneven bite — is one of the most common issues that cosmetic dentistry can correct. Ideally, the top teeth in a normal bite should cover between one-third to one-half of the bottom teeth. If the top teeth cover more than that, it’s considered an overbite, which can make speaking, chewing and smiling difficult.
Genetics can play a part in an overbite, but it can also be caused by a misaligned bite because of misaligned teeth or a misaligned jaw, poor oral hygiene and even thumb-sucking.
Fortunately, cosmetic dentists like ours in Okemos have solutions for overbites. Let’s look at a few of them today.
Veneers
Veneers can often be used to improve the appearance of an overbite, but they don’t address the root cause of it. Veneers are often made of porcelain and are thin, durable “shells” that our Lansing cosmetic dentists adhere to the front surface of teeth. They can cover stains, cracks and chips in teeth and help close gaps between teeth.
Braces or Invisalign
Our cosmetic dentists in East Lansing may recommend teeth straightening for patients with mild to moderate overbites. Invisalign and braces boast the same outcomes. But while young people don’t necessarily mind wearing traditional metal braces, a lot of older teenagers and adults feel awkward wearing them. Invisalign, on the other hand, is clear aligner therapy. The clear, plastic trays are custom-made and traded out every two weeks for smaller trays, gradually moving the teeth into proper position. Invisalign aligners have to be worn 22 hours a day and taken out only to eat, drink anything other than water and for a morning and evening oral hygiene regime. This kind of required discipline makes Invisalign a better choice for older teens and adults than kids who don’t want to wear the aligner trays for so many hours in a day.
Invisalign for overbite in East Lansing and Okemos, Michigan
The best time to address an overbite is when someone is young. But our cosmetic dentists at Tenaglia Smiles can use cosmetic dentistry procedures to correct overbites in adults, too. Give us a call at (517) 940-8684, or reach us online to request an appointment today!