Overlapping or crooked teeth pose several issues beyond aesthetics. Teeth that are overlapping or crooked are more difficult to brush and floss, which can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. Tooth alignment issues can also make biting uncomfortable, or cause jaw joint pain associated with TMJ disorder. At Tenaglia Smiles, our award-winning cosmetic dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, offers several options for patients with overlapping or crooked teeth.

Dental Bonding

Also known as cosmetic bonding, this procedure can be completed in a single office visit. It involves removing a little bit of the tooth structure so that there is enough room to add the bonding. Then, a bonding composite material, the same stuff used to repair cavities, is adhered to your tooth. Dr. Tenaglia matches the bonding material to your natural tooth color for a seamless finish. She also handcrafts the composite so that it looks completely natural, blending with your other teeth.

Veneers

Porcelain dental veneers are an upgrade from dental bonding. This procedure uses custom made porcelain shells that cover the entire front surface of your teeth. They also can be chosen in a variety of shades for the most natural look. Tooth prep for veneers also requires minimal tooth removal so that the veneers can adhere to your teeth better, and to prevent a bulky, unnatural look. Getting veneers takes two office visits because we prep your teeth and take scans and impressions at your first visit which are sent to a lab that makes your veneers. Then you return a couple of weeks later and Dr. Tenaglia permanently bonds the veneers to your teeth. You’ll wear temporary veneers between visits.

Dental bonding and veneers are a quick way to enhance your smile and conceal issues like overlapping or slightly crooked teeth. However, these cosmetic procedures do not alter your tooth alignment. Instead, they work with what you’ve got by creating an illusion that your teeth look straighter. The results look natural and gorgeous. But if you prefer to correct your tooth alignment without altering the structure of your teeth, then Invisalign may be an option for you.

Invisalign

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to apply pressure and slowly shift your teeth into alignment. The aligners are smooth and comfortable and can be removed any time that you want. However, it’s best to wear your aligners at least 22 hours a day, only removing them when you eat or brush and floss your teeth so that you remain on track with your treatment plan. Invisalign is ideal for teens and adults that want straight teeth without having to get traditional braces. While dental bonding and veneers provide quicker results, they don’t change your tooth alignment at the roots. Invisalign, however, does move your teeth into perfect alignment but may take 12-18 months to achieve results.

Get A Perfect Smile in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, Michigan

If you have overlapping or slightly crooked teeth, Dr. Tenaglia has options for you, depending on your overall smile needs. If you’d like to explore these cosmetic dental options and find out which one is right for you, contact Tenaglia Smiles today by calling (517) 347-6733.