Expertise in Addressing Dental Challenges
Burke & Redford Orthodontists have been delivering top-notch orthodontic solutions in Temecula and Lake Elsinore for over 30 years. Dr. Ryan Redford and Dr. Michael Burke make it their mission to address a range of orthodontic issues, including the less commonly discussed but significant problem of overeruption.
Overeruption occurs when a tooth, typically a molar, continues to grow due to the absence of an opposing tooth to counteract its movement. This dental anomaly can lead to several complications if left unaddressed. Through this article, we’ll explore the implications of overeruption and how Burke & Redford Orthodontists approach its treatment.
What is Overeruption?
Overeruption refers to the phenomenon where a tooth, often a molar, extends beyond its normal position in the dental arch due to prolonged eruptive movement. This extended growth is typically an outcome of certain dental conditions or changes.
Causes of Overeruption
The primary cause of overeruption is the absence of an opposing tooth. When a tooth lacks its counteracting force or partner from the opposing arch, it tends to continue its growth beyond the optimal point.
Potential Problems Arising from Overeruption
– Bite Issues: Over erupted teeth can disrupt the harmony of the dental bite. This means the upper and lower teeth may not fit together as they should, leading to malocclusion.
– Esthetic Concerns: An over erupted tooth can stand out and may appear longer than neighboring teeth. This can impact the symmetry and appearance of the smile.
– Challenges with Future Dental Restorations: Overeruption can complicate future dental procedures. For instance, if a patient requires an implant or bridge, the extended tooth can interfere with the fit and placement of these replacement teeth.
Are Molar Uprighting and Overeruption the Same Thing?
No, molar uprighting and overeruption are not the same thing in orthodontics; they refer to different dental conditions and treatments:
- Molar Uprighting:
– This refers to the orthodontic procedure used to correct a tilted or tipped molar. Molars can become tilted due to the loss of an adjacent tooth or other reasons. When a molar tips or tilts, it can lead to various problems, including bite misalignment, difficulty keeping the molar clean, and jawbone loss. Molar uprighting seeks to bring the tilted molar back to its upright, vertical position in the dental arch using specific orthodontic appliances.
- Overeruption:
– Overeruption, often referred to as “supraeruption,” occurs when a tooth continues to emerge (or erupt) from the gums because there’s no opposing tooth to stop its movement. For instance, if a lower molar is missing and there’s no tooth to occlude with the upper molar, the upper molar can continue to erupt until it reaches the gum tissue of the lower jaw. This can cause bite problems, aesthetic concerns, and even issues with placing restorations in the future.
In essence, while both terms are related to tooth positioning, molar uprighting addresses tilted molars, and overeruption refers to teeth that have emerged too far due to a lack of opposing force.
Treatment Options for Overeruption
The approach to treating overeruption requires precision, expertise, and an understanding of the unique needs of every patient. At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, two leading treatments stand out in addressing this dental challenge: Self-Ligating Braces and Invisalign.
Self-Ligating Braces
– Introduction: Self-ligating braces are an advanced form of traditional braces. Unlike conventional braces that use elastic ties to hold the wire to the individual brackets, self-ligating braces have a unique clip or sliding mechanism that securely holds the wire in place.
– Benefits:
– Efficiency: These braces often require less manipulation during adjustment appointments, translating to faster appointments.
– Longer intervals between appointments: The secure mechanism that holds the wire in place allows for shape memory wires to work in a safe and secure way over longer intervals than previous generations of braces. This makes for fewer trips to the office.
– Comfort: The design of self-ligating braces is smooth, making them comfortable to the lips and cheeks.
Invisalign
– Overview: Invisalign aligners are clear, custom-made plastic trays that gently move teeth into their desired positions over time. They offer a near invisible solution for patients seeking discretion during their orthodontic treatment.
– Role in Treating Overeruption: Invisalign can be an effective solution for certain cases of overeruption. The aligners can exert controlled force on the over-erupted tooth, guiding it back to its correct position. Vertical control of teeth is more unpredictable with clear aligners than braces, however, so clear aligners are often used in tandem with other treatments, offering a comprehensive solution for bite issues and malocclusions.
Burke & Redford Orthodontists’ treatment suite offers flexibility, ensuring patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for their individual orthodontic challenges.
When Oral Surgery is Required
In the vast realm of orthodontics, there are instances where non-surgical interventions might not suffice. This is sometimes the case with over-erupted teeth.
Scenarios Necessitating Oral Surgery
– Severe Overeruption: In cases where the overeruption is extreme, simply moving the tooth orthodontically might not be enough. It may require surgical repositioning or crown reduction to harmonize with the opposing dental arch.
– Bone Loss or Periodontal Concerns: Overeruption can sometimes be accompanied by bone loss around the affected tooth. Surgical intervention might be needed to regenerate the lost bone or address gum-related issues.
– Adjacent Tooth Implications: If the over-erupted tooth has caused damage or displacement of neighboring teeth, surgical procedures might be necessary to rectify and restore the dental structure.
Collaborative Approach
Burke & Redford Orthodontists recognize the multifaceted nature of overeruption cases. Hence, they collaborate closely with your trusted general dentist and local oral surgeons. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that patients benefit from the combined expertise of the general dentist, the orthodontist, and the surgeon, maximizing the chances for optimal results.
Seamless Referral Process
Ensuring patient comfort and clarity is paramount. When a referral to an oral surgeon is deemed necessary, Burke & Redford Orthodontists streamline the process. Patients are not only referred to highly skilled surgeons but also provided with preliminary information about the procedure, its necessity, and the expected outcomes. This transparent process reaffirms the commitment of Burke & Redford Orthodontists to patient-centric care.
Why Choose Burke & Redford Orthodontists?
In the ever-evolving field of orthodontics, where expertise and patient care meet, Burke & Redford Orthodontists emerge as leaders, especially in the Inland Empire region.
– Deep-rooted Expertise: With over 30 years of combined experience, Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, and insights, setting them apart in the orthodontic field.
– Tailored Treatment Plans: Recognizing that each patient’s orthodontic needs are unique, they work with the patient/parent to create individualized treatment strategies, ensuring optimal results.
– Patient-Centric Approach: Beyond actual treatment, Burke & Redford Orthodontists prioritize patient education. They believe an informed patient is an empowered one. Their commitment to ensuring comfort and understanding at every stage of treatment underlines the orthodontist’s dedication to patient care.
Addressing dental issues like overeruption is essential for both esthetics and oral health. Given the complexities involved, the expertise of Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke is crucial. Their track record and hundreds of 5-star patient reviews underscore their dedication and skill in the field.
Schedule a Free Orthodontic Consultation Today
Don’t let orthodontic issues remain untreated. Schedule your consultation with Burke & Redford Orthodontists today and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more confident smile.
Burke & Redford Orthodontists in Temecula and Lake Elsinore
Address: 41238 Margarita Rd Ste 101 Temecula CA 92591
Phone: (951) 699-8011
Office Hours: M-F 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Lake Elsinore Orthodontic Office
Address: 351 Railroad Canyon Rd Ste C, Lake Elsinore CA 92532
Phone: (951) 699-8011
Office Hours: Open 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.