Invisalign for an Overbite

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a removable aligner system, so instead of having fixed braces, you use a series of clear plastic aligner trays to move your teeth into the proper positions. These aligner trays fit tightly over your teeth and are custom-made to move teeth into the proper alignment gradually.

In this article, learn more about overbites, what can cause them, and what can happen if you don’t fix them. We also explain how Invisalign can treat an overbite.

What Is an Overbite?

If you bite your upper and lower teeth together, you will see that your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth slightly. Having a small overbite is perfectly normal, and it helps ensure your teeth function properly.

However, if your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth by more than two or 4 mm, it can cause oral health problems.

An overbite is different from an overjet. With an overjet, the teeth are misaligned horizontally rather than vertically. Therefore, the upper teeth will protrude or stick out too far, a problem called buck teeth.

What Can Cause an Overbite?

Several factors can cause an overbite, including the following.

• Nailbiting.
• Genetics, such as jaw shape and size, can be hereditary and affect tooth alignment.
• Bruxism or teeth grinding and clenching.
• Sucking a thumb or finger or using a pacifier past age 3.
• Tongue thrusting.

Should I Fix an Overbite?

A small overbite may not require orthodontic treatment and could be perfectly normal. Other times, an excessive overbite can cause issues, including the following.

• Breathing problems.
• Gum disease.
• Tooth erosion, where an overbite causes excessive wear and tear on teeth.
• Problems chewing comfortably.
• Jaw joint problems (temporomandibular disorders).
• Headaches and earache.
• Tooth decay.
• Speech issues.

Can Invisalign Treat an Overbite?

Invisalign can be a good solution for fixing mild to moderate overbites. We can digitally scan your teeth, creating a custom treatment plan showing how Invisalign can correct your overbite.

If our orthodontist thinks your overbite is more severe, we may recommend traditional braces instead. Any problems like gum disease or tooth decay must also be addressed before you can have any orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign.

Invisalign Treatment Process for Overbites

The treatment process for correcting your overbite is as follows.

1. An initial consultation allows us to assess if Invisalign is suitable, and if so, we will take a 3-D scan of your teeth to create a digital model.
2. Invisalign software creates your treatment plan to correct an overbite and other issues that may require correction.
3. You can view digital images created by the software, showing how your teeth are predicted to look once your overbite is corrected.
4. After you approve the plan, we can create your custom aligners and show you how to use them.
5. All you need to do is wear the aligners daily for 22 hours each day. Ideally, you only remove them for meals and oral care.
6. After two weeks, discard your current set of aligners and move on to the next set to continue correcting your overbite.
7. We must see you every 6 to 8 weeks to monitor your progress. There are no brackets or wires to adjust, so these appointments are quick and painless.

How Long Will Treatment Take?

Invisalign can take anywhere from six months to 2 years to correct an overbite, but we can give you a more precise timeframe during your initial consultation.

The timeline all depends on the severity of your overbite. A mild overbite can be corrected fairly quickly, while a more moderate overbite takes longer. It also depends on if you have other orthodontic issues that could do with treatment.

Benefits of Using Invisalign to Correct an Overbite

The benefits of using Invisalign to correct an overbite instead of traditional braces include the following.

• Discreet treatment. The aligners are discreet, virtually invisible, and made from clear, durable BPA-free plastic.
• Convenience. Because the aligners are removable, treatment is convenient and easy to fit into everyday life.
• Effectiveness. Results are predictable, provided you follow the treatment plan exactly.

Invisalign is a tried and tested orthodontic system that has been proven to treat mild-to-moderate overbites effectively. Due to the virtual invisibility of the aligners, treatment is discreet. The removable aligners ensure treatment is easy to fit into everyday life.

Correcting an overbite may improve oral health, making biting and chewing food more comfortable and pain-free. It can also help provide a more aesthetically pleasing smile.