Can Invisalign Fix Overbite?
Since being introduced to the market in 1998, Invisalign has become a popular alternative for treating mild to moderate malocclusions, such as overbite.
Nearly everyone has some form and severity of malocclusion. Approximately 70% of malocclusions are overbites. An overbite is a condition in which the upper teeth extend past the lower teeth. In some cases, patients seek treatment for their overbite because it is irritating their tongue, teeth, or gums, while others seek treatment due to cosmetic reasons.
Research indicates that Invisalign can effectively resolve most mild to moderate overbites. However, your dentist may recommend traditional braces or a combination of the two for more severe cases of overbite.
Dr. Gary Login and the team at his practice in Brookline, MA can help you with your mild to moderate overbite- or other malocclusion with Invisalign clear aligners. In this article, we’ll explain how Invisalign works and how it can improve your overbite.
Types of Overbites
Many times, overbite is hereditary. However, they may also be due to habits such as thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier use, nail-biting, or tongue-thrusting. After all, most of your jaw growth occurs during early development, so these habits can all cause uneven growth.
There are two primary types of overbite:
- Vertical: upper teeth significantly overlap lower teeth
- Horizontal: upper front teeth sit significantly in front of lower teeth
While it seems that these two types of overbite seem to be different, they actually are quite similar.
Both may have skeletal or dental causes. Skeletal overbites involve issues with jaw formation, while dental overbites involve issues with teeth placement. The cause of your overbite determines the best course of treatment.
Problems Caused by Overbite
There are several problems that result from an overbite, including:
- Difficulty eating/chewing
- Speech impediments
- Jaw pain due to strained muscles
In addition, an overbite can cause wear on tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. you may also have soft tissue damage when the bottom teeth impact the roof of your mouth. Other issues include headaches/migraines, arthritis, digestion issues, tooth decay, and joint-related issues, such as TMJ.
How Does Invisalign Fix an Overbite?
Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made plastic trays, similar to retainers, that are worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. The aligners are made to fit snugly against the teeth, gradually shifting them into their appropriate position within the jaw. The aligners should be changed out every 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion.
You will need to visit the dentist several times throughout your treatment, depending on your personal treatment plan. However, the visits will not have to be as often as with traditional metal braces.
How long does treatment with Invisalign take?
The length of treatment depends on several factors:
- Condition of teeth
- Severity of overbite
- Compliance with wearing aligners
Here’s what you need to know:
- Invisalign takes an average of 12 to 18 for most mild to moderate overbites. However, if your overbite is very mild, your treatment may be complete in about 6 months. On the other hand, if your overbite is severe, your treatment may require up to 24 months.
- Aligners should be removed for eating and brushing teeth- but not longer than 2 to 4 hours per day. The longer you take them out, the longer your treatment will likely take.
Once treatment is complete, you will be given a retainer to wear. This will ensure that your teeth remain in their new position. First, the retainer will need to be worn just like the aligners, 20 to 22 hours a day. However, over time, this will be decreased until it is only required to be worn overnight. This will give your jawbone time to strengthen, securing the teeth in place. If you do not wear the retainer as directed, your teeth may shift back into their original positions.
Benefits of Invisalign
There are several benefits associated with Invisalign clear aligners:
- Discrete: the aligners are virtually invisible
- Comfortable: the aligners are smooth, no wires or brackets to cut the inside of your mouth
- No food restrictions: the aligners are removable, so you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods
- Easy to brush/floss teeth: the aligners are removable, so you can brush/floss teeth as you normally would
Do You Have an Overbite?
If you have an overbite and want to learn more about Invisalign treatment, schedule your complimentary consultation with the team Gary R. Login, DMD Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry. We can show you how Invisalign can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.
Our office is located on Harvard Street in Brookline. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
