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Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite?

An alternative to extremely visible metal wires and brackets that come along with braces has become a popular option for correcting teeth alignment problems in dentistry. This solution would be to wear clear aligners like Invisalign.

These clear aligners are placed over your teeth and can be removed for up to 2 hours per day, which makes cleaning your teeth, eating, and engaging in physical activity a lot easier. To get the best results out of Invisalign, you should wear them for 22 hours a day and ensure that you maintain their cleanliness.

What is an Overbite?

An ideal bite is when your upper teeth overlap your bottom teeth by ⅓ to ½. When your upper teeth overlap your bottom teeth by more than ½, this is considered an overbite. Overbites pose problems for your oral health, such as damage to your teeth and gums, jaw pain, cosmetic problems, and speech problems.

Other problems associated with overbites include migraines, sleep apnea, difficulty chewing, and the risk of developing Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). In severe overbites, your upper teeth may completely cover your bottom teeth, which causes more severe wear and tear of your teeth and gums.

Can You Correct an Overbite With Invisalign?

Overbites can be corrected with Invisalign, but the effectiveness, length of treatment, and process all depend on several factors:

  • The patient’s age
  • Severity of overbite
  • Responsiveness of your teeth
  • Following your Invisalign procedure

Children and people with minor overbites have the best chance of seeing significant results in a shorter time frame. However, other factors will also impact your results, including how your teeth respond to the treatment and how well you follow instructions. Someone who does not wear their Invisalign for the required 22 hours per day and does not maintain them will likely be sabotaging their results.

Fixing Underbites in Children

Children up to 12 or 13 years old are still growing and this is good news for treating overbites. This means that the corrective treatment can use the growth to encourage growth in the right direction.

Children with overbites will be treated using Invisalign Mandibular Advancement, which is the attachment of plastic wings to the Invisalign aligners. This will help bring the jaw forward in small increments until your jaw has been aligned and your teeth have been straightened.

Fixing Underbites in Teenagers and Adults

For patients about 13 years or older who have stopped growing, the Invisalign treatment for overbites requires a different process. There are two main treatments to correct overbites in this age group. The first one is the combination of Invisalign trays and elastics. 

The elastics function in the same way that elastics for braces do. Your upper teeth will be moved backward and the bottom teeth moved forward in small increments to correct the overbite.

However, for more severe overbite cases, a motion appliance, which is a small bar, may be needed. The motion appliance is attached to the upper teeth and is used in conjunction with aligners and elastics. This straightens your bottom teeth and reduces the severity of the overbite by correcting the position of the teeth.

Limitations of Invisalign

While Invisalign offers a lot of advantages in comparison to braces and other corrective procedures, it does have its limitations. If eligible, people prefer to use Invisalign for teeth straightening and bite correction because the aligners are transparent, the pressure on the teeth is gentler, resulting in less pain, and they have more freedom. 

However, if your overbite is severe, then Invisalign may not be able to correct it on its own. Other more invasive or intense procedures may be warranted, such as jaw repositioning surgery or braces.

While precision cutting, elastic bands, and attachments have improved the level of effectiveness in Invisalign’s ability to correct more severe malocclusions, braces are still the most effective. Because braces offer more force, they are better equipped to shift teeth for severe overbites.

Interested in Invisalign? Schedule a Consultation at Smile Dental Today!

If you have a minor overbite, are still growing, or don’t want the clunky and gaudy appearance of braces to distract from your smile, then Invisalign is a great alternative. The only way to find out if you’re a suitable candidate for Invisalign is for you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph Smillie or Dr. Helen Smillie

Our excellent team at Smile Dental can conduct an oral exam and take x-rays of your teeth to determine the severity and potential responsiveness of your teeth’ alignment and bite. Contact us today to get started!

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