An overbite is a dental problem that affects the alignment of your teeth causing your top teeth to stick out too far over the bottom teeth. In very mild cases an overbite may cause aesthetic problems alone. However, in moderate to severe cases you’ll find that an overbite can affect many aspects of your life. From chewing problems and digestive issues to speech problems, and even jaw pain. But can Invisalign correct an overbite? The answer is yes it can.
In the following article, we’ll discuss how Invisalign can correct bite problems, what to expect from the treatment, and post-treatment maintenance care. In addition, we’ll let you know what factors you should meet to be a good candidate for the treatment as well as how long it will take.
What is invisalign and how does it work?
Invisalign is a modern practice in orthodontics to straighten teeth in a mechanism similar to braces. In other words, Invisalign is customized to strategically place pressure on your teeth and jaw bone causing the alignment of your teeth to gradually shift over time. Unlike braces, Invisalign comes as a clear tray that you wear either over your upper teeth, bottom teeth, or both.
Just like traditional braces, Invisalign will gently move your teeth until the upper and lower teeth fit together properly.
In some cases of overbite, your doctor might need to make additional adjustments to your aligners to align your jaws. These may include elastics (rubber bands) to tie the top and bottom aligners together. This applies pressure to the jaw bone causing the jaws to shift into proper alignment. Additionally, your doctor may use bite ramps, which are small bumps of plastic within the Invisalign that help your jaw move into a better position when you bite, Over time, this encourages your jaw to shift as well.
How do you get your invisalign?
Invisalign is extremely customizable and to achieve these measurements the practice uses advanced technology. For instance, your doctor will use a 3D scan of your teeth and present you with a detailed plan and timeline on how your teeth will shift throughout treatment. The 3D digital scanner captures the tiniest of details and allows for a very personalized treatment plan and a comdortable fit.
Of course, the plastic in the Invisalign is medical-grade, BPA-free plastic.
Can invisalign fix overbite?
Yes, Invisalign works well for some cases only. For instance, mild to moderate cases of overbite are good candidates for the treatment most of the time. However, additional adjustments like elastics and bite ramps may be necessary in moderate cases. These adjustments will help accelerate treatment and encourage your jaw to respond to treatment.
As for severe cases of overbite, Invisalign may be a good option after considering either jaw surgery or tooth extraction.
If you want a professional dental opinion on whether you’re a suitable candidate for treatment, contact the medical specialists at Dentakay. Turkey’s leading dental center and winner of the Best Dental Clinic in Europe Award for 2022, offers a free online consultation to help you understand more about dental treatments and the best options for you.
How long does invisalign take?
How long your treatment cases will depend mostly on how serious your overbite is. However, the average treatment time with Invisalign for most people with overbite is 12 to 18 months. More complicated cases may require more time.
How long should you wear your invisalign?
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are easily removable. But for optimal results, you should wear your Invisalign anywhere between 20 to 22 hours. This gives you anywhere between 2 to 4 hours to eat, drink, floss, and brush your teeth without wearing your Invisalign
Sticking to this schedule is key to keeping your treatment on track.
Why choose invisalign for overbite?
Invisalign is a great choice for fixing overbites because it’s nearly invisible, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing it. The aligners are made of smooth plastic, which feels more comfortable than metal braces. They’re also removable, so you can take them out to eat and brush your teeth, making it easier to keep your mouth clean.
Are there any downsides?
While Invisalign works well for many people, it’s not perfect for everyone. Severe overbites or jaw problems might need a different approach, such as braces or surgery. Additionally, since the aligners are removable, it’s important to have the discipline to wear them as your doctor instructs. If you forget to wear them often, your treatment could take longer. And many people lack this type of discipline or generally forget to wear their aligners right after eating or cleaning their teeth.
The Takeaway
Invisalign is a wonderful treatment option for overbite. The aligners gently cause your teeth to shift leading to a proper fit between your jaws. The treatment offers many benefits over traditional braces such as, being a convenient, comfortable, and effective way to correct your bite problems.
However, every smile is different, so it’s important to talk to a dentist or orthodontist about your options. They can create a custom plan to help you reach your goals.
Mild to moderate cases are easy to correct with Invisalign alone, although elastics and bite ramps may be necessary in some cases to speed up treatment.
Severe cases may require surgery or tooth extraction before treatment to create the right space for your jaw and teeth to shift. You can opt for Invisalign following the initial treatment to achieve the desired results.
For the best and quickest results, make sure you wear your Invisalign for over 20 to 22 hours per day.