Do you know that according to the American Dental Association, approximately 70% of children show signs of an overbite? In most cases, overbite is genetic. However, there are other possible causes of an overbite, such as abnormal growth of baby teeth and excessive sucking on a pacifier or thumb.
What health problems are caused due to an overbite? Can Invisalign fix an overbite? This post answers these questions along with other common FAQs regarding overbite. Keep reading!
What is an Overbite?
Overbite is a malocclusion of teeth that makes your front teeth protrude out. It can affect both kids and adults. There are 2 types of overbite; vertical and horizontal. In a vertical overbite, your top teeth extend from your lower teeth. Horizontal overbite makes your top teeth stick out in front of your bottom teeth.
But one thing is for sure that either of these overbites causes dental problems. So, it would be best if you visited an orthodontist the moment you suspect that you or any of your family members have an overbite. The overbite correction method that your orthodontist recommends will depend on the type and severity of your malocclusion.
What Are The Potential Dental Damages Caused By An Overbite?
If left untreated, an overbite can result in the following health issues:
- Cavities
- Speech problems
- Erosion of tooth enamel
- Gum disease
- Headaches that can lead to migraines
- Difficulty in eating and chewing
Can Invisalign Fix An Overbite?
Gone are the days when metal braces and wires were your only option to fix an overbite. You can get a discreet treatment with customized, removable, and transparent Invisalign aligners.
Invisalign can effectively correct mild to moderate overbites. In more severe overbites and other if other dental issues exist, traditional braces may provide a better solution. When you come to Thurman Orthodontics for your overbite treatment using Invisalign, as a first step, our team will perform a dental exam to diagnose whether Invisalign can fix your overbite or not. If Dr. Thurman concludes that Invisalign is a good option for you and once you agree, customized trays of aligners will be created for you based on your digital dental scan.
These trays are created with the help of hi-tech iTero scanning, which provides a clear picture of the stages of your required overbite treatment and the result. You are supposed to change these trays every few weeks according to the progress of your treatment.
How Does Invisalign Fix Overbite?
During the course of your Invisalign treatment, you will receive a sequence of aligners, which are crafted from transparent plastic material. These aligners play a pivotal role in rectifying overbites, and the key lies in wearing them consistently for approximately 20 to 22 hours per day while ensuring proper cleaning and maintenance. Designed to exert gentle pressure on the teeth, the aligners work diligently to guide them into a new position, effectively realigning your teeth and addressing the overbite issue.
Also Read: How to Fix Underbite? Causes & Treatments
What Are The Benefits Of Choosing Invisalign For Correcting An Overbite?
Why not choose traditional braces or orthodontic treatments instead of Invisalign for overbite treatment? Here are a few good and common reasons:
- Invisalign aligners discreetly fix overbite without visibly awkward braces. This is because these aligner trays are made with transparent plastic material.
- It is easier to maintain dental hygiene with aligners as they are removable. So, no more navigation into the metal brackets of traditional braces. Remove aligners – brush & floss – wear them again. As simple as that!
- If you are a foodie, you will love the benefit of fixing overbite without braces and with Invisalign. You can eat and drink whatever you want after removing your Invisalign aligners. But remember to clean your mouth properly before wearing them again. Also, you’ve got a 2-hour window in 24 hours to remove the tray.
How Long Does It Take To Fix An Overbite With Invisalign?
Now, the question is – how much time does Invisalign treatment take for overbite correction? Well, there is no thumb rule for that. Every individual’s treatment plan is unique according to the complexity of the overbite, patient compliance, and the operating method of the orthodontist. Thus Invisalign takes anywhere between 6 months to 3 years to fix an overbite.
Invisalign for Overbite in Younger Patients
Special equipment called Invisalign Mandibular is used for overbite correction in growing children who are 12 years or younger. These are the aligners that come with plastic wings attached to them. These wings provide the correct posture to the lower jaw of a growing child. Slow and consistent tray changes are recommended for younger patients.
Self-Discipline Required for Invisalign Treatment
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign treatment provides a lot of freedom and convenience. Therefore you must be patient and self-disciplined. You have only 2 hours to remove the aligners. So, if you forget to put them on, they become less effective.
You are free to eat whatever you want, but at the same time, it is crucial that you remember that you are going through a dental treatment. So, have some restrain! Also, you can’t be lazy in cleaning your teeth before putting on Invisalign after your meal. Otherwise, your treatment can backfire.
To Summarize!
Invisalign helps with overbite – that’s for sure. So, if you have an overbite and want a discreet and convenient treatment, there is no reason to delay your overbite correction, especially when you know how many health complications it can invite if not treated.
At Thurman Orthodontics in Fresno, every patient receives personalized care in our state-of-the-art clinics. And, our team is dedicated to getting you perfect results!
FAQs
- Can Invisalign fix overbite in adults?
While it is typically advised to address overbite issues during younger years when the jaw is still growing, Invisalign can still be effective for correcting overbites in adults. However, it relies on the adult patient’s adherence to the treatment plan and their diligent care of the aligners.
Dr. Brian Thurman has spent his entire life enjoying all the beauty that California has to offer. A Fresno native, he still escapes to the ocean or the mountains whenever his busy schedule allows. Driven by his love for natural beauty, Dr. Thurman enjoys creating beautiful smiles and healthy bites that last a lifetime. He is proud to be the only Ivy League trained Orthodontist in the Fresno/Clovis area.