An overbite is a very common orthodontic malocclusion that patients seek treatment for. According to the American Dental Association, nearly 70% of children exhibit the signs of an overbite.
This means if you’re struggling with an overbite, you’re not alone – and there are options! Invisalign clear aligners can easily treat moderate to severe cases of overbites in a variety of dental patients. Here’s how.
What is an Overbite?
Before we get into this specialized method of treatment, let’s go over the traits of an overbite.
There are two different types of overbites that are most common; a vertical overbite, and a horizontal overbite.
Vertical Overbite
When your top teeth significantly overlap your lower teeth.
Horizontal Overbite
When your top teeth poke out over your bottom teeth.
Overbites can be either the result of habits from childhood, involve skeletal issues or are genetically inherited.
There are a number of reasons to pay attention to and fix an overbite as soon as you’re able. If left untreated, overbites can cause:
- Headaches that worsen into migraines
- Cavities and gum disease
- Eating and chewing difficulty
- Damaged tooth enamel
- Speech Impediments
Diagnosing Your Overbite
The first step in the Invisalign process is always an orthodontic consultation. An orthodontist will perform a full examination of your bite and document your malocclusion with iTero scanning and x-rays.
Once your orthodontist has diagnosed you with an overbite, they will then make sure Invisalign clear aligners will be able to properly treat you. Invisalign is equipped to handle moderate to severe malocclusions, but in some extreme cases, braces are needed to properly straighten teeth and correct misaligned bites.
Once you’re given the green light by your orthodontist, you’re ready to begin your Invisalign treatment plan!
How Does Invisalign Work?
You may be wondering how Invisalign clear aligners compare to traditional braces, what’s different about them, and how they work.
Invisalign treatment is completed with a series of clear trays that are usually referred to as “aligners”. Instead of having a fixed appliance in your mouth such as braces, Invisalign is not bonded to your teeth and is switched out as your treatment plan calls for it, usually on a semi-monthly basis for most patients.
Each clear aligner is straighter than the one that came before it. This gradually adds more pressure over an extended period of time to gently align your bite properly and guide your teeth into place.
You’ll progress through each aligner until your Edmonton Orthodontist is satisfied with your smile results, and deems your treatment to be complete!
How Does Invisalign Target an Overbite?
Invisalign combines the tried and true methods of traditional orthodontics with highly advanced technology. iTero scanning provides us highly detailed visual predictions of what your smile may look like once you’ve completed your treatment and gives stunningly clear information and visual representation of your dental malocclusion.
We use all of this information to create an extremely accurate treatment plan that will directly target your overbite and move it into place in small increments, over a long period of time.
Each aligner we create for you based on your treatment parameters is manufactured to match every stage of your treatment, and reflect where you need to be. Eventually, these trays will guide your teeth into their final, straight position. Your overbite will recede until it’s been completely corrected, too.
How Long Does It Take to Correct An Overbite With Invisalign?
Every patient’s treatment plan differs from the next. Without a consultation, it can be difficult to predict how long you’ll have to wear clear aligners in order to achieve your smile goals.
The average treatment lasts about 6 to 30 months. Ideally, you should expect to wear Invisalign for the foreseeable future, so if treatment wraps up a little early it’s a pleasant surprise. We’ll always share our expected timeline with you, though it isn’t always 100% accurate, as treatments sometimes need adjustments along the way. Once you’re aware of the expected timeline, you can make the choice to pursue orthodontic treatment.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Invisalign requires a lot of commitment and self-discipline. The clear aligners offer more freedom in your lifestyle, as they can be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning.
As long as you can remember to wear them for the required 22 hours per day, clear aligners have many benefits and advantages. You won’t have to change your diet, you can maintain great oral health habits due to their ability to be removed, and the best part, Invisalign is incredibly discreet. Most people won’t even be able to tell you’re wearing clear aligners.
If you want to know more about Invisalign, let us know here.
