Maybe you’ve heard of Invisalign®, a convenient and discreet way to straighten teeth using clear aligners. These custom-made trays apply consistent pressure to slowly and gently shift teeth into proper alignment. If you’re dealing with an overbite, you might assume that metal braces are your only solution, but Invisalign could be a subtle and effective alternative for mild to moderate cases.
If you don’t like the way your teeth currently look, you may not love the idea of wearing large, shiny metal braces. And we understand that! That’s why we offer Invisalign when we believe it will effectively correct your overbite.
What Is an Overbite?
Many patients seeking orthodontic treatment want to improve the appearance of their smiles. This is especially true for overbites. The first thing most people think of when they picture an overbite is its appearance. But there’s more to it than just looks.
In orthodontics, we classify an overbite as a type of malocclusion, which literally means “bad bite.” You have an overbite if your upper front teeth overlap your lower teeth too much.
Sometimes, it happens when the upper teeth are angled too far forward (dental overbite). Other times, an overbite occurs when the lower jaw is too far back (skeletal overbite).
Overbites are often considered milder when they’re dental and more severe when they’re skeletal, though it’s possible to have a combination of both.
Overbites are the culprit for many uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Jaw pain and TMJ disorders
- Speech issues
- Chewing difficulties
But that’s not all. Leaving an overbite untreated also increases the risk of tooth damage, including chipping, cracking, and wear. This is the result of excessive, uneven pressure on the front teeth.
By treating your overbite, you’re addressing the underlying cause of jaw pain and issues with chewing. But you’re also proactively protecting your teeth from being overworked. And you can correct your overbite with barely noticeable orthodontics, thanks to clear aligners!
Invisalign for Overbite Correction
Want to correct your overbite without the obvious look of braces? In some cases, clear aligners can correct the look and function of your bite without any metal hardware.
Invisalign treats overbites by applying continuous pressure, gradually moving teeth into proper alignment. It’s most effective for mild dental overbites, though we may combine it with other treatments for moderate cases. For more severe or skeletal overbites, we may recommend additional tools, such as elastic bands, temporary anchorage devices (TADs), expanders, or other appliances, to help move the teeth and bite into a healthier position. In the most severe skeletal cases, we might recommend surgery to correct the bite.
What To Expect When Using Invisalign for Overbite
We can usually treat mild overbites with Invisalign aligners in 6-12 months. However, moderate cases may take 12-18 months.
Here’s how clear aligner treatment works: First, we take 3D scans of the mouth. Then, a lab will produce custom aligner trays designed to slowly reposition your teeth.
After that, all you need to do is simply wear your aligners consistently—about 22 hours per day. You should remove them only to eat and clean your teeth. Over the course of a few weeks, you’ll move on to the next tray in your aligner series. Each new set will gradually reposition your teeth.
Wondering if clear aligners are right for your overbite correction? At the Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, we want to find the most convenient and effective way to correct your smile. We would love to explore the best overbite correction options during your free consultation.
Schedule a Free Invisalign Consultation
It’s common to dislike the way your overbite looks. But you may not realize that it could contribute to more serious issues, such as jaw pain and an increased risk of tooth damage. If you’re looking for an aesthetically pleasing way to treat a dental overbite, consider Invisalign® to correct it. Clear aligners work best to treat mild dental overbites, while other interventions are a better fit for more advanced cases. During your consultation, we will explain the best options based on your smile.
Ready to improve your bite? At the Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, we don’t charge until treatment begins, so there’s no reason to put off your initial consultation. Schedule an appointment today. Come see us at one of our 7 offices across Western New York.
