An overbite is a malocclusion in which the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. It is the most common dental ailment, accounting for over 70% of all dental disorders, resulting in an uneven and unnatural grin. Invisalign is a relatively recent treatment option, and we’re here to help you figure out if these clear aligners may help you with overbite.
How does Invisalign Correct Overbite
Invisalign is a simple, yet effective method of properly straightening teeth without the need of brackets or wires.
The first step in utilizing Invisalign to fix an overbite is to schedule a consultation. You must come to the office to confirm that you are a good candidate for this operation. If you are qualified, your orthodontist will construct a virtual 3D model of your teeth using a digital scan of your teeth. Once the orthodontic treatment plan has been selected, cutting-edge technology is employed to make your aligners.
You must wear your aligners for 21 hours per day and take them out only when eating, cleaning, and flossing your teeth. You’ll get a new set every two weeks, and as you advance, it’ll gradually shift your teeth into the appropriate place.
Can Other Bite Issues Be Corrected With Invisalign
When used by a qualified professional, Invisalign can correct the following biting issues:
- For Crossbite – When the upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth, this is referred to as a crossbite. This is only possible on the front sides of the mouth. We recommend that you have it fixed as soon as possible.
Crossbites can cause the following:
-
-
- When the teeth have premature wear
- Gum disease
- Bone loss
- Weak chewing patterns
- Less attractive smile
- Asymmetrical jaw development causing irregular facial features
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
-
- Open Bite Malocclusion – This issue arises when the upper and lower jaws are pulled outward to the point where they do not touch when you close your mouth. The timing of the treatment is critical to the success of Invisalign.
If this condition is not treated, it can cause the following
-
-
- Premature wear of the molar (tooth).
- A less beautiful smile.
- Jaw joint dysfunction
-
- For Underbite – The bottom teeth overlap the top teeth in an underbite. This is usually caused by undergrowth of the upper, lower, or both jaws. This condition is caused by flared lower incisors, tipped rear incisors, a missing upper part, or a combination of these conditions.
Underbite needs to be corrected immediately because:
-
-
- Your smile is less attractive
- It prevents the correct functions of the mouth
- Can cause jaw-joint dysfunction
-
- Gaps in teeth, Diastema – Tooth gaps, also known as diastema, are a dental ailment characterized by a noticeable space between two or more teeth. It is shared by the two front incisors. Diastema is a frequent and minor type of misaligned tooth that can be treated with Invisalign.
When the gap teeth is considered a small dental condition that usually affects only a few teeth and is not caused by a bite misalignment or other complications, Invisalign express can be used to correct it.
When a more complex movement of the teeth or jaw is required, dentists will enhance Invisalign with elastics or attachments. These attachments are tooth-colored devices that allow for complex tooth movement.
How Long Does It Take to Correct Overbite
The length of the Invisalign overbite treatment will be determined by the patient’s case. Normally, dental therapy can take up to two years to properly address the issue. A significant overbite can take more than two years to correct.
Can Invisalign Correct Severe Issues
While Invisalign can correct many issues, there are some that it cannot, and in such circumstances, traditional braces are the best option. For example, if the overbite is significant enough to necessitate surgical correction. Invisalign will not be able to straighten crowded teeth that require significant rotation to straighten. Small gaps are acceptable for Invisalign, but excessive gaps may cause it to fail. Invisalign may not be effective in raising or lowering tooth position or correcting more than a 2mm gap.
Sources:
- Papadimitriou A, Mousoulea S, Gkantidis N, Kloukos D. Clinical effectiveness of Invisalign® orthodontic treatment: a systematic review. Prog Orthod. 2018;19(1):37. Published 2018 Sep 28. doi:10.1186/s40510-018-0235-z
- American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics: official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics 151(4):691-699.e2 DOI:10.1016/j.ajodo.2016.09.022
