There are several types of orthodontic treatments available to address overbites, but one sometimes surprising option is clear aligners. We are often asked “can you fix an overbite with Invisalign®?” Invisalign®, is a relatively new treatment option (compared to braces) and many people are curious to understand how it works, and if it could be right for them.
It is important to note that the most important factor in determining your outcome is the skill, knowledge, and experience of your practitioner. As to whether or not clear aligners will fix your overbite -well, this depends on your unique needs and your commitment to aligner wear. Invisalign® is simply one tool (of many) which an orthodontist may select from to address your needs. When making your decision, it is best to keep an open mind, and focus on getting the best treatment and outcome, rather than limiting your options regarding appliance types.
Skilled orthodontists can, in some cases, successfully treat an overbite with clear aligners (Invisalign® is just one brand – although seems to be the most well-known). This will depend greatly on the significance and severity of the case.
In the case of growing children and teens, developmental stage may also affect the range of possible treatment options available, including the viability of a clear aligner treatment plan.
Note: *This product is not available for purchase by the general public. Always follow the directions for use.
Different Types of Overbites
There are two core types of overbites: vertical and horizontal. A vertical overbite involves your top teeth significantly overlapping your bottom teeth. Horizontal overbites occur when your top teeth are too far ahead of your bottom teeth.
While these 2 types of overbites appear different, they have a lot in common. Each one is caused by dental or skeletal issues. Dental overbites involve teeth placement issues, while skeletal overbites indicate a jaw problem. Whether your overbite is skeletal, or dental, will have an impact on your orthodontic treatment and your orthodontist’s approach.
Often, overbites are hereditary. However, they can also stem from poor oral habits in childhood, like tongue thrusting, nail-biting and prolonged dummy use or thumb sucking. It’s during the early developmental stage that most of your jaw growth occurs, so bad habits can contribute to disproportionate or asymmetrical growth.
Overbites Can Cause Problems
Some of the main issues that overbites have the potential to cause include:
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problems with eating and chewing
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speech impediments like lisps
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jaw pain from strained muscles and jaws.
What’s more, overbites can lead to excessive tooth wear which can then lead to general dental issues, including increased susceptibility to tooth decay. You may even experience soft tissue damage when the bottom teeth impinge on the roof of your mouth.
Overbites can caused by jaw position, tooth position, or a combination of both. The underlying cause has a direct impact on the orthodontic treatment that’s right for you.
The Severity of Your Overbite
How bad is your overbite? In extreme cases, clear aligners alone may not be the most appropriate option to realign your teeth. Alternatives or adjunctive treatment options, depending on an individual’s case, could include traditional braces, extractions or jaw repositioning surgery.
How to Fix an Overbite with Clear Aligners like Invisalign®
Clear aligners have quickly become a popular option for multiple orthodontic treatments, including fixing many types of underbites and overbites.
The procedure effectively straightens your teeth without the need for brackets and wires. In the case of Invisalign® (a well-known brand of clear aligners available to dental practitioners), you receive a series of clear, customised and removable trays that are referred to as aligners. The trays are made from clear plastic, which means they are more discrete than some other popular treatment options.
The Invisalign® system combines orthodontic skill and knowledge with highly advanced 3D digital technology. The aligners are designed to slowly move your teeth to a straighter, final position in small increments. Each aligner is precisely designed and manufactured to fit your teeth at every stage of your treatment. Each tray in a series of around 6 to 30 place slight pressure on the teeth to push them toward their new positions.
If your orthodontist determines that you are a good candidate for Invisalign® treatment, X-rays will be taken along with a 3D scan. The custom aligners and treatment plan will be digitally designed to suit your case.
Each week or so, you will switch your current tray with the next tray in the series, thus moving your teeth incrementally. Over time, your overbite will diminish and you can look forward to a healthier, straighter smile.
Depending on the underlying cause of your overbite, your Invisalign overbite correction may require elastic wear, to help direct forces between the teeth on upper or lower jaws.
For kids and teenagers, your orthodontist can also consider using a special Invisalign aligner that includes small plastic ‘wings’ on the back teeth. The wings change how your teen’s teeth meet together during treatment, and work to assist with overbite correction.
The Benefits of Clear Aligner Treatment
Correcting an overbite with clear aligners is far more discrete than traditional metal braces. What’s more, aligners allow for easier dental hygiene as you just remove them to brush and floss, rather than navigate the fixed braces brackets and wires. Best of all, the trays can be removed for up to 2 hours per day, allowing you to eat without the aligners in place.
How Long Does it Take to Correct an Overbite with Clear Aligners?
While each case is different, it can be difficult to predict just how long it can take for clear aligners to correct an overbite. However, the average treatment time for Invisalign is around 6 to 20 months.
Are Clear Aligners Right for You?
If your orthodontist decides that clear aligners are an ideal treatment option for your overbite (or even underbite), you’ll find there are a number of lifestyle benefits to look forward to. As we’ve mentioned, you can remove the trays to eat and practice good oral health habits. Take note though, you must keep your aligners on for 22 hours per day, so they should be replaced as soon as possible after eating, drinking and cleaning and sports. The biggest benefit, though, is that the aligners are discrete for the entirety of treatment. Discuss your lifestyle and treatment options with your orthodontist to determine if clear aligners right for you.
Book an Assessment Today
Schedule a Free* Assessment appointment at Fine Orthodontist Sydney to discuss your unique needs.
*If orthodontic X-rays are required, a fee of $180 applies. Note: Treatment may not be suitable for you.
Find out more about Invisalign®:
- Learn more about Invisalign aligner treatment.
- Learn about the differences between Invisalign vs braces, and choose the best treatment for you.
- Read more about Invisalign cost in Sydney.
