Wondering if you can fix your overbite with Invisalign? You’ve come to the right place. Many orthodontic patients ask our Koerich Orthodontics team how they can treat their malocclusions without attracting the attention that braces do, and our doctors are proud to recommend Invisalign clear aligners. To learn all about overbites and how Invisalign can fix them, keep reading below!
Overbites 101
As one of the most common orthodontic problems, our Koerich Orthodontics team treats overbites all the time. In fact, so many people develop this bite problem that the American Association of Orthodontics reports it to be the second leading cause of orthodontic treatment aside from aesthetics. So what is an overbite?
You may have an overbite if your top teeth overlap your bottom teeth when your mouth is closed. If you have a deep overbite, your lower teeth recede so far behind the upper teeth that they bite into the roof of the mouth – ouch! Overbites are bad for your teeth and jaw joints and can impact the shape and appearance of your face.
Overbites can range from minor to severe, so we often describe this condition in terms of percentage. For example, a small overbite percentage is common and won’t necessarily require correction. A more significant percentage tends to cause oral health and cosmetic issues, which we can address with treatment.
What causes an overbite?
Both types can have several possible causes. Overbites can either be hereditary issues or stem from bad oral habits in childhood, like tongue thrusting, nail-biting, prolonged pacifier use, or thumb sucking. Most jaw growth happens early in life, meaning bad habits at a young age can lead to uneven development.
Using Invisalign to Treat Your Overbite
Invisalign is a removable treatment option that uses a series of clear trays to adjust your teeth without wires or brackets. Because they are clear, this option allows you to straighten your teeth with an almost invisible look. By wearing these trays as directed by our orthodontic providers at Koerich Orthodontics, you’ll see improvement in your overbite in no time.
Correcting an overbite with Invisalign can be a game-changer for many patients. It’s our most popular alternative to traditional braces, thanks to its comfort and convenience. Because they’re removable, Invisalign aligners give you an extra measure of flexibility that you’ll love!
Follow the Doctor’s Orders!
Your compliance is a huge factor in how successful your Invisalign treatment will be. The system only works if you follow your doctor’s guidelines. If you don’t wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day during treatment, it might take longer for the results to appear. You’ll get between 18-30 sets of trays throughout your treatment, and you can expect to switch your aligner trays every other week to keep up with the movements of your teeth.
With Invisalign, your oral hygiene routine will be as easy as ever since you remove the aligners before eating or brushing your teeth. That means there are no food restrictions, either! You can eat everything you usually would during Invisalign treatment as long as you brush after every meal and floss before bed.
Treatment Time
There’s no “one size fits all” answer for how long you will need to wear clear aligners. The average time tends to be between 12-24 months, although this can vary widely depending on the individual case. Invisalign patients will typically visit us every 12 weeks, so you won’t have to worry about missing too much work or school.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
The first step in any straight smile journey is an initial consultation with an experienced dentist. When you schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, she will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and jaws. If your overbite is a good candidate for Invisalign, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan just for you.
This plan will consider your specific needs, preferences, and goals. It will also include all the movements we want your teeth to estimate how long we expect the treatment to take. We may even be able to give you a sneak peek of what your new smile will look like once treatment is complete.
We’ll then begin designing your aligners using the 3D scan of your teeth and gums as our guide. Once the first set arrives from the lab, you’ll be on your way to the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!
Benefits of Invisalign
Besides improving the overall appearance of your smile, correcting an overbite can notably improve many symptoms, including:
- headaches
- gum disease and inflammation
- excessive wear and tear on the tooth enamel
- jaw pain
- tooth grinding
- speech problems
- irregular chewing or biting
- mouth breathing
Until recently, traditional braces were the only option for treating an overbite. Some cases will still need the stability of braces, but we can often achieve the same results with Invisalign clear aligners!
Smile More with Koerich Orthodontics
At Koerich Orthodontics, we cater to all your smiling needs with modern treatments like Invisalign and braces. We proudly serve patients of all ages around the Charlotte-Ballantyne and Indian Trail areas. Don’t wait to start treatment – schedule your free consultation today!