An overbite is a common dental condition where your upper teeth significantly overlap your lower teeth. It's a type of malocclusion, a general term for any misalignment of the teeth and jaws. A slight overbite (up to 3mm) is normal, but an overbite of over 3mm is considered excessive.
What's wrong with an excessive overbite? It can lead to jaw pain, tooth erosion (plus excessive tooth wear), gum recession, tooth loss, trouble breathing, chewing, and speaking. However, a significant problem with overbite is that it can reduce confidence in your appearance. You might even be afraid to smile, as the protrusion of the front teeth can cause insecurity.
If you're suffering from a pronounced overbite, it could be genetic, or you might be a nail-biter or former thumb sucker. There are various orthodontic options to correct an overbite. A popular option is Invisalign - but does it really work?
In one word: yes. Invisalign, as a type of clear dental aligner, is designed to correct an overbite by closing the gap between the top and bottom teeth.
Does Invisalign Fix Overbite?
Here's how Invisalign fixes an overbite:
1. The creation of customised aligners
The dentist will take painless impressions of your teeth. Using these impressions, the dentist will sculpt a series of clear, removable aligners. Each aligner applies gentle, consistent pressure to your teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired position, even if you have missing teeth.
2. Swapping the aligners
The concept of aligners is of consistent, gradual movement. Once one dental aligner has shifted your teeth to the appropriate position, another will be provided to replace it.
You may only require a series of 5 dental aligners for a subtle overbite. A more serious overbite may necessitate a series of up to 26 dental aligners. Each aligner should be worn for 1-2 weeks.
3. Rinse and repeat
You'll keep wearing custom retainers and swapping them under the oversight of an experienced dental professional. Eventually, once your overbite has been fully corrected, your dental alignment journey will be complete.
It's worth noting that Invisalign is only the brand name for dental aligners - there is a range of invisible dental aligners, each with its own price tag.
Dental aligners can also fix overjet, a condition where the upper teeth protrude outward (also known as 'buck teeth') and sit over the bottom teeth. An overjet varies from an overbite insofar as an overbite refers to a vertical misalignment of the teeth, while an overjet refers to a horizontal misalignment.
If the idea of dental aligners doesn't appeal, another option for fixing overbite is braces. But which is better for overbite: braces or dental aligners?
What are the benefits of Invisalign for overbite?
Invisalign offers several significant advantages for overbite:
1. They're very discreet
Being completely transparent, most people won't notice that you're wearing dental aligners - even up close. For people feeling self-conscious about their smile, invisible dental aligners offer a pleasingly discreet option (especially compared to traditional metal braces).
2. They're removable
If you need to eat or drink, you can remove your dental aligners and place them into a custom container. In contrast, braces are not removable.
3. They're easily cleanable
Dental aligners are extremely easy to clean - you can just use a toothbrush to keep them sparkling. In contrast, maintaining dental hygiene while wearing braces can be a time-consuming and fiddly ordeal.
4. Fewer trips to the orthodontist
Braces require tightening and general maintenance. The result? More time having your braces adjusted. For dentist-phobic or busy people, dental aligners' convenience can save inconvenience.
Dental aligners are much more comfortable
The sharp edges of the braces can cause mouth sores, such as around the gums and inside of the cheek. In contrast, as well as being visibly discreet, dental aligners' thin texture shouldn't cause discomfort. The feeling of braces - even less obtrusive braces models such as helix braces can be a constant mouth presence.
Ultimately, because of the customisability of dental aligners - as they are custom-made for each individual - they allow for precise control over tooth movement. Overall, the tailor-made nature of dental aligners like Invisalign leads to more efficient and faster corrections.
Depending on the severity of the overbite, dental aligners can also work faster than braces. That's because dental aligners target all the teeth at once. Moreover, adjustments are typically made less frequently with aligners than braces. The lack of adjustments will streamline the treatment process and potentially decrease its duration.
One advantage that braces have over dental aligners is that it's easier to keep them in. If you forget to put your dental aligners back in your mouth (especially overnight), they'll be significantly less effective at correcting your overbite. In contrast, braces' fixed position means you don't have to worry about taking them in and out.
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Fix Overbite?
If you're wondering how many weeks you'll be partaking in the Invisalign process, the answer is that it varies. On average, an Invisalign treatment tailored for overbite correction could take somewhere between 12 to 18 months. Though that may seem like a long time, a dentist will discuss an initial treatment plan during the initial consultation, ensuring that you're fully informed throughout the entire process.
If you remove your aligners for more than two hours daily, your treatment time may increase. You must wear your dental aligners consistently, removing them only for meals and oral hygiene. Nighttime wear is particularly crucial, as repeated nights without wearing your dental aligners can reverse some of the corrective progress on overbite.
After treatment, custom retainers will be necessary to maintain your teeth's new position. These retainers will most likely need to be worn every night.
There are ways to expedite the treatment length. For example, some dentists recommend the use of elastic bands, which generally hook around a button on the top tooth (such as an upper canine) and a button on the bottom tooth (like a lower molar). These rubber bands can be referred to as 'elastics' and can speed up overbite correction.
It may be difficult to visualise the end-to-end process of getting dental aligners. Here's how you might expect the process to go:
1. Choose a suitable dentist
Choosing the right dentist for you is important: check customer reviews and compare pricing plans until you find one that 'aligns with' your needs.
2. Book an initial consultation
At this point, the dentist will measure your overbite and recommend a treatment plan, transparently explaining the treatment plan. Once your orthodontist confirms that Invisalign can correct your overbite, they'll take an X-ray and create a 3D digital impression of your teeth. This information will be used to map out your personalised Invisalign treatment plan.
3. Undergo the Invisalign process (12-18 months)
Using malleable plastic, the dentist will mould your custom dental aligners. As they're replaced, each dental aligner adds pressure to guide your teeth into the desired position, slowly eliminating the overbite.
4. Maintain your new smile (ongoing)
Your orthodontist may recommend wearing a retainer (which will also be made of flexible plastic) after Invisalign treatment to allow your jawbone time to adapt to your new tooth positions. This helps ensure a stable and long-lasting result.
If you're looking for corrective dental action, try Smile Society. We put your dental experience first, which means a comfortable dental experience, flexible payment options, and a range of treatments designed to meet your needs.
We offer Clear Correct dental aligners that will help correct your overbite - and increase your confidence. Instead of hiding your smile, be proud of your perfectly aligned teeth.
Book your initial consultation now.