You are probably here to know if Invisalign-based treatment can correct an overbite. No doubt, it’s always better to find information and ensure you are the perfect candidate for the dental treatment suggested by your dentist.
Patients consider TruCare Dentistry as their first choice for Invisalign braces Roswell GA. Therefore, we are using the blog to answer frequently highlighted queries about clear aligners-based treatment for an overbite. However, let’s get started with the basics first.
What’s an overbite?
Do your top teeth overlap with bottom ones? If so, it’s better to visit a dental clinic and let the dentist check if you suffer from an overbite. Ignoring this condition can result in tooth damage, jaw pain, problems in talking and breathing, and cuts on the tongue.
Roughly, 5 to 25 percent overlap is considered as an overbite. Your orthodontist will determine if they can treat the condition with Invasiglin or traditional braces.
A quick look at possible reasons for overbites:
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)
- Teeth grinding
- Genetics
- Childhood habits
- Loss of back teeth
- Teeth crowding
Invisible aligners for treating overbites
Dental care experts provide custom-made, clear aligners (trays) to the patient. These devices gradually change the position of the desired teeth to resolve overbite and other problems. However, you must wear these trays for 20 to 22 hours daily throughout the treatment period.
As your teeth start changing their alignment, your dentist will instruct you to replace aligners during various phases.
Depending on the instructions provided by the orthodontist, you need to change aligners on a biweekly or weekly basis during the treatment.
What’s the need to change trays, you might wonder. Well, orthodontists adjust them to increase or decrease the force applied to the affected teeth. And it is this force that moves the teeth in the correct position to correct your bite.
No worries, aligners are almost invisible. So your friends and dear ones won’t even notice them on your teeth.
Replacing aligners with retainers
Once your teeth are at the desired alignment, you won’t have to use aligners. Instead, your dentist will create custom retainers that you need to wear on your teeth for a few weeks.
Why wear retainers? Well, retainers ensure your teeth do not start shifting back once you stop wearing aligners.
Timeframe for the treatment
The treatment period ultimately depends on the severity of the overbite. Yet, on average, it can last for up to two years. The patient needs to ensure aligners and retainers remain in place for the recommended number of hours each day.
The shift happens slowly and might need a few weeks to 18 months to reach the projected placement. Remember, in severe cases, you won’t notice any significant improvement in alignment during the initial stages.
Why do most patients and clinicians choose Invisalign aligners?
Yes, there are several brands of aligners, but the words “Invisalign” and “aligners” often go hand-in-hand.
Invisible aligners are comfortable and transparent. So, there is no need to think about bulky wires, metal sockets, and other hardware associated with traditional braces.
Trays are accurate as they are custom-made. First, dentists take digital impressions (3D CAD/CAM imaging) to create a virtual teeth model. Next, the data is uploaded into the Invisalign software. Further, a mockup treatment plan is designed to help patients understand how each tray will shift teeth to the desired position during the treatment. Put simply; you always have an idea about the possible outcome for the treatment before even starting the same.
The orthodontist will then place the order for aligners required during various stages of your treatment plan. Finally, the lab delivers them to the dental office. Your dentist also offers quick training on wearing and removing the same.
Adding rubber band capabilities
Rubber bands or elastics help put additional pressure on teeth as a part of orthodontia. Your orthodontist might combine elastics with clear aligners to treat overbite quicker.
Key factors that influence overbite treatment
Several factors can impact the treatment timeline. However, the severity of the overbite, the patient’s age, and the way the patient’s teeth respond to the treatment during the initial stages are crucial aspects.
Aligners are not meant to be kept in the case or placed aside
This may sound unbelievable. But many trays end up in washing machines. Patients remove them before eating, place them in the box, and keep it in the trouser pocket. You would undoubtedly want the treatment to proceed further as planned, won’t you? Therefore, you should not forget to place them back on your teeth after eating or cleaning teeth.
A quick look at the incredible advantages of Invisalign compared to other procedures for treating overbites:
- Patients are not required to follow restrictions in diet
- Helps correct jaws alignment and straightening teeth at the same time
- Patients can remove aligners easily for eating and brushing teeth
- With Invisalign, you won’t have to worry about irritation of the cheeks or other allergic reactions
The old-school approach for a severe overbite
As you can imagine, wires and metal brackets can apply more pressure. Therefore, dentists still recommend metal or ceramic braces treatment in complicated cases involving severe overbites.
Correcting your overbite during the initial stages can prove beneficial in many ways:
- No need to smile with shut lips
- Corrects your speech impediment
- No need to worry about the impact on facial structure
- Helps handle jaw pain and TMJ
- Reduces gum and tooth damage triggered due to misalignment
Is there any research work highlighting the benefits of Invisalign for treating overbites?
A study released by the American journal of orthodontics offers some interesting insights.
Researchers believe Invisalign invisible braces-based treatment best corrects marginal ridge heights and anterior rotations. Most importantly, it helps clear spaces with ease. However, Invisalign aligners might not prove effective in cases involving significant anteroposterior discrepancies.
What about at-home kits for correcting overbite?
Several companies offer to send clear braces to patients via mail. They claim they can cure overbites without any need for the patient to visit a clinic. But, remember, orthodontic treatments are not DIY procedures. So, see a professional in person, and let them design aligners for your teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists does not recommend the use of such kits.
Choose an experienced orthodontist
Always choose a reputed clinic that specializes in orthodontic procedures. If you are in Roswell (GA), consider visiting TruCare Dentistry. Book an appointment with us to examine your teeth and create the best suitable plan to treat overbites.
FAQs
How do you treat an overbite naturally?
Overbite cannot be treated naturally and will require dental appliances such as braces and Invisalign or surgery.
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
Invisalign is faster than traditional braces. The former requires nine to 15 months to align the teeth, while the latter needs 18 to 24 months to give the same results.
Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?
No, Invisalign is usually pricier compared to braces due to the quality of materials used, technology, lab fees, and other factors. But being a much more effective treatment than braces, Invisalign provides immense value for money.
What is considered a severe overbite?
An overbite is considered severe if the upper teeth completely cover the lower and the overlap is more than 4mm.
Can you fix an overbite with just braces?
Yes, you can fix an overbite with braces but the treatment period may take between 18 and 24 months. Invisalign can fix the problem much more efficiently in much less time, which is between nine to 15 months.