When your top teeth and bottom teeth don’t line up, it can make you feel self-conscious. But the path to creating your perfect smile can also seem scary, especially if you’re worried about how you’ll look with traditional braces.
But what about those oh-so-discreet orthodontic treatment options? Can we treat mild, moderate, or even severe overbites with clear aligner treatment? Your local orthodontic experts are here to give you the inside scoop on Invisalign, orthodontics, and whether clear aligners can fix overbites like braces.
Let’s take a look!
Does Your Upper Jaw Hide Your Teeth? Overbite Alert!
An overbite is a misalignment of the jaw that impacts the positioning of the upper teeth and lower teeth so that the lower teeth rest too far back and the upper teeth extend in front of the lower front teeth. When the upper front teeth significantly overlap to the point where the entire bottom row is covered, it’s called a deep bite.
There are primarily two types of overbites: skeletal overbite, where teeth overlap due to irregular lower jaw growth; and dental overbite, where teeth protrude due to overcrowding, thumb-sucking, or tongue thrusting. Identifying the type of overbite that you have is the essential first step in correcting this problem.
Issues Caused by Overbites
There aren’t just cosmetic reasons to fix an overbite. Even correcting mild or moderate overbites is important for fixing dental issues.
Braces, clear aligners, and Invisalign treat complications caused by a bad bite, including:
- Jaw Pain, including TMJ
- Excessive Wear and Grinding
- Gum Damage and Disease
- Speaking Problems
- Difficult Breathing or Chewing
- Mental Health Issues from Impacted Confidence
Can Clear Aligners Fix an Overbite?
Yes, clear aligners are a treatment option for overbite correction, just like braces!
Invisalign works by applying constant pressure using clear trays designed specifically for your smile, gently moving teeth into the proper position. And the best news? Yes, Invisalign treatment is a type of orthodontics that can correct mild and moderate overbite issues, one tray set at a time!
Patients wear Invisalign aligners for around 20 to 22 hours a day, achieving straight teeth without dietary restrictions or metal gear poking into their gums. Your dentist and orthodontist will decide if aligners are the right process to have your ortho issues treated, but luckily most people can correct an overbite easily with the power of Invis!
Adjusting Your Upper Teeth and Lower Teeth the Invisalign Way
Invisalign fix overbite tooth troubles in two main ways: Invisalign mandibular advancement and elastics.
Mandibular advancement is primarily used for preteen and teenage smiles that are still growing. In fact, age and severity are the key factors for determining the best treatments for you. Mandibular advancement works alongside mouth growth, using special plastic precision wings that apply additional pressure to move the jaws into alignment.
For adults who are finished growing, we’ve got other ways to get your mouth movin’ and shakin’! Elastics and rubber bands can be used to shift your jaws into place, creating a confident smile while adjusting your teeth, too.
Other Awesome Options for Adjusting Your Bite
Has your ortho office decided that Invisalign and clear aligners are not good alternative treatment options for you? Don’t worry. Ceramic braces and traditional orthodontic braces are still on the table. And nowadays, they’re better than ever! So don’t worry – no matter what, we’ve got every tooth covered.
We’re Creating Healthy Smiles with Great Vibes!
Great smiles aren’t hard to come by in our office! Located across western North Carolina, Great Smiles Orthodontics has treatment options for the whole family – not just kiddos. If you are worried about your overbite, then it’s time to schedule your complimentary consultation with our smile experts. Get started today!