Invisalign clear aligners have become the most preferred and popular option for fixing tooth misalignment, owing to their comfort, convenience, and inconspicuousness. According to the manufacturers of Invisalign, over 12 million people have benefited from this treatment option worldwide, and the number continues to grow. Despite Invisalign’s popularity, many people are still not aware of the range of orthodontic problems which can be solved with removable aligners. Often patients ask their dentist whether Invisalign aligners can be used to fix an overbite. If you have also been searching for an answer to this question, this article is for you. So, read on to learn whether Invisalign aligners are suitable for treating a dental overbite.
What Is The Difference Between An Overbite And An Underbite?
The terms overbite and underbite represent different types of misalignment of the teeth. An overbite is a condition in which the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower pens vertically. On the other hand, an underbite refers to a condition where the lower teeth lie in front of the upper ones.
How Can Invisalign Be Used To Fix Overbites Or Underbites?
The most appropriate treatment for fixing an overbite or an underbite is orthodontics. Invisalign aligners can be used to fix mild to moderate cases of overbites and underbites. Sometimes, dentists have to use additional appliances with the aligenrs, which serve as anchors and help perform complex tooth movements. However, severe or complicated cases of overbites or underbites may sometimes require treatment with fixed braces.
Do You Get Braces For An Overbite?
Fixed braces are among the commonly used and time-tested options for fixing a variety of orthodontic problems. If you have an overbite, you can get this problem treated by getting traditional braces. The braces will gradually move your teeth to restore optimal vertical overlap between your upper and lower front teeth. So, yes, braces can be used for correcting an overbite.
How Can I Self Correct My Overbite At Home?
If you search the internet, you will find numerous at-home, aligner-based options for fixing an overbite. Although these at-home options are considerably cheaper than the dentist-supervised ones, they may not be as effective or safe to use. This is because these at-home aligners offer minimal dentist supervision, and there is no robust mechanism to ensure that your treatment is progressing in the right direction. On the other hand, if you use Invisalign aligners for correcting an overbite, your dentist will constantly monitor your treatment progress and ensure that your treatment is completed in as little time as possible. Hence, it is always advisable to get an overbite fixed by an experienced and qualified dentist.
Can Braces Fix A Weak Jaw Caused By An Overbite?
Weakening of the jaw joints can occur because of a long-standing, untreated overbite. This occurs because the of the excessive vertical overlap of the upper front teeth with the lower ones. As a result, there is constant pressure on the jaw joints causing long-term complications like limited of difficult mouth opening, clicking or popping sounds, and even jaw joint dislocation. As soon as Invisalign treatment is started, the pressure on the jaw joints is reduced and healing ensues. However, if there is severe damage to the jaw joints, additional treatment may be needed.
How Long Does It Take To Fix An Overbite?
The time required to fix an overbite with Invisalign mainly depends on the severity of the issue. Generally, mild to moderate cases of an overbite can be fixed within 6-12 months. On the other hand, more severe or complicated cases may take up to 24 months for treatment. Another factor to consider is the dentist or orthodontist’s skill. That is why you should always visit a qualified and sufficiently trained dentist for the orthodontic treatment of an overbite.
How Can I Prevent Getting An Overbite?
Unlike other tooth misalignment problems, such as an overjet, which can be prevented by controlling a child’s parafunctional habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrust etc.), there is not much one can do to avoid an overbite. Overbites are generally hereditary and tend to run in the families. Therefore, the best you can do is to take your child to an orthodontist at an early age so that they intervene and redirect jaw growth to reduce the severity of the issue. Later, once the child has grown all their permanent teeth, orthodontic treatment can be done with braces or Invisalign aligners to fix the overbite.
How Can Braces Affect Your Facial Structure?
The primary function of braces is to move teeth. When the teeth move, it leads to changes in the shape and composition of the jawbones. Therefore, although braces do not directly affect one’s facial profile, they do have an indirect effect, which is caused due to the movement of the teeth within the jawbone. Also, when the teeth move, the soft tissues change their shape accordingly, causing the facial bones to change their shape.
Is It Possible To Treat Crooked Teeth With Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are the most convenient and comfortable options for treating crooked teeth. Your dentist will design your aligner in a way that they gradually move your teeth and realign them into perfect occlusion. So yes, you can have your crooked teeth fixed with Invisalign.
When seeking treatment for orthodontic problems, it is prudent to visit a qualified and experienced dentist. If you are living in Didcot or in Oxford, The Oxford Smile Clinics is there to look after all your orthodontic and general dentistry treatment needs. So, book an appointment today and let our capable dental team give you the healthy and beautiful smile that you truly deserve.