At any one time, four million Americans are wearing braces — and, if they choose Invisalign, you'd be none the wiser.
You already know that the clear plastic aligners can shift teeth into a straighter position. And, as they do so, they're undetectable to the eye.
But you might wonder if the teeth-straightening system will work for your particular condition. Specifically, you want to know, can Invisalign fix an overbite?
Let's get the important question out of the way first — yes, Invisalign can fix an overbite.
This hasn't always been the case with Invisalign retainers. In the beginning, these clear plastic aligners could only repair minor dental issues. Near-straight teeth would do well with the system, but more severe problems couldn't be fixed.
Of course, that's all in the past now. The Invisalign system has come a long way, and now it's a treatment just as effective as traditional braces in many cases.
It all starts with a consultation with your dentist or orthodontist. They can assess your overbite to see if Invisalign would be a viable treatment option for it.
Unfortunately, not all overbites can be fixed with Invisalign. If yours is minor, though, you are probably the right candidate for the treatment.
Invisalign is the most effective for overbites when yours is caused by teeth pointing outward on their own. If you have a jaw misalignment that pushes your teeth out of alignment, you will probably need more than Invisalign.
New Invisalign developments have made it possible for your orthodontist or dentist to fix a moderate overbite, too. Now, they have Invisalign attachments, elastics that latch onto the clear aligners. These bands make straightening more efficient and make it easier to fix more involved overbites.
In severe cases, though, Invisalign won't work. Namely, if a jaw or facial bone misalignment causes your overbite, then this system probably can't help you. Another orthodontic treatment — perhaps metal braces — would suit your situation.
Your dentist has approved you for treatment, and you've seen the Invisalign before-and-after photos. You're ready to start your journey — but you want to know what you're getting into.
During your consultation, your doctor or dentist will scan your teeth, creating a 3D image. From there, they will be able to assess your overbite and draw up a plan to fix it gradually with Invisalign.
After that, you'll receive your clear plastic aligners, which you'll wear all day unless you're eating, drinking, brushing your teeth or flossing. You'll swap out your aligners about every 14 days to keep teeth moving into their designated places. And you'll check in with your dentist or orthodontist every six to eight weeks to ensure everything's on track.
You'll wear your aligners for as long as it is necessary to straighten your overbite. The more severe of a case you have, the longer you'll be an Invisalign patient.
You have your reasons for wanting Invisalign to fix your overbite. It's more than just a cosmetic procedure, though — you should re-align your overbite for the following reasons.
Overbites push your teeth forward or, sometimes, cause jaw crowding. Because your teeth aren't correctly aligned — and because they're protruding — they can rub against each other or your gums.
All of this friction can cause damage to your mouth — to your gums and teeth, specifically. In the case of the latter, you could lose enamel when your teeth rub together. Enamel plays a vital role in keeping bacteria and cavities at bay, so you should protect it.
You can do just that with Invisalign.
It's not just your mouth that suffers from your overbite. If a protruding jaw causes yours, then putting it back in place will completely transform your face.
Most people who have overbites fixed are pleased with what it does to their jawlines. Invisalign pushes your jaw in place, thus creating a thinner and younger-looking face with a defined jaw.
An overbite might prevent your tongue from tapping your teeth or touching the top of your mouth as it's designed to do. So, you might find it tough to pronounce particular letters or sounds.
Lots of people with overbites also have lisps, for example. But this issue can be remedied with the help of Invisalign. With your teeth and tongue resting where they belong, you have the tools to fix your impediment.
You'll probably need a speech therapist's help and training, too. But straightening your overbite is the first step in the process.
Your overbite might be causing you jaw pain or even a TMJ disorder. The latter occurs when the joint between your skull and your jaw becomes damaged.
TMJ can cause a slew of uncomfortable symptoms: jaw pain, headaches, a ringing noise in your ears. And your overbite could be the impetus for this painful issue. It put constant strain on the joint between your jaw and skull, thus triggering these sensations.
Now you know the answer to your question, "Can Invisalign fix an overbite?" You also see how the process works and why it's essential for you to take part.
All you have left to do is come and see us at Axiom Dentistry. We have locations throughout the Triangle, so find one convenient for you and plan your first visit now.
