Correcting severe overbites is a common reason people use aligners. Patients may seek to fix an overbite for cosmetic reasons or because it’s irritating their teeth, gums, or tongue. In this post, our Langley orthodontists discuss the use of Invisalign to treat overbites and whether you should choose braces for this dental issue.
What is an overbite?
An overbite is a dental condition where the upper teeth protrude beyond the bottom teeth. Some of the most common causes of an overbite include oral habits developed in childhood, such as tongue thrusting, nail-biting or thumb sucking, which can push the teeth forward.
What issues do patients with an overbite face?
There are many different issues that may occur with an overbite. Some of the most common ones are:
- Tooth erosion (excessive wear and tear).
- Breathing issues
- Pain while chewing
- Gum disease
- Jaw pain
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
- Cavities
- Speech challenges
Does Invisalign work for treating an overbite?
The main draw of Invisalign is that it is discreet and low profile, making treatment fairly comfortable. While this can be appealing, many patients ask treatment-specific questions like 'Is Invisalign good for an overbite?' After all, the main goal is often to treat orthodontic issues.
You will wear your Invisalign clear aligners for 22 hours each day. During this time, they will put gentle pressure on your teeth to move them into their prescribed positions, treating your overbite. They can also treat issues like underbites, crowding, crooked teeth and more.
How long does treatment take?
Much like braces, the duration of your treatment will depend on the oral health of your teeth and the complexity of your case. If your overbite is severe, then you may require longer treatment.
In most cases, Invisalign is used for between six months and two years, depending on how well you adhere to your treatment plan.
Wearing them for 22 hours a day is a must. The only time you should remove them is for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing your teeth. In some cases, you may play sports or an instrument that requires you to remove your clear aligners. Just remember to keep track of how long you've had them out. If you don't stay on track, then you may end up needing to continue treatment for an extended period of time.
Once you are finished with your Invisalign treatment, you will be prescribed a custom-fitted retainer that will help keep your teeth in place while you regain jaw bone tissue.
Speak with your orthodontist to learn more about how long you can expect to wear a retainer.
Should I choose Invisalign or braces for overbites?
Both Invisalign and traditional metal braces have pros and cons. They vary in terms of speed of treatment, appearance and cost.
Some of the biggest determining factors, however, may be those out of your control. Certain orthodontic issues may only be properly corrected with the use of traditional metal braces.
Let's go into more detail for each of these factors:
The Length of Treatment
Treatment length can vary depending on whether you have braces or Invisalign. Your orthodontist can provide timeline estimates for each option.
With Invisalign, treatment is most often from six months to two years, while braces are often worn for between one and three years.
Invisalign may be more popular for cases requiring minimal movement, while braces are the ideal option for complex cases requiring large movements.
Aesthetic Appearance
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment using clear aligners, allowing you to straighten your teeth discreetly. This one feature may be one of the most appealing benefits for adults who are looking for a more low-profile treatment option.
Those who are often in photos or may feel as though they would smile less with braces may find Invisalign to be the more aesthetically pleasing option.
Keep in mind that other orthodontic options, like translucent braces or in-ovation braces, may provide a little more discreetness while retaining the benefits of traditional braces.
In some cases, the idea of braces that stand out is appealing. Children especially find coloured braces to be a fun option. Whatever you would prefer, be sure to share your preferences with your orthodontist.
Financial Implications
The cost of orthodontic treatment is also a large factor in deciding which option to choose. While the cost will vary depending on which option you choose and the length of treatment, many insurance companies cover part, or all, of the cost.
Speak with your insurance provider to find out more about what orthodontic options may be covered.
Lifestyle Habits
If you choose to have orthodontic treatment process, you will need to take on any lifestyle changes that may come with it and take care of your dental hygiene.
When wearing clear aligners, you must remove them when eating or drinking. You must also rinse them each time you take them out and clean them thoroughly at least once daily.
You must also remember to wear them for the prescribed 22 hours per day. The success of your treatment depends on it. If you often misplace things, or feel like you would forget to put them in, traditional braces may be a better option.