If you have an overbite, you may be wondering how effective Invisalign is and if it’s even an option. A small overbite is natural, but a major overbite can cause problems later in life. Invisalign can help correct overbites, but in severe cases, traditional braces may be the best choice for you.
Can You Fix an Overbite with Invisalign?
An overbite occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. An overbite is not a major medical concern, however, it can make eating difficult, can cause headaches and jaw discomfort, may accelerate enamel damage and can impact dental hygiene.
The severity of the overbite can also impact whether you’re a candidate for Invisalign. In the past, traditional braces have been the most reliable method, however, Invisalign does provide similar results and is a discreet treatment option compared to metal braces.
This orthodontic treatment consists of a series of aligners that are changed every few weeks, based on treatment progress. These invisible braces are often used to treat mild to moderate overbites and cross bites, but may not be suitable for severe overbites.
A dentist must assess your overbite to determine which type of braces would be the most effective for your unique needs.
How Long Does it Take?
How long it will take to correct an overbite using Invisalign will vary and depend on the complexity of the overbite and how consistently a patient wears the aligner trays. Aligners must be worn a minimum of 22 hours per day and should only be removed for cleaning and eating.
On average, it can take six months up to three years to fix an overbite.
Is Age a Factor in Length of Treatment?
Invisalign is a good option for adolescents and adults who want to improve their smiles. There’s no specific age requirement for use, but Invisalign use can depend on the maturity of tooth development and the arrangement of the teeth in the mouth. Invisible braces can be used on anyone with full permanent teeth and should not be used for patients with baby teeth. On average, patients who are good candidates for Invisalign overbite treatment are around twelve to thirteen years of age.
It’s common for children to get regular braces because their jawbones and teeth are more responsive to treatment since they’re still developing and growing. Adults can still benefit from braces, however, age can impact treatment time because adult teeth can take longer to start moving.
Can You Use Rubber Bands With Invisalign?
Invisalign systems are constantly evolving, providing treatment that’s more effective and able to handle more complex dental needs. Elastics are rubber bands that can be used with Invisalign to apply more pressure on teeth. A dentist can now combine clear aligners with rubber bands and buttons to treat more complex overbites, faster and more effectively.
Braces VS. Invisalign for Overbite
Invisalign is a popular option for the treatment of overbites in adults who are looking for discreet ways to correct their overbites. However, this type of aligner is commonly recommended to correct mild to moderate overbites, while regular braces are often used to correct mild to severe overbites. In the past, Invisalign teeth aligners were only used to treat minor overbites, but these days Invisalign is more effective in treating overbites than it was just a few years ago. Now, buttons, elastics, and special attachments can be used to move the teeth to their natural position. But in some cases, regular braces may be the most effective option.
Metal brackets and wires used for regular braces can apply more pressure compared to soft plastic aligners. Because of this, a dentist may recommend conventional braces for severe overbites.
When to Talk to a Dental Professional
There are many options available to straighten teeth and correct overbites. Invisalign and traditional braces are the two most effective and important options used to treat this dental issue. If your teeth misalignment and overbite aren’t complicated and you’re concerned about your appearance, Invisalign offers a discreet, effective way to correct your overbite, however, in extreme cases, traditional braces may be a better option.
If you’re ready to make some positive changes and regain confidence to show your smile, contact Stuart Curry Dentistry today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Curry has done over 300 Invisalign treatments and can assess your smile and discuss your options, to help you choose the right type of braces based on your unique needs.