Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite? | Clarksburg Dental Center

According to the experts, nearly everyone has some type of malocclusion. A malocclusion is a misalignment of the teeth, such as:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crooked teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Overjet

One of the most common malocclusions is an overbite. Typically, overbite is treated between the ages of 10 to 12, but even adults can have their overbite corrected. The team at Clarksburg Dental Center can treat your mild to moderate malocclusion with Invisalign clear aligners.

In this article, we will explain more about overbite including the types and problems caused by this malocclusion. We will also explore the differences between an overbite and an underbite and how Invisalign can be used for most mild to moderate overbites.

What is an Overbite?

An overbite is a malocclusion, or misalignment, characterized by the upper teeth overlapping the lower teeth. In many cases, an overbite is hereditary. However, there are a few other things that may cause or contribute to an overbite:

• Nail biting
• Bruxism
• Tongue-thrusting
• Non-nutritive sucking behaviors, such as thumb-sucking, especially after age 3
• Pacifier use after age 3

Types of Overbite

There are two types of overbite:

Skeletal: due to irregular development of the jawbone- most commonly due to genetics

Dental: due to an external cause such as tongue thrusting, pacifier use, non-nutritive sucking habits, losing baby teeth early, sleep apnea, bruxism, and more. If the patient already has an overbite due to genetics, these habits can cause it to worsen.

Problems Caused by Overbite

A slight overbite may not be noticeable or cause any issues. However, if left untreated, a moderate to severe overbite may lead to several oral and overall health issues, including:

• Difficulties breathing
• Difficulty/pain when chewing
• Gum disease
• Jaw pain or TMD
• Cavities
• Tooth decay
• Difficulty speaking

Overbite vs Underbite

A normal bite has a very slight overbite. The front teeth very slightly overlap the bottom teeth. However, if the overlap is larger than 2 to 3 mm, it is considered an excessive overbite. This is most common for those with a smaller or shorter lower jaw. If the teeth overlap by more than 3.5 mm, it is considered a severe overbite.

An underbite is the opposite of an overbite. The lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. This may be due to excessive growth of the lower jaw, underdevelopment of the upper jaw, or a combination of both.

While these two malocclusions are exactly opposite of each other, both can be effectively treated with orthodontics: traditional braces or Invisalign. Many patients choose Invisalign because of their advantages over traditional metal braces.

Can Invisalign fix an overbite?

Since Invisalign was introduced to the market in the late 1990s, it has become one of the most popular options for treating mild to moderate malocclusions, including overbite. This system consists of a series of clear aligners that gradually shift teeth into their appropriate positions within the jaw.

Overbite is one of the most common reasons that people choose Invisalign treatment. In fact, research shows that this treatment has been proven successful in the treatment of most mild to moderate overbites. The time needed varies from one person to the next, but may take as little as 9 months.

Benefits of Invisalign for Overbite

There are several benefits of using Invisalign for your overbite, including:

Increased comfort: no metal wires/brackets to worry about
More convenient: less visits to the dentist’s office
Improved aesthetics: virtually invisible, most people won’t notice that you have them in
No food restrictions: aligners should be removed when eating, which means you can eat anything you want
Easy to clean teeth: aligners are removable, so there are no changes needed when it comes to oral hygiene

Braces vs. Invisalign for Overbite

Traditional braces are made up of brackets and wires. Small metal brackets are secured to teeth with dental cement. Then, an archwire is run through them, which is tightened to pull teeth into their appropriate positions. The brackets and wires can cause sores in your mouth due to rubbing against the inside of your lips and cheeks and rubbing on your tongue. Plus, with traditional braces, you must visit the dentist every few weeks to have them adjusted. Most of the time, traditional braces take at least 12 months to work.

Invisalign clear aligners are made of smooth plastic. They are transparent, so most people won’t notice that you have them in. Since the aligners are smooth, you don’t have to worry about sores. The aligners are custom-made to fit snugly against your teeth, gradually pushing them into their appropriate position. While they are removable, you must wear them 20 to 22 hours a day for them to be effective. Invisalign can take as little as 6 months to resolve a mild overbite.

Invisalign for overbite at Clarksburg Dental Center in Germantown, MD

If you have a mild to moderate overbite- or other dental malocclusions- schedule your consultation with the team at Clarksburg Dental Center. We can help you achieve that picture-perfect smile you’ve always dreamed about. We are located on Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, which makes it easy for our patients who are unable to take time off work to come in for treatment.