If you’ve been researching Invisalign online, you may have seen people saying that Invisalign can’t be used to fix an overbite. Maybe you even had an Invisalign consultation with a dentist years ago and were told that it's not a suitable treatment for you because of your overbite. While Invisalign was initially used primarily to correct tooth misalignments, thanks to advances in technology and materials, aligners can now be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including overbites.
Understanding Overbites
One of the most common bite issues is an overbite. Thumb sucking and prolonged pacifier use in childhood, tongue thrust, and genetics can all cause overbites to develop. You have an overbite if, when you bite down, your upper teeth protrude far over your lower teeth, or even over your bottom lip. (Of course, having some degree of overbite is normal—your top teeth should fit just over your bottom teeth; otherwise, you have an underbite, which requires treatment as well.)
Overbites can wear down your teeth, making them more susceptible to cracks, fractures, and other dental problems. In some circumstances, overbites can also result in jaw pain or TMJ disorder. Your dental health will be better and your facial profile will improve when you correct an overbite. You'll be surprised at how much of a difference Invisalign makes in your overall appearance simply by correcting your overbite, resulting in more symmetrical facial features and a balanced profile.
Correcting Overbite With Invisalign
Given their design, you might be wondering how Invisalign aligners can fix an overbite. It's easy to understand how they straighten teeth by shifting them into new positions, but how can they improve your bite like other orthodontic devices do?
The answer is that, just like traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners require elastics to treat overbites. These elastics connect your top and bottom aligners, moving your bottom teeth forward while your top teeth are pushed back. The elastics are connected to "buttons" built into your aligners.
Can All Overbites Be Treated With Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners can almost always fix an overbite these days. Because of the technological advances in Invisalign design and the ability to attach rubber bands, overbites can often be treated just as effectively with aligners as with traditional braces.
When a patient has a severe overbite or other complicated orthodontic disorders, Invisalign may not be the ideal treatment option. If we determine that aligner therapy is not a suitable option for your overbite, we will recommend that you see an orthodontist who can correct your bite with braces or another orthodontic treatment. In some cases, adults with severe overbites may need orthognathic surgery, which is performed by an oral surgeon to reposition the jaws.
Learn More About Invisalign
Are you considering Invisalign treatment? Do you have an overbite and want to know if Invisalign will work for you? Contact us today at 704-875-1621 to schedule a consultation at our office to learn more about Invisalign for overbites.