Treating an Overbite with Invisalign
Most people have an overbite, which is what happens when the upper teeth overlap the lower ones. Dentists and orthodontists will tell you that a small overbite is acceptable. Overbites beyond that and excessive overbites are referred to as deep bites. These can cause problems over time, including jaw pain and accelerated tooth wear.
One solution is to use Invisalign® clear aligners to bring the overbite back to an acceptable level.
Invisalign has been proven to correct most overbites and deep bites, improving the overall dental health of the patient. The overbite is fixed with gentle pressure over time using customized clear aligners. The benefit of Invisalign is that it doesn’t interfere with the patient’s lifestyle while improving the alignment of the patient’s teeth.
Invisalign can also correct other dental issues, including:
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Gap Teeth
- Crowded Teeth
- Open Bites
Overbite vs. Deep Bite
So what is an overbite? And what is the difference between an overbite and a deep bite?
The American Dental Association estimates that up to 70% of dental disorders in children are overbites. A typical overbite is between 3mm and 5mm of space between the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed naturally. Smaller lower jaws, use of pacifiers up to 3 years of age, or sucking the thumb up to or beyond 3 years of age, among other issues, can cause an overbite. Genetics can also be a factor. Children can inherit their overbite from their parents!
A deep bite is defined as an overbite with more than 5mm of space between the upper and lower teeth. Overuse of pacifiers or thumb-sucking can cause deep overbites. Thrusting the tongue against the teeth at a young age can also affect jaw development and exacerbate an overbite.
Teeth are naturally meant to fit together. Misaligned teeth obstruct that proper fit and can cause the teeth to rub or press against each other during chewing, which can wear them down faster. In addition, the misalignment can lead to jaw pain over time. This could make eating more difficult and could lead to other health issues.
Correcting an Overbite with Invisalign in Topeka
Most overbites and deep bites are treatable with orthodontics, such as braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. Both methods use gentle pressure over time to realign the teeth and adjust the jawbone so that it moves to an acceptable level of overbite. When treatment is complete, there should be less than 3 mm of space between the upper and lower teeth.
Invisalign uses a series of customized, clear, removable aligners to move the teeth into their proper place. Each aligner is made specifically for the patient’s mouth. A highly skilled Invisalign doctor will take into account the positioning of each tooth, the shape of the jaw, and the severity of the overbite to create just the right pressure to correct the overbite. Compared to standard braces, which are often glued or cemented to the teeth, Invisalign aligners are removable. And they never require emergency visits to the doctor due to broken wires or a brace popping off a tooth. Often, they don’t require the use of rubber bands.
Advanced Technology
Orthodontists who are skilled in Invisalign use some of the top technology in the industry to determine the best course of treatment for each patient’s overbite. It begins with a visit to an Invisalign doctor in Topeka, KS — such as Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics. The doctor will use the iTero Element® scanner to create a detailed 3D scan of the patient’s teeth and determine all the issues that need to be corrected. A custom treatment plan is then created.
From there, the custom aligners are created using SmartTrack® material, which is engineered to provide an accurate fit for each patient. Each aligner is trimmed with precision to match the gum line and provide a more comfortable fit. The precise cuts make the aligners look better. So patients can show off their smiles even while they’re being corrected!
What to Expect in Invisalign Treatment
Patients will get their Invisalign aligners in batches. You will need to change your aligners out regularly (usually every 1-2 weeks). You should remove your clear aligners for eating and tooth brushing. Patients meet with their doctor about every 6-8 weeks for progress checks and to pick up the next set of Invisalign aligners.
Proper wear of the Invisalign custom aligners generally will produce noticeable results in a matter of weeks! The length of treatment times varies for each patient, but treatment can be completed in as little as six months, depending on the severity of the overbite. The result is a straight smile and properly aligned bite that you or your child can show off with pride!
Fixing Other Issues with Invisalign
Invisalign can be used to correct other dental issues, as well. Some patients who suffer from overbites also suffer from other issues. Crowded teeth, gap teeth, and crossbites can occur with or without an overbite.
As the aligners apply gentle pressure to move the overbite, that same pressure can be used to turn twisted teeth back to their proper position, eliminate a gap in the front teeth, or adjust the back portion of the jaw to align the upper and lower molars, so they fit together as they should.
Invisalign can correct underbites as well when the lower teeth are positioned in front of the upper teeth when the jaw is at rest. The same method used to correct an overbite is used by the aligners to correct underbites — applying gentle pressure over time to move the teeth back into the proper position.
What Happens After Invisalign Treatment?
Once treatment is complete, it’s important to ensure that your beautiful new smile is maintained. This can be achieved with Vivera Retainers.
Vivera Retainers use a material that is 30% stronger and twice as durable as standard retainers to maintain that new smile. The retainers, like the Invisalign aligners, are customized to each patient for a better fit. Vivera Retainers are worn at night just like traditional retainers, so patients can still show off their new smiles during the day.
Taking the First Steps
The first step to a better smile is to schedule a free consultation with Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics. We’ll be able to provide more information on the best treatment for your individual case and answer any questions you have!
