Can Invisalign Fix An Overbite?

An overbite is when the teeth on the upper jaw overlap those on the bottom jaw more than normal. Having an overbite may be aesthetically unpleasing but it can also cause pain and discomfort. Invisalign is an advanced digital orthodontic treatment system that has altered 14m smiles worldwide (and counting) but can Invisalign fix an overbite? The good news is yes, Invisalign can fix an overbite and here at Smile Stories, we are leading experts when it comes to  Invisalign in Bournemouth.   

So, if you’re concerned about your overbite, get in touch today with our Invisalign-trained experts, we can assess your overbite, determine if you’re suitable for Invisalign and develop your personalised treatment plan to fix your overbite. 

What Is An Overbite?

An overbite sometimes referred to as a deep bite is a dental condition where your upper teeth cover your lower teeth when looking from the front. It’s a type of malocclusion, the profession’s fancy term for saying the teeth are misaligned. Whilst it’s normal for your top teeth to cover the top third of your teeth if they cover any more than this it can cause problems. 

Some of the signs of an overbite include:  

• Frequent toothaches
• Headaches
• Pain while biting and chewing 
• Jaw problems – including temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ
• Speech problems

The Severity Of Your Overbite

In case you’re wondering, a normal overbite is considered to be 2-3 mm, when the top teeth cover around 30% of the bottom teeth. 

When it’s 4-6mm or more, it is known as a deep overbite or deep bite. If the upper teeth completely cover the lower teeth, it is known as a severe overbite and the bottom teeth may even go into the gum.

If you have a deep or severe overbite you may need treatment. 

What Causes An Overbite?

An overbite is often influenced by genetics – traits you inherit from your parents may have influenced the shape of your jaw. These are called skeletal overbites.  

Childhood habits can also contribute to the development of an overbite. These habits include

• Using a pacifier, thumb-sucking, or nonnutritive sucking behaviour (NNSB), after the age of 3.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism).
• Tongue-thrusting, when the tongue presses too far forward into the mouth.
• Mouth breathing.
• Premature loss of a primary tooth.
• Delayed or abnormal tooth growth.

As you age a mild overbite may get worse due to many factors including bruxism, tongue thrusting and mouth breathing. It can also be influenced by temporomandibular joint dysfunction  (TMJ), chronic nail biting and chewing of objects such as pencils. 

Why Should You Fix An Overbite?

The primary reason to fix an overbite is to prevent the problems that an overbite can cause. 

Symptoms include

• Headaches
• Inability to bite or chew properly
• Speech impediments
• Sinus issues
• Jaw pain
• Plaque buildup
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay.
• Poor quality of sleep
• Deformed jawline
• An odd-looking smile
• Low self-esteem
• TMJ joint disorder
• Teeth wearing out faster than normal

Many people also like to fix their overbite for cosmetic reasons. 

It’s Important To Fix An Overbite As Soon As Possible

Unfortunately, overbites get worse or more pronounced with age and so do the symptoms. If you had a mild overbite as a child, as an adult it may have become more severe and require treatment with Invisalign. The longer you leave it before you fix your overbite with Invisalign the more severe the problem may become and you may require more invasive treatment. 

How Invisalign Fixes An Overbite

Invisalign is a practically invisible way of straightening your teeth. Instead of brackets and wires being attached to your teeth, it uses a series of custom-fit clear, removable aligners to gently move the teeth. 

This orthodontic treatment is aided by cutting-edge 3D computer technology. Advanced technology is used to map a treatment plan to gently move your teeth into the desired position. 

3D images of your teeth are used to make a series of aligners, which are virtually invisible. You’re required to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day until your overbite is fixed. 

Invisalign Gently Correct Your Overbite

Each set of precisely made Invisalign clear aligners gently apply pressure to those teeth which require moving. The movement is done in a controlled pain-free way. 

Are Rubber Bands Needed 

If more pressure is needed to move your teeth, minuscule rubber bands may be used in conjunction with the clear aligners. The dentist will place small buttons of plastic or metal on your teeth and attach small pieces of elastic between them. Don’t worry, they’re fitted to the back teeth so nobody will see them.

How To Get Invisalign? 

To get Invisalign you need to have a consultation with an Invisalign-trained dentist. They’ll take a look at your smile and your oral health. 

Next, they’ll take X-rays and 3D images with some very modern technology. A handheld scanner will be used to take lots and lots of images which will be stitched together on the computer screen in front of you to create a 3D map of your teeth. 

Here at Smile Stories, we’ll show you what your smile looks like now and how it will look at the end of the treatment. We’ll decide together how your smile should look and your teeth should function. 

Next, our experts will create a 3D Digital Roadmap, a personalised plan of how we’re going to move your teeth, how long it will take, how many sets of aligners you’ll need and what your dazzling smile, minus the overbite, will look like. 

Once we’re all happy with the plan, your aligners will be 3D printed in California, USA. 

Once the aligners are ready and have arrived, we’ll get you to come into the clinic to collect your first set of trays. 

You’ll wear these for around 22 hours a day, 7 days a week. Only taking them out to eat and drink. Once your teeth have moved by 0.25mm you’ll swap to the next set of aligners. This process will repeat until your teeth are in the desired position and your overbite has diminished. 

Once your treatment is over you’ll wear a retainer overnight, to ensure that your newly positioned smile doesn’t disappear. 

How Long Does Invisalign Take For An Overbite?

The length of time it takes to realign an overbite depends on the severity of your overbite. After you’ve had a consultation and a treatment plan has been made you’ll be given a timescale – we’ll tell you how long it will take to fix your overbite. 

If you have a minor overbite, Invisalign treatment may take 9 months but if you have a more severe overbite treatment may last 24 months. It’s important to know that correcting an overbite can be one of the longest orthodontic movements to complete.

Treatment tends to be a bit longer in those clients who have stopped growing when compared to younger clients or children as you can cheat growth. Don’t worry though, overbites can be fixed in adults it just takes a little longer. 

Just like most treatments, if you don’t wear your aligners as instructed your treatment will take longer. Invisalign works best if you wear the aligners all the time – only taking them out to eat, drink and clean. This works out to around 22 hours a day.  

The Benefits Of Using Invisalign To Fix An Overbite?

Invisalign has revolutionised the way that overbites are fixed. Here are some of the reasons it’s better than traditional braces.

• Comfort – the clear aligners are made of SmartTrack™ material, making them really comfortable to wear. You won’t notice you’re wearing them, unlike metal braces. 
• Invisibility – Invisalign trays are virtually invisible – no one will know you’re wearing them
• Removable – the aligners can be easily removed to eat, drink and clean, unlike metal braces which are fixed to your teeth.
• Freedom – Invisalign doesn’t interrupt your life. If you need to take them out for an important event, you can easily remove them for a  short time
• Advanced technology – Invisalign use the latest technology to design your smile
• Accurate, predictable treatment – At least 14 million people have used Invisalign before you. Their results have been tracked and used to ensure that you have accurate and predictable results. 

Will Invisalign Fix My Overbite?

The good news is that the majority of people are suitable for overbite treatment with Invisalign, however, Invisalign aligners are best suited to correcting mild or moderate bite problems. If you have a more severe overbite (greater than 6mm), alternative orthodontic treatments such as tooth-coloured braces or lingual braces fitted to the back of the teeth may be more suitable. In some extreme cases, surgery may be required. 

The only way to tell if you are suitable for Invisalign is to book a FREE consultation with an Invisalign expert here at Smile Stories. We can assess the severity of your overbite as well as your oral health and determine if you’re suitable for Invisalign. 

Before and After Invisalign Treatment

After Invisalign has corrected your overbite any symptoms you were experiencing such as headaches, facial pain and strain on your teeth will disappear. You’ll also notice a difference in the mirror – your teeth will no longer protrude in front of your lower teeth and your lower jaw will look like it has moved forward. 

Before and After Pictures

You can see more success stories from the team at Smile Stories

Book A Free Consultation Today

Schedule an appointment at Smile Stories to discuss the correction of your overbite with Invisalign clear aligners.