Did you know that up to 70% of the population has an overbite? This is an extremely common condition that can be treated in several different ways. Here at First Class Smiles, we’re able to correct overbites and create beautifully aligned teeth using Invisalign clear aligners. If you or your child have been dealing with the symptoms of an overbite, our expert team can help! Let’s look at how this exciting system can change your smile without disrupting your daily life.
What is an overbite?
An overbite happens when your upper teeth sit too far forward over the lower teeth. When a deep overbite is present, the lower teeth recede so far behind the upper teeth that they bite into the roof of the mouth. This is detrimental to the teeth and the health of the jaw joints, and it can also impact the shape and overall appearance of your face.
There are two primary types of overbites. With a vertical overbite, the top teeth overlap the lower teeth more than normal. The top front teeth stick out in front of the lower teeth in a horizontal overbite. Each type can have several possible causes. Overbites are often hereditary. However, they can also stem from poor oral habits in childhood, like tongue thrusting, nail-biting, and prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking. Most jaw growth happens in the early developmental stage, so these habits can lead to uneven growth.
Overbites can range from minor to severe. We often describe this condition in terms of percentage. For example, a smaller percentage of overbite is common and won’t always need correction. A larger percentage tends to cause both oral health and cosmetic issues, each of which can be addressed with orthodontic treatment.
What are the benefits of treating an overbite with Invisalign?
Besides improving the smile’s overall appearance, correcting an overbite can notably improve a number of associated symptoms. These include:
- headaches
- gum disease and inflammation
- excessive wear and tear on the tooth enamel
- jaw pain
- tooth grinding
- speech problems
- irregular chewing or biting
- mouth breathing
Traditional braces were the only option for treating an overbite in the not-so-distant past. Some cases will still need the stability they provide, but we can often achieve the same results with Invisalign clear aligners! Correcting an overbite with Invisalign can be a game-changer for many patients. It’s our most popular alternative to traditional braces, thanks to the comfort and convenience it offers. Because they’re removable, Invisalign aligners give patients an extra measure of flexibility that they love!
Patient compliance is a huge factor in how successful Invisalign treatment is. The system can only work if the recommended guidelines are followed exactly. If aligners aren’t worn the required 20-22 hours per day throughout the course of treatment, the results can be affected and it may also add time to the orthodontic process. The aligners also need to be switched out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the movements the teeth are making.
Your oral hygiene routine will be as easy as ever with Invisalign, since the aligners are designed to be removed before eating or brushing your teeth. That means there are no food restrictions, either! Patients are able to eat everything they normally would with Invisalign, as long as you’re careful to brush after every meal and floss each night before bed.
There’s no “one size fits all” answer for how long a patient will need to wear clear aligners. The average tends to be somewhere between 12-24 months although this can vary widely depending on the individual case. Invisalign patients will typically have follow-up visits with us every 4-8 weeks. Skipping these visits can quickly undo any progress that’s been made, so it’s important to stick to the schedule.
What does the treatment process look like with Invisalign?
The first step in any orthodontic journey is an initial consultation with an experienced dentist or orthodontist. When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Grandinetti or Dr. Morrison, they’ll perform a thorough examination of your teeth and jaws. If your overbite is a good candidate for Invisalign, a personalized treatment plan will be mapped out for you.
This plan will take into account your specific needs, preferences, and goals. It will also include all the movements we want your teeth to make and an estimate of how long we expect the treatment to take. We may even be able to give you a sneak peek of what your new smile will look like once treatment is complete.
We’ll then begin the process of designing your aligners using the 3D scan of your teeth and gums as our guide. Once the first set arrives from the lab, you’ll be on your way to the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!
Improve your oral health with Invisalign and First Class Smiles
Invisalign clear aligners can be an excellent solution for treating a range of issues in addition to overbites. These include crowded teeth, underbites, crossbites, gapped teeth, and more. Although the system won’t be a good fit for everyone, many patients will find Invisalign to be a simple and subtle way to achieve improved oral health!
In addition to Invisalign clear aligners, First Class Smiles offers a range of dental services. From cosmetic and restorative procedures to general care, our expert team has got your whole family covered! Visit our site or call (847) 824-3536 to schedule a consultation and find out more about correcting an overbite with Invisalign clear aligners.