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When it comes to straightening teeth and correcting issues like overbites, Invisalign can provide a discreet, convenient solution.
An Invisalign treatment plan can be designed to address multiple concerns and must be tailored to each person’s situation. While the short answer is yes, Invisalign can often correct an overbite. There are a few factors to consider before starting your treatment.
At Oasis Dental Studio in the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Pottsville, we can assess the alignment of your teeth and jaw to design your personalised Invisalign treatment. If you need to correct an overbite, we can explain how the treatment will work and what you can expect.
What is an overbite?
Before we get into how Invisalign works, let’s clarify what an overbite is. Simply put, an overbite occurs when your upper front teeth sit too far in position over your lower front teeth.
While a slight overbite is normal (and even helpful for proper chewing), a more pronounced overbite can lead to issues like difficulty biting into certain foods, uneven wear on your teeth, and even jaw pain over time.
There are different types of overbites that a person may have. Some people have a skeletal overbite, where the jawbones are the primary issue, while others have a dental overbite, which stems from the position of the teeth.
Overbites can also occur at different severities, which plays a significant role in determining the right treatment method.
What can cause an overbite?
An overbite is not typically present at birth but develops over time due to a variety of factors.
Genetic predisposition plays a large part in the size and shape of the jaw and teeth, and can sometimes create the foundation for an overbite to form as a child grows. If the upper jaw naturally develops larger than the lower jaw, or if there’s misalignment between the two, an overbite can gradually appear.
Behavioural factors may also contribute to the development of an overbite, particularly in children. For example, prolonged pacifier use or bottle feeding may put pressure on the developing teeth and jaw, causing the upper teeth to protrude over time.
Some conditions, like bruxism or teeth grinding, may contribute to changes in tooth alignment over time, potentially leading to or worsening an overbite. Both children and adults can suffer from teeth grinding.
What is Invisalign, and how does it work?
Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gradually move your teeth into the desired position.
Each set of aligners is normally worn for about one to two weeks before being swapped for the next. Over time, the gentle pressure applied by each aligner moves your teeth or aligns your bite.
Unlike traditional braces, which rely on wires and brackets, Invisalign is made of smooth, clear material. The aligners are also removable, which makes brushing, flossing, and eating much simpler.
Are you a suitable candidate to correct an overbite with Invisalign?
A variety of factors will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign, particularly to treat an overbite.
Firstly, we’ll need to consider the severity of your overbite. Mild to moderate overbites are usually treatable with Invisalign. However, if your overbite is extreme or caused primarily by skeletal issues (such as jaw alignment, as opposed to just teeth placement), you might need a different approach.
Good oral health is also important. Suitable candidates should be free from active gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health conditions that might interfere with treatment. You may be advised to treat these conditions before you can start your Invisalign treatment.
Candidates should also have realistic expectations about the treatment process and agree to follow the treatment plan correctly. Invisalign works gradually and relies on each set of aligners being worn for the required amount of time.
Every overbite is unique, and we’ll essentially need to assess your specific needs during a consultation to determine your suitability.
How your Invisalign treatment can be tailored to address an overbite
To design your Invisalign treatment to correct an overbite, you’ll first need an assessment of your teeth and jaw alignment. We’ll do this with advanced digital imaging and any other necessary assessments.
An assessment will allow us to look at the position of your teeth, the severity of the overbite, and how your jaw functions. The digital planning process will also ensure that each aligner in the treatment is made to effectively address the unique needs of your bite.
One way Invisalign can be customised is through the use of attachments. These attachments can be bonded to specific teeth to give the aligners more grip and control. Attachments can be strategically placed to help move the teeth to address the overbite more effectively.
For patients with a more significant overbite, the Invisalign aligners may also include elastics. These are small rubber bands that connect between the upper and lower aligners. These elastics help to guide the jaw or teeth into their desired position, providing further correction.
Another aspect of the treatment that can be tailored to address an overbite is the sequence of the tooth movement. For example, depending on your needs, your treatment may need to focus on addressing the overbite first before then addressing the alignment of your teeth.
Throughout your treatment, we may need to make further adjustments to the treatment plan as the alignment of your teeth and jaw changes. For this reason, and to ensure that the changes are progressing as expected, you’ll need to have check-up appointments throughout the process.
Invisalign at Oasis Dental Studio in the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Pottsville and Melbourne
If you think you have an overbite and are wondering if Invisalign is a suitable solution, we recommend a consultation at Oasis Dental Studio.
At either our Gold Coast, Brisbane (West End), Pottsville or Melbourne (Brighton) locations, we can assess your needs and determine your suitability for Invisalign before creating a tailored treatment plan.
