Invisalign is an excellent solution to many orthodontic problems. In addition to straightening teeth, it can fix minor to moderate dental bite issues, including overbites.
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite happens when the top front teeth stick out beyond the bottom front teeth. It is a common orthodontic condition that sometimes causes no ill effects but can lead to problems like gum disease, tooth decay, or jaw pain. If you or your older teen has an overbite, Invisalign can be a quick, discreet way to correct it. Medical studies indicate it is effective.
How Invisalign Corrects Overbites
Invisalign corrects overbites by gradually moving the teeth and jaw into the optimal position. Invisalign applies constant pressure that shifts the teeth as effectively as traditional metal braces.
Dentists sometimes use rubber bands or elastics with Invisalign treatment for overbites. The elastics' targeted pressure helps shift the teeth and jaw into the proper positions. The dentist may use bonded resin to create "buttons" or attachment points on the teeth.
Advantages of Invisalign
Invisalign treatment has several advantages over braces:
- Faster in many cases, though overbites in adults with fully formed jaws may take longer to correct than in adolescents
- More discreet than braces
- More comfortable to wear
- Ability to eat most foods without the diet restrictions of braces
- Better oral health due to ease of removal and keeping teeth clean
Treating a mild to moderate overbite with Invisalign may be more difficult as the patient ages. For maximum benefit, don't wait to get Invisalign. Correct your bite problem as soon as you can for the best results.
Patients should remember that traditional braces may work better in certain situations. If you have questions about whether Invisalign is appropriate in your case, call us for a consultation appointment.
Tips for Invisalign Success
To receive successful treatment with the Invisalign system, wear your aligners for 22 hours daily. Treatments may take significantly longer if you don't wear your aligners for the required time. Remove them only to eat, drink, and care for your teeth.
Change your aligners on the prescribed day (usually every two weeks) and attend all planned dental appointments. Your dentist can then check the progress of your treatment and make any necessary adjustments.
Taking responsibility for your dental health requires discipline, but if you follow all of your dentist's instructions, you will soon be free of your overbite and enjoy a healthier smile.
Call Smiles on the Upper West Side
Invisalign is an effective way to fix many orthodontic problems, including mild to moderate overbites. The system is discreet, comfortable, and sometimes even faster than braces.
To find out what Invisalign can do for your overbite and why you may prefer this system over traditional braces, call our NYC office at 212-222-5225.