If you’ve been anywhere near the internet in the past couple of years, you might have noticed the immense popularity of Invisalign. Where once traditional braces were considered the go-to treatment for fixing crooked teeth, now, it’s all about Invisalign. After all, they are lightweight, removable, and provide faster results. But as amazing as the treatment is, can Invisalign fix an overbite or other serious bite problems? This is often a concern people have when dealing with malocclusion, and although Invisalign might not be feasible for a severely poor bite, it can still work to treat an overbite.
What is an Overbite?
Overbite is a type of malocclusion or bite deformity that is commonly known as “buck teeth.” It typically occurs because of thumb sucking or using a lot of pacifiers during childhood, making your upper teeth stick out over the bottom row of teeth. In severe cases of overbite, the front teeth can also protrude over your bottom lip, leaving the shape of your mouth altered.
People often confuse overbite with a healthy bite. However, it is important to note that an overbite is extreme, whereas, for a normal bite, it is okay for your top row of teeth to fall over your bottom teeth to a certain degree. If you aren’t sure about your bite, schedule a visit to your dentist for an evaluation.
Can Invisalign Fix Overbite?
The reason why Invalisgn is such a universally accepted dental treatment is because it is strong enough to correct an improper bite. That is, to a certain extent. In order to fix an overbite, Invisalign is hooked on with special rubber bands. These bands attach to the top and lower aligner trays, making it easier for your jaw to reposition.
But this only tends to work for mild cases. If your overbite is on the extreme side, your orthodontist might refer you to a different treatment since Invisalign is not suitable or quite as effective as other procedures. For instance, if your front teeth jut out over the bottom teeth, making them very prominent, then you might have to get traditional braces wired to your teeth or undergo jaw alignment surgery.
What is Invisalign Used For?
Invisalign has a lot of uses, but it is mainly used to fix crooked teeth. Much like braces, Invisalign also relies on force and pressure to pull your teeth into position. The only difference is that Invisalign is removable and has clear acrylic trays that fit on your teeth rather than tight metal wires. Moreover, Invisalign also treats overlapped or crowded teeth. In some cases, the clear aligners can close the gaps between your teeth, too. But that depends on your teeth and the shape of your mouth. Consult your dentist for a dental evaluation.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, Invisalign can fix an overbite, but only in the case that it is mild and doesn’t require surgical alteration. However, if the orthodontist deems your malocclusion to be dangerous, then you might need to opt for a different orthodontic treatment, be it tooth extraction, metal braces, or surgery. Nevertheless, for more information, contact Dentaland Dentistry at (832) 674-8377.