Overbites are more common than you’d imagine. In fact, they are one of the most prevalent dental issues among children, teens, and young adults. While slight overbites don’t often pose an issue, those that are quite noticeable may.
One such solution could be Invisalign. This treatment involving a set of clear aligners can allow you to fix your overbite while correcting other dental issues - and all in a discreet manner.
What is an Overbite?
An overbite is a misalignment of teeth in which the front teeth tend to protrude out - the correct term is for this condition is called overjet. Sometimes it is more visible than others, but your dentist will be able to confirm whether or not you have an alignment issue.
Overbites or overjets are found in patients of all ages and can be caused by many different things including:
- Genetics
- Habits like sucking on a thumb or pacifier
- A small lower jaw
- Tooth loss can shift your teeth causing the misalignment
- Very strong bite muscles
Why Seek Treatment for Overbites?
When you have an overbite, it cannot heal itself on its own. And, unfortunately, further dental issues can arise, such as:
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Lisps (or other speech issues)
- Jaw pain from strained muscles
- Headaches and migraines
- Worn tooth enamel or chipping of the front teeth
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay due to difficult toothbrush access
Whether your overbite is impacting you on a daily basis or not, it needs to be addressed by a dental professional before issues progress.
Invisalign Treatment for Overbites
There are a few different treatment options to treat overbites - one of them being Invisalign. This is a nearly invisible treatment that avoids traditional braces. Instead, you get a much more pleasant experience that doesn’t involve making changes to your daily routine.
After a consultation with your dentist, if it is determined that you do have an overbite and Invisalign is the ideal option, then a 3D image of your teeth will be taken. This will then be used to create a plan for your treatment by creating a set of clear aligners.
Each aligner will then be worn by you for a specific amount of time - usually a couple of weeks. With each new aligner, the teeth will fit snugly as they are encouraged to move into their new position.
Many patients find Invisalign to be the best option for overbites since you can remove the aligners to eat and brush and floss, making it quite convenient.
How long does treatment for overbites take with Invisalign? It depends on how intense the overbite is - and how well you comply with treatment. For instance, you are to wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours every day - and not doing so could cause delays.
On average, it could take anywhere from 6 months to 3 years to cure a misalignment like an overbite. Your dentist will be able to give you specific treatment timeframes as they relate to you.
Want to Learn More About Invisalign?
Whether you have an overbite that you are seeking treatment for or you would just like to know more about Invisalign, the team at Dental Associates of Lodi can help. We offer high-quality dental services with a personalized approach for each one of our patients. We’d love for you to schedule a free consultation to learn more about what we have to offer.
Contact us today at 862-247-8030.
