Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite?

Almost everyone has some form of malocclusion. Many times, the malocclusion is so slight that it doesn’t seem to cause a problem. There are several indications that you may have a problematic overbite. The first one is the appearance- in a severe overbite, the top teeth extend past the bottom teeth more than 2 to 3 mm. In addition, an overbite can cause discomfort/pain when eating, difficulty speaking, difficulty opening/closing the mouth, and jaw pain. Since its introduction in the late 1990s, Invisalign has become the preferred method for treating mild to moderate malocclusions, such as overbite, in adults. At Normandale Dental in Bloomington, MD, we specialize in Invisalign treatment.

What is an Overbite?

Overbite, also referred to as buck teeth, is the most common form of malocclusion. In this condition, the upper jaw extends past the lower jaw. Even in a normal bite, the upper teeth extend slightly past the lower teeth. While a minor overbite may not cause any issues, if left untreated, a more severe overbite can cause the following health issues:

• Difficulty breathing
• Temporomandibular joint disorder
• Jaw pain
• Speech issues
• Gum disease
• Increased risk of tooth decay

When the upper teeth and the lower teeth do not meet as they should, it can be difficult to chew food properly and thoroughly. This can lead to problems with nutrition and a variety of additional oral and overall health issues.

Overbite vs Underbite vs Overjet

An overbite is characterized by an excessive vertical overlap of the upper teeth extending past the lower teeth. An underbite is the opposite of an overbite. In this condition, the lower teeth stick out past the upper teeth. An overjet is a condition characterized by an excessive horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth. In some cases, it can be so significant that the person cannot close their mouth.

Can Invisalign fix an overbite?

Yes, research shows that Invisalign is effective for treating mild to moderate overbite, and offers several advantages:

• Easier to care for teeth
• No food restrictions
• Virtually invisible

Braces vs Invisalign for Overbite

Many of our adult patients prefer Invisalign over traditional braces for themselves for several reasons. If you’re trying to decide between braces and Invisalign for overbite, you’ll want to consider the following:

• Length of treatment: Traditional braces typically take 12 to 24 months or longer, depending on the severity of your overbite. On the other hand, Invisalign takes as little as 6 months for a very mild overbite and may take up to 24 months for a more severe overbite.
• Aesthetics: One of the reasons that Invisalign clear aligners are popular among adults is the fact that they are transparent. Most people won’t even notice that you are wearing them.
• Cost: When Invisalign was first introduced to the market, they were more expensive than conventional braces and insurance would not cover it. However, now the cost of the two treatments is comparable and dental insurance often covers a portion of treatment. Invisalign starts at around $1,200 for very mild cases of overbite and may go up to around $8,000 for more severe cases.
• Lifestyle habits: Once conventional braces are attached to your teeth, they are there to stay until your treatment is complete. However, Invisalign clear aligners are designed to be removable, which means that it’s easier to practice oral hygiene habits and you don’t have to worry about food restrictions. On the other hand, this can be difficult because it’s easy to forget to put them back in and, if you don’t wear them as directed, they will not work.

Invisalign for overbite at Normandale Dental in Bloomington, MN

Misaligned teeth can have a significant impact on your life. While an overbite can be genetic, there are some things you can do to prevent overbite in children, including:

• Avoiding spill-proof sippy cups
• Discouraging thumb-sucking
• Limiting pacifier use, especially after age 3
• Schedule their first dental visit when they get their first tooth

If you or your child has a mild to moderate overbite, it’s important to schedule your consultation with the team at Normandale Dental today. We can examine your mouth and determine if Invisalign is right for you. Dr. Matha will work with you to make sure that every experience you have with his clinic is a positive one. We are located at 5300 Hyland Greens Drive in Bloomington. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.