Can Invisalign Fix Overbite - What Problems Can Invisalign Treat?

Invisalign is a game-changer for those who desire healthy and perfectly aligned teeth. This clear plastic aligner system¹ allows you to achieve straight teeth without the drawbacks and hindrances of metal braces.

Invisalign treatment has become a popular choice for addressing various orthodontic issues, including overbites, both severe and moderate. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners offer a discreet and comfortable alternative for straightening teeth and correcting bite misalignments. Through careful planning and aligner therapy, Invisalign accredited dentists can make treatment plans to fix overbites and achieve optimal results.

If your appearance is important to you, or if your job requires you to attend social events and make important presentations, among other dental treatments, perhaps Invisalign might be a better option than having metal braces on your teeth.

What are the advantages of Invisalign over metal braces?

1. Easier to clean

When you have on Invisalign, you are required to take them off when eating and to also brush them with toothpaste and warm water regularly. This ease of application makes Invisalign easier to clean and you do not have to worry about food stuck in metal brackets.

2. No need for food adjustments

As mentioned above, you have to take off your Invisalign during meal times. To some, this might be a hassle, but think about it — you get to eat and drink whatever you want even during the initial phase of treatment! Most patients with metal braces have to keep to a soft diet for the first few weeks.

3. Less discomfort

If you’ve ever worn braces, you’ll know the discomfort that comes with it, especially when it’s time to tighten the brackets. Many patients (both adults and children) experience sores and ulcers. However there is generally less discomfort when it comes to Invisalign as the clear plastic does not scrape against your tongue, cheek or gums.

4. Fewer inpatient office visits

When you start an Invisalign treatment programme with us, we’ll give you your aligner trays for the current phase and the next several phases. Having these trays in advance means you can continue treatment without requiring too many visits to the clinic. But of course, patients who wish to come in, are always welcome to do so.

What can Invisalign treat?

Invisalign can treat a range of orthodontic issues including:

Gaps in teeth

If you have a gap between your teeth, you have a spacing issue. This excess space can appear either in one area of your mouth or through your entire bite. It is usually caused by abnormal jawbone growth or tooth loss which causes surrounding teeth to shift. The fashion industry might have at some point glamourised the gapped teeth look, but in orthodontics, having gaps in teeth is an invitation for food to be caught between the teeth and gums, leading to pain and gum disease!

Overcrowding

When there is not enough room in your mouth for your teeth to sit and grow comfortably, they can overlap and twist. This is known as overcrowding, which typically happens in people with small jawbones. When not addressed, overcrowded teeth can become crooked and affect your bite. They are also harder to clean, which increases plaque buildup and your chances of tooth decay and gum disease. Continue reading to find out how Invisalign can fix crooked teeth.

Overbite and underbite

Severe overbites, where the upper front teeth significantly protrude over the lower teeth, can lead to jaw pain, speech problems, and even dental issues if left untreated. Invisalign aligners provide a non-invasive solution for fixing overbites without the need for surgery or other orthodontic devices. By using aligner trays with plastic wings or attachments strategically placed to facilitate tooth movements, Invisalign works to gradually shift the teeth forward or backward, depending on the individual's specific needs. Patients with severe overbites undergoing Invisalign treatment may also benefit from mandibular advancement techniques, where the lower jaw is repositioned to improve bite alignment and function. Having an overbite is frequently described as ‘bugs bunny teeth’ or protruding teeth. 

Moderate overbites, characterized by the upper teeth sitting slightly forward over the lower teeth, can also be effectively treated with Invisalign. The aligners work to correct the positioning of the teeth and encourage proper alignment of the bite over time. Invisalign plans are custom-designed based on the patient's tooth movements and treatment duration, ensuring that the overbite is gradually corrected while maintaining good oral hygiene and dental health. Patient compliance plays a crucial role in the success of Invisalign treatment for overbites, as wearing aligners as instructed by the dentist is essential for achieving desired outcomes.

An underbite is the exact opposite and could be caused by having a larger lower jaw. If you have an overbite or underbite, you may find it hard to pronounce some words properly.

Crossbite

When you close your mouth and some upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth, you have a crossbite. A crossbite can result in severely worn teeth, receding gums, and bone loss.

Open bite

Yes, Invisalign can fix an open bite too, one of the less common malocclusions. This condition is when the upper and lower teeth do not meet even when the two jaws are in contact. In Singapore, open bites are frequently seen among those with speech issues.  

What does Invisalign NOT treat?

While Invisalign can treat a myriad of issues², it is not without its drawbacks. If you decide to use Invisalign, you need to know that you have to consistently wear the Invisalign clear aligners for a minimum of 22 hours daily. As Invisalign can only work when they are on your teeth, the longer they are on your teeth, the more effective they will be at achieving the desired result.

You can remove the Invisalign clear aligners just for eating and brushing your teeth. You should also take them off if you are drinking anything that is not plain water. Once you are done with your meal or drink, you should brush your teeth to clean them off any food particles, then put on your Invisalign clear aligners again. 

For complex cases, Invisalign alone may not be enough. Other supportive mechanisms can be utilized to solve complex cases with Invisalign to achieve a similar result as metal braces. For example, you may be asked to use orthodontic elastics which are similar to what is used for metal braces, to push the teeth in a certain direction.

Overall, Invisalign offers a versatile and efficient orthodontic treatment option for fixing overbites and addressing a wide range of orthodontic issues. Whether the overbite is more severe or moderate, Invisalign aligners can help patients achieve a new smile and improve oral health without the need for traditional braces or invasive procedures. By consulting with an experienced Invisalign provider and following a personalized treatment plan, patients can enjoy the benefits of a straighter smile and enhanced confidence. To learn more about Invisalign click here.

Feel free to reach out to our team of qualified dentists and we will assess your condition and recommend a treatment plan. 

References

1. Lagravère, M. O., & Flores-Mir, C. (2005). The treatment effects of Invisalign orthodontic aligners: a systematic review. Journal of the American Dental Association (1939), 136(12), 1724–1729. https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.2005.0117
2. Kravitz, N. D., Kusnoto, B., BeGole, E., Obrez, A., & Agran, B. (2009). How well does Invisalign work? A prospective clinical study evaluating the efficacy of tooth movement with Invisalign. American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics, 135(1), 27–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2007.05.018