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Orthodontic problems are often considered to be mainly cosmetic, but a misaligned bite can cause a lot of discomfort and difficulties when speaking or eating. One of the most common dental issues our patients face is overbite.
What is it, what causes it, and how can it be fixed? We will address all these issues in this article as well as establish if Invisalign is a good treatment option.
Overbites occur when a person’s upper front teeth overlap excessively on top of the lower front teeth. Normally, your upper front teeth should slightly overlap the lower ones, which gives an incisive action to the bite (same as with a pair of scissors).
If they overlap too much, you have a malocclusion and it should be corrected. The dentist can identify an overbite and suggest the best treatment for it, or refer you to an orthodontist. Symptoms related to overbite include jaw pain, speech impediments, and discomfort when eating.
Invisalign is one of the latest technologies in orthodontics and it was created as a more comfortable alternative with faster treatment time than traditional braces using elastics or wire. Invisalign is a set of clear aligners designed with 3D technology, which the patient wears for about 2 weeks each.
Invisalign can fix a mild or moderate overbite and offers the comfort of being removable and being extremely discreet. The dentist will assess how bad your overbite is, and will run simulations to see if Invisalign can fix the problem entirely. Depending on the gravity of your overbite and the existence of other orthodontic or dental issues, you might be fit for this treatment option or receive a different recommendation.
The best time to wear Invisalign and get fast results for an overbite is at a young age when the jaw is still developing. However, adults can receive the Invisalign treatment with the same fantastic results, even if the treatment lasts a bit longer.
On average, it takes from 6 to 36 months to fix an overbite with Invisalign, depending on the degree of the overbite. But during the entire length of the treatment, the patient can remove the clear trays whenever they clean their teeth, or when they want to enjoy certain foods that would be off-limits with traditional braces.
If you are interested in getting the Invisalign clear aligner therapy and you suspect you have an overbite, or were diagnosed with one, schedule an appointment at Lakeview Modern Dentistry with Dr. Kevin DeGroot.
You will get a thorough consultation and x-rays, if needed, in order to correctly assess if you have an overbite and how successful the Invisalign treatment could be in your case. Contact us for more information or to make an appointment.
