Can Invisalign Fix Overbites? Rosenberg Orthodontics to the Rescue
Does Invisalign fix overbites? Not every orthodontic problem is an easy fix. Typically, tooth and bite problems vary from person to person.
With that in mind, you have to wonder… Is Invisalign a universal solution? Does it work for everyone?
When these clear aligners first hit the scene, people didn’t think they would work. Some orthodontists even told people it wouldn’t be able to fix their bite. Back then, that might have been true.
However, that was about 20 years and millions of patients ago. Today, we have a better idea of how to answer the question, “Can Invisalign fix overbites?”
With the right orthodontist, there’s no reason to wonder! At Rosenberg Dental Group, our orthodontics team uses Invsalign to address numerous dental problems. Schedule a consultation to see what we can do to help straighten your smile!
What Are the Easiest Dental Problems to Fix with Invisalign?
Can Invisalign fix overbites? Among other dental problems, sure. As we said earlier, every dental problem is different.
Certain orthodontic issues are easy to fix with either Invisalign or traditional braces. For example, someone with minor crowding and an overall healthy bite likely won’t need extenseive treatment.
Oftentimes, people who don’t need a major bite correction have a quick and easy treatment.
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite is when your front teeth on the upper arch overlap with your front teeth on the lower arch. Typically, most people have a small overbite.
What Problems Does an Overbite Cause?
When your overbite is too far forward, our doctors might tell you that you have a deep bite. Unfortunately, this causes problems from pain in the jaw to wearing down your teeth. Because overbites are so common, we tend to use a percentage to describe them.
Ideally, your overbite is relatively slight. The ideal range is 5 – 25%.
Does Invisalign Fix Overbites?
Overbites are a fairly common bite issue across age groups. Knowing this, the company set out to work on as many dental issues as possible. However, the solution ultimately relies on a few key aspects.
- Patient age
- Severity of the overbite
- How the patient handles treatment
Overbites in Young Patients
When a patient is young and still developing, typicall 12 or under, it’s possible to use their growth to help correct the overbite.
With the proper technique, we redirect the patient’s growth in order to correct their bite. Invisalign has a special set of aligners specifically for this situation. It’s called “Invisalign Mandibular Advancement.”
Invisalign Mandibular Advancement
When people used to ask “does Invisalign fix overbites,” the company responded with a slew of solutions. In this particular equipment, plastic wings on the aligner trays help a growing child posture their lower jaw forward. It uses small yet consistent changes to make the overall adjustment.
Through this process, we help to direct the child’s growth. As it straightens teeth, it also aligns the jaws. Truthfully, this isn’t a new concept. For decades, orthodontists have used similar appliances to correct bites.
However, the difference with Invisalign’s version is that it is much less invasive due to its size and comfort. In the past, mandibular advancement equipment was bulky and uncomfortable. Today, we have much better options to help straighten teeth and align bites.
- Straighten teeth and align jaws in one process
- Removable for better eating and hygiene
- No emergency visits or irritation on the cheeks
- No dietary restrictions
- Easy to remove for sports and instruments
Can Invisalign Fix Overbites for Teens and Adults?
Unfortunately, the mandibular advancement option isn’t useful once someone finishes growing. Typically, people stop growing around age 12 or 13. However, the answer to “Can Invisalign fix overbites” is still yes!
This involves a mix of techniques beyond Invisaligns clear aligners. In conjuction with them, you have to wear elastics. Similar to the elastic bands people wear with traditional braces, they gradually move the bottom teeth forward as they pull the top teeth back.
When a patient has a severe overbite, we might use an extra piece of equipment – the “motion” appliance.
The Motion Appliance
This simple yet effective piece of equipment is a small bar placed on your upper teeth. For a period of time, you wear elastics to help reduce your overbite. This works as you simultaneously straighten your lower teeth.
Can Invisalign Fix Other Bite Problems?
Can Invisalign fix overbites? Absolutely! Similarly, it has the potential to address other problems, such as open bites, underbites and crossbites. Depending on the severity of your condition, it may require some additional appliances.
When you work with our Rosenberg orthodontists, we evaluate your specific case and provide a personalized treatment plan. Everyone’s smile is unique, so it requires a personal touch to ensure the treatment works.
Are you ready to align your bite and straighten your smile? Book an appointment with our team to learn more about your options!
