From the many justifications for orthodontic treatment, correcting an underbite or overbite remain the two most common. Although most people decide to fix an overbite and underbite purely for aesthetic reasons, in some extreme cases, they can cause serious health concerns such as trauma to the teeth, speech impediments, difficulty chewing, jaw pain, gum damage, and more.
A question we often hear is whether or not these issues can be corrected with Invisalign. Invisalign aligners are a great option for eliminating unsightly overbites without the discomfort of a mouthful of wires, metal brackets and rubber bands.
 Fix Overbite With Invisalign | What Exactly Is an Overbite?
An overbite happens when your upper anterior teeth move and cover your lower teeth, essentially hiding them when you bite down. It causes a literal overbite, making the upper teeth overlap the lower ones.
Even though there could be many reasons for an overbite developing, the most common cause is due to the lower jaw under developing in relation to the upper.
People with an overbite can also have prominent amount of gum showing and they show a little too much of their top incisors when they smile.
Underbites, on the other hand, occur when the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth as a result of a more protrusive lower jaw. Underbites occur when there is either an overgrowth of the lower jaw, undergrowth of the upper jaw, or both. This can prevent the normal functioning of the mouth by affecting the function of the molars and front teeth which can lead to joint issues, painful tooth wear, and limited function.
Fix Overbite With Invisalign | Why Should You Correct an Overbite?
#1: For cosmetic reasons
This is one of the most common reasons people fix an overbite. When you have an overbite, your bottom teeth are hidden by the top teeth. This can result in reduced self-esteem, making people more self-conscious when they smile.
#2: For non-cosmetic reasons
An overbite can increase your risk of tooth wear. When this happens, it can cause thinner and shorter teeth in the long term. An overbite could also result in some serious health concerns, including gum damage and speech impediments.
Fix Overbite With Invisalign | How Can You Fix an Overbite with Invisalign?
To effectively treat an underbite or overbite with Invisalign, you will need to first visit our specialist orthodontist. During the course of this consultation a thorough orthodontic assessment will be carried out. This will consist of an hour long examination, along with any necessary Xrays, photographs and Study Model impressions. Once all the information is collated, the orthodontist will formulate a bespoke treatment plan to correct your malocclusion.
After getting the precise treatment instructions, with the help of advanced computer technology, Invisalign translates the instructions into a sequence of finely calibrated plastic aligners. You will be required to wear each aligner for one to two weeks, removing them only when you wish to eat, brush or floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your jaw and teeth will gradually start to move into the correct positions, shifting your teeth week-by-week until they are perfectly aligned.
For years now, Invisalign has been proved to be an effective way to correct an underbite and overbite.
Invisalign aligners are transparent, fit perfectly into your mouth, and are also easy to remove. It allows you to eat whatever you like and doesn’t require you to visit your orthodontist as frequently as many traditional options do. Invisalign provides a fun and easy road to a brighter smile!
If you are interested in getting this treatment to fix your overbite, you can schedule a free consultation with us today. Or call us on 01 2859067 to discuss.
Author: Dr Gerald O’Connor BDS NUI (hons)
Dr Gerald O’Connor is the principal dentist and owner of Killiney Dental. Dr O’Connor graduated with an honours dental degree from University College Cork in 1998. He has since worked as a general dental surgeon in the UK and Ireland and has over 20 years experience in the dental field, with a particular interest in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Dr O’Connor is an active member of the Irish Dental Association, sitting on its Quality Patient Safety Committee, and is a Irish Dental Council registered dentist.