Correct Your Overbite with Invisalign

Did you know that 70% of the population has an overbite? This is an extremely common condition we can treat in several ways in our Jackson and Brandon offices. At Sandifer Orthodontics, we can correct overbites and create beautifully aligned teeth with Invisalign clear aligners. If you or your child have been dealing with the symptoms of an overbite, our expert team can help! Let’s look at how this exciting system can change your smile without disrupting your daily life. 

What is an overbite?

An overbite is when your upper teeth come too far over the lower teeth. When a deep overbite is present, the lower teeth recede so far behind the upper teeth that they bite into the roof of the mouth. Overbites are bad for your teeth and jaw joints and can impact the shape and appearance of your face.

There are two primary types of overbites. With a vertical overbite, the top teeth overlap the lower teeth more than average. The top front teeth stick out in front of the lower teeth in a horizontal overbite. Each type can have several possible causes. Overbites can be hereditary or stem from bad oral habits in childhood, like tongue thrusting, nail-biting, and prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking. Most jaw growth happens early, meaning bad habits can lead to uneven development. 

Overbites can range from minor to severe. We often describe this condition in terms of percentage. For example, a small percentage of overbite is common and won’t necessarily require correction. A more significant percentage tends to cause oral health and cosmetic issues, which we can address with orthodontic treatment. 

What are the benefits of treating an overbite with Invisalign?

Besides improving the overall appearance of your smile, correcting an overbite can notably improve many symptoms, including:

• headaches 
• gum disease and inflammation
• excessive wear and tear on the tooth enamel
• jaw pain
• tooth grinding 
• speech problems 
• irregular chewing or biting
• mouth breathing 

Until recently, traditional braces were the only option for treating an overbite. Some cases will still need the stability of braces, but we can often achieve the same results with Invisalign clear aligners! 

Correcting an overbite with Invisalign can be a game-changer for many patients. It’s our most popular alternative to traditional braces, thanks to the comfort and convenience it offers. Because they’re removable, Invisalign aligners give you an extra measure of flexibility that you’ll love!

Your compliance is a huge factor in how successful your Invisalign treatment will be. The system can only work if you follow the guidelines from Dr. Sandifer. If you don’t wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day during treatment, the results can be affected, and it may also add time to the orthodontic process. You should also switch your aligners out for the next every week to keep up with the movements of your teeth. 

With Invisalign, your oral hygiene routine will be as easy as ever since you remove the aligners before eating or brushing your teeth. That means there are no food restrictions, either! You can eat everything you usually would during Invisalign treatment, as long as you brush after every meal and floss before bed.

There’s no “one size fits all” answer for how long you will need to wear clear aligners. The average time tends to be between 12-24 months, although this can vary widely depending on the individual case. Invisalign patients will typically have in office visits with us every 12 weeks which limits time missing school or work. Our patients can also check in with us virtually with any questions/issues. 

What does the treatment process look like with Invisalign?

The first step in any orthodontic journey is an initial consultation with an experienced orthodontist. When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Sandifer, she will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and jaws. If your overbite is a good candidate for Invisalign, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan just for you. 

This plan will consider your specific needs, preferences, and goals. It will also include all the movements we want your teeth to estimate how long we expect the treatment to take. We may even be able to give you a sneak peek of what your new smile will look like once treatment is complete. 

We’ll then begin designing your aligners using the 3D scan of your teeth and gums as our guide. Once the first set arrives from the lab, you’ll be on your way to the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!

Improve your oral health with Invisalign and Sandifer Orthodontics

Invisalign clear aligners can be an excellent solution for treating various issues in addition to overbites. These include crowded teeth, underbites, crossbites, and space between teeth. Although the system won’t be a good fit for everyone, many patients will find Invisalign a simple and subtle way to improve oral health! 

In addition to Invisalign clear aligners, Sandifer Orthodontics offers a range of orthodontic services. Contact our offices in Jackson or Brandon today to find out if orthodontic treatment is right for your smile.

Posted by Sandifer Orthodontics