Invisalign clear aligners are one of the most commonly used aligner brands around the world. Used by dentists and orthodontists, Invisalign aligners can treat misalignment and bite issues. They can also be used to treat a complex variety of issues including overbite, cross bite, open bite, and underbite.
Because of Invisalign’s ability to treat such a wide variety of dental bite and alignment issues, Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces in many respects. Clear aligners also have added benefits like being able to be removed for up to 2 hours a day to brush and floss teeth, or to eat. Aligners are made of clear plastic, which also means that they are almost invisible and therefore aren’t too noticeable. Some people also find them to be more comfortable to wear than alternatives.
The way that aligners work (compared with braces that use fixed metal wires and brackets), is by giving patients a series of clear, customized clear plastic trays to wear for about 2 weeks at a time for 22 hours a day. The treatment process slowly shifts teeth into alignment and moves teeth within your mouth according to your precise dental needs.
Invisalign has invested many years into research and development to make their aligners work to precision and to be comfortable and durable. They have also created patented technology for taking 3D impressions of your teeth which they use to make personalized treatment plans. The aligners then move your teeth incrementally into their new positions during the course of your treatment. Once treatment is finished, you’ll then need to wear a retainer to maintain your new smile.
Invisalign has a long history of treating patients with over 10 million people having used their clear aligner treatment. It also has a wide range of Invisalign-trained dentists and orthodontists to choose from, located all around the world. There are other clear aligner companies that may be used as alternatives – however not all of them are able to treat complex bite and alignment issues. There are also a range of comparison points including treatment duration, comfort, reputation, precision, and cost.
Below we take a more in depth look at Invisalign and address some common questions that people have when it comes to Invisalign and treating overbites.
How long does it take to fix an overbite with Invisalign?
No two sets of teeth are exactly the same, and no dental issues will present in exactly the same way. Therefore, the length of time that it takes to fix an overbite with Invisalign will depend on the complexity and severity of the overbite and any other dental issues that you may have.
On average, Invisalign treatment is anywhere from 6 to 20 months, but could be less or more depending on your exact case. Once you schedule an appointment with an Invisalign dentist or orthodontist, they will be able to give you an estimate on how long your treatment will take, how much it will cost, and whether you’re a suitable candidate for Invisalign or not.
Can Invisalign fix my overbite and what can Invisalign not fix?
Overbites (what dentists call a type of malocclusion) are among the most commonly treated bite problems. Invisalign can fix most overbites – from mild and moderate, to severe overbites. In fact, Invisalign is such a versatile orthodontic treatment that it is comparable with (and an alternative to) braces in many respects. Compared with many other aligner brands (many of which can only treat very mild alignment issues) Invisalign can treat a much wider range of dental issues.
Invisalign can be used to treat many bite issues including open bites, cross bites, underbites and overbites as well as alignment issues. Sometimes, if the bite issue is quite complex, then elastics and attachments may need to be worn with the aligner to help induce the correct teeth movements.
For very severe cases of overbite, then traditional metal braces may be your only treatment option. Dental cases involving skeletal overbites (which is a jaw issue) may not be treatable with Invisalign either. Sometimes surgery may also be required and other interventions.
Depending on your age and severity of your overbite, Invisalign can be used to treat your overbite but will be used slightly differently.
Invisalign for treating overbite in young patients
For children who are below the age of 12 and whose teeth are still growing, Invisalign can be used to help correct an overbite by redirecting the growth of the teeth. Often this involves wearing Invisalign mandibular advancement appliances.
Invisalign for treating overbite in adult patients
After you are 12 or 13, your teeth are fully grown and you won’t be able to use mandibular advancement appliances to correct an overbite. In this case, elastics can be worn with attachments to correct an overbite and to help shift teeth into their new positions.
Which is better for overbite – braces, Invisalign or other alternatives?
It’s important that you look at alternatives when you’re choosing which treatment option to select. Factors that may affect your decision are cost, treatment time, how often you need to go for check-ins (and whether or not those can be done remotely or nearby), and what the braces or aligners will look like aesthetically.
While braces can effectively treat most types of overbites, they can be costly, and traditional metal braces are visible and can’t be removed, which doesn’t suit everyone. You may be able to opt for lingual or ceramic braces (which are transparent and therefore not very noticeable), depending on the complexity of your overbite. However, these options can also be far more expensive. In terms of cost, traditional metal braces can range from around $2000 to $6000, which can make them more affordable than clear aligners.
If you’re interested in clear aligners, you will probably have to start your smile journey by having a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist to see whether you’re eligible for clear aligners. Many dentists and orthodontists only offer one type of clear aligner brand, so you will need to do your research and see which one you would like to opt for. If your overbite is quite severe, you may not be eligible for many aligner brands that only treat mild bite and misalignment issues.
If you’re interested in Invisalign, you will need to have a consultation with an Invisalign dentist to see if you’re a candidate and to get an estimate of cost and treatment duration. You can expect to spend anywhere in the region of $5000 to $8000 to fix an overbite and misaligned teeth with Invisalign. However, the exact amount will depend on your unique set of dental issues and the complexity of treating them. Treatment time will likewise be dependent on your exact issues.
In terms of comparing Invisalign with braces and other clear aligner brands, you should also consider what your dental insurance plan (if you have one) will cover as that affects the overall price of treatment.
Does Invisalign treatment help address jaw pain and gum disease?
Often when an overbite is quite severe, it can cause jaw pain and discomfort. It can even result in TMJ disorder which can make simple tasks like yawning, eating and talking quite painful or difficult and can even give you headaches and ringing in your ears.
There are many reasons why overbites occur – such as poor oral habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and prolonged pacifier use when you were young. Or it could occur as a matter of genetics.
Usually if you have an overbite, you also have alignment issues, which can cause your teeth to wear down and reduce your tooth enamel layer which protects your teeth from damage. When enamel is reduced, it can open your teeth up to bacterial infections, gum disease, and cavities from tooth decay. Overbites can also result in speech impediments like lisps.
Therefore using orthodontic treatment like Invisalign that helps correct overbites, can also help to address some of the other dental issues that you may be faced with.
Does fixing an overbite help with bottom teeth alignment?
Quite often when fixing an overbite, the top teeth need to be pushed backwards and the lower or bottom teeth need to be brought forward. There are many different cases of overbite as mentioned above, so your dentist will need to assess your particular case and then create a treatment plan that addresses your issues. If you have any alignment issues in your lower jaw, then those can also be addressed when fixing an overbite.
Final thoughts on using Invisalign to fix overbites
If you are looking for treatment options to get your overbite corrected, then chances are you’re not happy with your protruding teeth, you have other dental disorders that you also want to have fixed – or perhaps you even have misalignments in your lower jaw. The good news is that there are a variety of options to fix your overbite.
Custom aligners like Invisalign provide an alternative to having metal braces and although they may cost more, they also have the added advantage of being transparent and the ability to be taken out.