Having a beautiful smile is something that many people wish for. However, getting traditional braces with metal brackets and wires is not the most appealing approach for getting the smile you want.
Invisalign allows you to improve your smile more comfortably with modern dentistry. These clear aligners make it so anyone can get their teeth straightened without the pain or injury caused by metal braces.
At Alaska Dental Arts, you can get Invisalign to help you reach your smile goal. Although many people get Invisalign to straighten their teeth, these aligners can also help with other things. In this blog, you can learn how Invisalign can correct an overbite and what else it will do for your smile.
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What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a system of clear plastic trays used as orthodontic devices, better known as clear braces or clear aligners.
The trays fit precisely over your teeth and move your teeth and jaw gradually to form an ideal arch-. Invisalign typically moves your teeth more quickly than traditional braces and does so invisibly. This means other people won’t know you are wearing braces.
Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite?
Overbites make up almost 70% of dental disorders. There are several ways to treat an overbite. In some cases, orthodontists can treat overbites with clear aligners like Invisalign, depending on the significance and severity of the case.
Types of Overbites
There are two kinds of overbites: vertical and horizontal. A vertical overbite involves your top teeth significantly overlapping your bottom teeth, while a horizontal overbite occurs when your top teeth “jut” out in front of your bottom teeth.
Dental or skeletal issues can cause each type. Dental overbites involve teeth placement issues, while skeletal overbites indicate a jaw problem.
Causes of Overbites
Often, overbites are hereditary. However, there are instances where poor oral habits during childhood, such as tongue thrusting, nail-biting, prolonged pacifier use, or thumb sucking, can cause an overbite. Most of your jaw growth occurs during the early developmental stage, which makes bad habits lead to uneven growth.
Problems From Overbites
Once an overbite develops, it can result in several issues. Some of the main physical problems that overbites cause include:
- Problems with eating and chewing
- Speech impediments
- Jaw pain from strained muscles
Overbites can also lead to tooth enamel loss, resulting in gum disease and cavities. In some instances, you may also experience soft tissue damage when the bottom teeth knock on the roof of your mouth. Other problems may occur, such as migraines, headaches, joint-related issues, arthritis, or digestion problems. You may even need a filling.
How Invisalign Fixes an Overbite
Invisalign effectively straightens your teeth through a series of steps. If you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, x-rays will be taken along with 3D dental impressions. From there, your dentist will create a set of customized, removable aligner trays.
The aligners are designed to slowly move your teeth to a straighter final position in small increments. The pressure on the teeth will push them toward a new position. Each aligner is precisely designed and manufactured to fit your teeth at every stage of your treatment.
You’ll be responsible for switching your current tray to the next every two weeks, so your teeth move incrementally. Each case is different. It’s hard to tell how long it will take to correct an overbite, but the average treatment time is anywhere from six to 20 months. Over time, your overbite will disappear, and you can have a healthier, straighter smile.
Can Invisalign Fix Other Alignment Issues?
In short, yes. Similar to overbites, Invisalign can also help correct underbites and some crossbites by gradually moving your teeth.
Underbites
Underbites are when your lower teeth stick out in front of your upper teeth when you close your mouth. The lower jaw is displaced and positioned too far forward. You may find it difficult to bite, chew, or speak. Underbites can also quickly wear out your teeth.
Crossbites
Crossbites can be challenging to treat with Invisalign. A crossbite is when your upper teeth sit inside or directly on top of your lower teeth after closing your mouth. Some signs of a crossbite include:
- Frequent toothaches
- Headaches
- Pain while biting and chewing
- Jaw problems
With all alignments, you’ll have to consult your dentist to determine the proper treatment for your unique situation.
Want to see if Invisalign is the right fit for you? Contact us today to find out!
What Are Other Benefits of Invisalign?
Although fixing your overbite is a giant positive, and straightening your teeth is a plus, Invisalign has other benefits. They’re more comfortable than metal braces, with fewer risks to teeth and gums. It costs slightly more, but it’s well worth the price in the end.
Better Appearance
With Invisalign being almost invisible, it can look better than traditional braces. Adults want to fix their teeth and often prefer not to look like a teenager again. Invisalign clear aligners are hard to see, which can help you less self-conscious during the process.
Removable Trays
If you’d like to remove Invisalign for a brief period, you can. This means that you can do whatever activities you want without the fear of injury caused by metal braces. You’re also not limited to what food you can eat, which is a big plus.
Greater Cleanliness
Since the aligners can be removed, you can regularly brush and floss your teeth. Your gums are less likely to become red and inflamed. Some people may also be worried about getting white spots on their teeth due to the difficulty of cleaning around traditional braces.
Increased Safety
The plastic trays are a safer way of straightening your teeth. You won’t experience any pain or injuries from sharp or broken brackets and wires. You don’t need to worry about your lips, cheeks, or tongue getting hurt.
Predicted Result
Patients can see the predicted result and estimated treatment time from the start. Metal braces can sometimes be a trial-and-error situation that gives no clear idea of what is to come. With Invisalign, you will be adjusting your trays biweekly for a gradual tradition that is easy to work with.
Why Choose Alaska Dental Arts to Help Your Smile Journey?
At Alaska Dental Arts, we work towards providing a positive dental experience. Our cosmetic dentistry team can fulfill your dental needs and give you a healthy smile that you’ll love.
We will work with you to meet your smile goals. And we’ll work together to make sure we’re on the right track through each stage.
Our team’s mission is to make you leave with a better smile every time you come in. We want to reinvent how many people feel about their dental appointments. When you come to visit us, we’ll talk through any dental anxieties that you have, so we can accommodate you.
We have three amazing locations: Anchorage, Juneau, and North Pole. At Alaska Dental Arts, we also have a Dental Savings Plan, so you don’t have to worry about how you’ll get your new smile. Together, we can fix your alignment and achieve the smile of your dreams.
Ready to take the first step in your smile journey? Schedule an appointment with us today!
