Since Invisalign clear aligners first came on the market in 1998, more than 13 million people worldwide have been able to straighten their teeth without the awkwardness and discomfort of metal braces. Maybe you’re considering getting Invisalign yourself. However, you may have heard that traditional braces are more effective at correcting bite alignment problems. You might be wondering whether Invisalign can fix your overbite. Keep reading to learn the answer!
Why Correct an Overbite?
Crooked teeth are far from the only reason why people seek out Invisalign or other orthodontic treatments. Often, they’re also used to adjust bite alignment problems, the most common of which is overbite – when your upper arch of teeth extends too far past your lower arch.
Not only can overbites be an aesthetic issue, but they might impact your oral health. For example, you might be more likely to grind your teeth, which can wear down the enamel and leave your teeth more prone to breakage and decay.
Does Invisalign Work for Overbites?
For many patients, Invisalign is very effective at correcting mild to moderate overbites. More severe cases of misalignment, however, might only be able to be fixed with traditional orthodontics. Of course, this varies from patient to patient, and the only person who can provide you with a definitive answer is your dentist.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The length of time necessary to correct an overbite with Invisalign is different for everyone. Most patients can expect their treatment to take anywhere from six months to two years. Various factors come into play here, one of which is your dedication to wearing your aligners as often as directed. If your aligners are out of your mouth for more than two hours a day, your teeth and jaws won’t shift as quickly as originally planned, extending your treatment timeline.
Age is another factor in the length of orthodontic treatment. As you get older, your teeth and jaws become more firmly set in their current positions. Moving them will take greater force and more time than it would for a younger patient whose jaws aren’t fully developed and are thus more malleable. So, you can still get Invisalign as an adult, but the process may simply take longer.
Although severe cases of overbite might need traditional braces, mild to moderate cases can often still be adjusted with Invisalign. If you’re interested in getting Invisalign to fix your overbite, reach out to your dentist today to find out if this solution is right for you!
About the Practice
At Grateful Dentists in Billerica, MA, we have three trusted dentists on staff who combine their unique skillsets to provide comprehensive care for smiles of all ages. This includes orthodontic care; we offer Invisalign as well as SureSmile clear aligners to treat overbite, crooked teeth, and more. We even use digital impressions for enhanced accuracy and comfort. To learn more about whether you can correct your overbite with Invisalign, contact either of our two dental office locations in Billerica today!