Many parents notice their child has an overbite and wonder about treatment options that won’t involve traditional metal braces. In other cases, adults who have lived with an overbite for years are looking for a discreet way to fix it.
Invisalign can fix many types of overbites, especially mild to moderate cases, though severe overbites may require additional treatments or traditional braces. The success of your treatment depends on factors like the severity of your overbite, your age, and how well you follow the treatment plan.
What Is an Overbite & How Does It Develop?
An overbite occurs when your upper front teeth overlap your lower front teeth more than they should. Many people have a slight overbite naturally, but it only becomes a problem when the overlap is too much.
Normal vs. Severe Overbite
A normal overbite has your upper teeth covering about 10-20% of your lower teeth when you bite down. When your upper teeth cover 30% or more of your lower teeth, you have what we consider a significant overbite that may need treatment.
In severe cases, your upper teeth might completely cover your lower teeth or even touch your lower gums. This can cause pain and make eating difficult.
Common Causes in Children & Adults
Most overbites develop during childhood, though some people are born with jaw structures that create overbites. Genetics play a big role in how your teeth and jaw develop.
Common causes include:
- Thumb sucking or pacifier use
- Missing teeth on lower jaw
- Jaw development issues
Signs Your Overbite Needs Treatment
Not every overbite needs treatment, but certain symptoms can indicate that yours is affecting your health. You might notice problems with eating, speaking, or jaw comfort.
Physical Symptoms to Watch For
Pay attention to these signs that suggest your overbite needs professional attention:
- Jaw pain or headaches
- Excessive tooth wear
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Speech problems
- Gum damage
Children might also experience self-consciousness about their smile or have trouble with certain foods. These issues often improve significantly with treatment.
How Invisalign Works to Correct Overbites
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth into better positions. Each aligner moves your teeth slightly, and you change to a new aligner every week or two.
The Clear Aligner Process
Your treatment starts with digital scans of your teeth that create a 3D model. Your dentist uses this model to plan exactly how your teeth need to move and to create custom aligners for each stage in the process.
You’ll wear each set of aligners for about 20-22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Most people find them comfortable after the first few days.
When Rubber Bands May Be Required
Some cases of overbite need extra help from small rubber bands attached to buttons on your aligners. These bands help move your jaw into the right position while the aligners work on your teeth.
Your dentist can show you exactly how to use these bands if your treatment plan includes them. They’re typically worn during sleep and for several hours during the day.
Mild to Moderate Cases vs. Severe Cases
Invisalign works particularly well for mild to moderate overbites where the main issue is tooth positioning. These cases often see great results with aligners alone.
Severe overbites that involve significant jaw positioning problems might need additional treatments. Your dentist can evaluate whether Invisalign alone can achieve the results you want.
Timeline & What to Expect During Treatment
Most people are curious how long their treatment will take and what they need to do to get good results. Your own timeline depends on your case, but most overbite treatments follow similar patterns.
How Long Treatment Takes for Most People
Overbite correction with Invisalign typically takes 12-24 months. Mild cases might finish in 6-12 months, while more complex cases can take up to 30 months.
You’ll visit your dentist every 6-8 weeks to check your progress and get your next sets of aligners. These appointments help make sure your treatment stays on track.
The 22-Hour Daily Wear Rule
You need to wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours each day to get good results. Taking them out too often or for too long can slow your progress and extend your treatment time.
Most people adapt to this schedule quickly and find it becomes second nature. You can remove them for meals, special events, and oral hygiene.
Retainer Requirements After Treatment
You’ll need to wear retainers after your Invisalign treatment ends to keep your teeth in their new positions. Most people wear retainers every night for several months, then a few nights per week long-term.
Your dentist decides on your specific retainer schedule based on your case. Following this schedule helps protect your investment in treatment.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces for Overbites
Both Invisalign and traditional braces can treat overbites effectively, but they work differently and suit different situations. Your dentist can help you decide which option works for your specific case.
When Invisalign Is the Right Choice
Invisalign works well when you want discreet treatment and have good discipline about wearing your aligners. It’s also great for people who play contact sports or musical instruments.
Many adults prefer Invisalign because the clear aligners are nearly invisible and don’t affect their professional appearance. You can also eat all your favourite foods since you remove the aligners for meals.
When Metal Braces Work Better
Traditional braces might work more effectively for severe overbites or complex cases that need precise tooth movement. They can also be more practical for younger children who might lose or forget to wear removable aligners.
Braces work 24/7 since you can’t remove them, which eliminates compliance concerns. Some cases simply need the constant pressure that braces provide.
Consulting a Dentist About Your Overbite
Getting professional evaluation is the first step toward understanding your treatment options. A thorough examination can determine whether Invisalign or another treatment approach suits your needs.
What Happens During Your Initial Consultation
Your dentist examines your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment during your consultation. They might take X-rays or digital scans to get a complete picture of your situation.
You can discuss your goals, concerns, and preferences during this visit. Your dentist explains which treatment options can achieve the results you want and helps you make an informed decision.
Age Considerations for Treatment
Invisalign can work for teens and adults, though treatment approaches might differ based on age. Younger patients sometimes benefit from earlier intervention while their jaws are still growing.
Adult treatment focuses on tooth movement since jaw growth is complete. Both age groups can achieve excellent results with appropriate treatment planning.
How Treatment May Change Your Face Shape
Correcting an overbite can subtly improve your facial profile by bringing your teeth and jaws into better balance. Many people notice enhanced facial harmony after treatment.
These changes are typically gradual and natural-looking. Your dentist can show you predicted results using digital treatment planning tools during your consultation.
If you’re considering overbite treatment for yourself or your child, the team at Springbank Dental Centre in SW Calgary can help you explore your options. We take a personalized approach to each case, ensuring your treatment plan fits your specific needs and goals.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn whether Invisalign can help correct your overbite.
