Improve Your Oral Health and Have an Overbite Treated with Clear, Removable Aligners

The first reason people usually want braces is to improve their aesthetic appearance, and the second most common reason is related to bite issues. If you don’t suffer from bite issues, you may not have realized that removable clear aligners can treat them. Bite issues can severely affect speech, appearance, and the ability to chew food properly. You may be wondering what constitutes a bite issue and what kinds there are. One common type of bite issue is an overbite.

When top teeth overlap bottom teeth significantly, you have an overbite. Most people tend to have a tiny degree of overbite where upper teeth are slightly protruding over the bottom teeth by 2 to 4mm. A severe overbite causes teeth to extend out over the bottom teeth by 4 to 6mm. Both should be corrected so you don’t deal with any oral health issues down the line.

Overbites can be caused by sucking on a thumb or pacifier for a long time as a child, or sometimes an overbite is caused by tongue thrusting. They can also be caused if you bite your nails or chew on items such as erasers, pencils, or pens. Some causes for overbites, such as skeletal problems, may need further treatment. Whether your child has an overbite or you do, it’s time to seek care from an orthodontic specialist who can help with this problem and ensure you get the proper treatment.

Overbites Can Cause Problems if Untreated

The best thing you can do for your oral health is to seek treatment from an orthodontic specialist that can fully diagnose your problem. While some overbites are minimal, there are cases where an overbite is too large and is known as a deep bite. This causes problems with pain in the jaw and teeth wearing down. It helps to understand what caused your overbite so you fully understand why and how it needs to be treated.

Removable Clear Aligners Fix Overbites

Invisalign, which is a system of removable clear aligners, can be used to fix a dental overbite. Clear aligners apply a constant and gentle pressure to carefully move teeth into better alignment. As teeth are gradually repositioned, the overbite is corrected. However, overbite correction requires that removable clear aligners be worn for the recommended amount of time during the day and while sleeping. The beauty of using removable clear aligners is that they removed when you want to eat and when you need to brush and floss your teeth. Just keep in mind; you do have to maintain wearing them for a certain duration each day to see results.

You Will Receive Different Sets of Aligning Trays

To fully correct an overbite, you will go through different sets of aligners as you progress through your treatment plan. Once your teeth have moved into position from one set of aligners, it’s time for a new set. This ensures that your teeth fully move into a healthy placement. You can expect to get new trays every few weeks until you have switched trays throughout the entire series, which could involve up to 26 tray sets. Orthodontists are the only oral health professionals that can accurately provide aligning trays through your entire treatment, as they are specially trained to treat bite issues.

Wear Clear Aligners with Confidence

Clear aligners offer a discreet way to treat your overbite. If you need to, you can take them out for social or professional engagements. You can also eat your favorite foods that would otherwise have been limited by metal braces. However, it’s always important to follow your doctor’s instructions and wear them as directed. Otherwise, you may not see the results you’re looking for. If you have an overbite and are seeking orthodontic treatment, contact our office today!