Invisalign got its FDA approval back in 1998, and since then, the clear aligners have become popular alternatives to traditional braces with many benefits including being removable. But is Invisalign effective enough to treat an overbite? Read on to learn more about Invisalign and if it’s the right treatment choice for you.
Invisalign clear aligners are provided by many orthodontists, so you don’t have to settle for traditional braces.
Invisalign is effective for mild to moderate overbite, particularly where the intercanine width is too narrow.
As clear aligners are removable, your dental hygiene is not compromised.
Fixing an overbite with Invisalign may take six months to two years.
Treatment of overbite is worthwhile, to assist with problems ranging from gum and jaw issues to speech impediments.
Yes, Invisalign clear aligners can fix mild to moderate cases of overbite. In fact, a 2017 study showed that Invisalign was highly effective at correcting overbites in adults, mainly through incisor movement [1].
However, other trials show less improvement in the Objective Grading System (OGS) scores after treatment with aligners. There is a higher rate of relapse with aligners, but lack of compliance with treatment may be the cause as they are removable [2].
Children with at least some adult teeth (ages 6 to 10) are eligible for Invisalign First, which is designed to accommodate growing kids.
Invisalign Mandibular Advancement is an optional add-on for teenagers and pre-teens that allows for improved overbite treatment. This add-on features precision wings that gradually shift the lower jaw forward, improving the bite and chin appearance.
Studies suggest that Invisalign is equally effective as braces in treating mild to moderate overbite. Options for children and teens are now available, with the Invisalign First and Invisalign Mandibular Advancement add-on.
Invisalign treatment starts with 3D imaging with the iTero Element scanner. It takes 6,000 images per second to accurately capture how your top and bottom teeth are positioned. Mapping software is then able to calculate the force needed to straighten your teeth, to bring your bottom teeth forward, and anything else you may need correcting.
Your aligner regimen will involve a series of aligners shaped increasingly like your intended teeth positioning. These are meant to be worn 22 hours per day, but you can take them out for eating and brushing your teeth. Every one to two weeks, you change aligners until you reach your goal.
Your treatment plan may also include SmartForce attachments, which increase your aligners’ ability to fix your overbite and other issues by exerting more targeted force. Teens and tweens might require the Invisalign Mandibular Advancement add-on to help move the lower jaw forward.
Habit correction is also important. You might have outgrown thumb sucking years ago, but sucking on an object such as your knuckles or pen, or nail-biting, has the same negative effects on jaw positioning and muscle development. Tongue thrusting is another issue that can be a subconscious habit, where a forward movement of the tongue misplaces muscle and bone [3].
Learn more on how to fix an overbite here.
Depending on your orthodontic condition and rate of bone remodeling and repair, treatment takes anywhere from six months to two years.
It is possible to correct a mild overbite in as little as six months with Invisalign treatment, and you might notice improvements in a matter of weeks. On average, however, a course of Invisalign treatment takes 26 months [2].
The recommended time between aligners is one to two weeks. However, with orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign, shifting teeth into their proper position first triggers the breakdown of bone tissue and then the regeneration of periodontal tissue.
Both phases require 7-14 days each, so some experts advise that no treatment plan allows for changing or tightening devices more often than every three weeks. Too frequent adjustments may lead to damage to your teeth or alveolar bones [2].
Although this article is not a substitute for customized treatment with your orthodontist, it is recommended that you discuss the time between aligners.
Clear aligners are best if you have a mild to moderate dental overbite, and prefer the appearance of clear plastic over traditional braces.
If you’re unsure whether clear aligners are the best option for you, it is important to consider:
Invisalign may treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, up to a moderate level of severity, and if the teeth are the main cause of your misalignment.
Invisalign may correct a range of mild to moderate misalignments. To be effective, these must be primarily dental in origin, where the teeth are not aligned correctly but jaw development has little to no issue:
Overbite treatment can be necessary to prevent gum damage and treat TMJ issues, which may lead to chronic pain or arthritis.
One of the main reasons why adult patients seek treatment is that they are self-conscious about their appearance. However, there are also health reasons why overbite correction is important.
In some cases, your top teeth may damage your gums by constantly biting into them, or your permanent teeth may be blocked from erupting [4].
Left untreated, an overbite can cause speech impediment, discomfort when eating, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
TMJ issues can cause mild to severe jaw pain, difficulty eating, joint irritation—sometimes leading to arthritis—and a clicking sensation when you open your mouth. While some patients worry that TMJ dysfunction can worsen with treatment, research shows that overbite correction relieves TMJ issues over time [5].
Invisalign is a discreet, hygienic, and comfortable alternative to braces, and is one of the few FDA-approved clear aligners.
There are several benefits of Invisalign and clear aligners, including:
Keep in mind, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) do not approve at-home aligners due to a lack of support.
What are the most important things to know about Invisalign and overbite?
Invisalign is a great alternative to metal braces in cases of mild to moderate overbites and other misalignments. Clear aligners are more comfortable, invisible, and hygienic.
Whether you can fix overbite with Invisalign depends on your individual condition, so it is essential to discuss all treatment options with your orthodontist.
