- 8285 Jericho Turnpike Suite 3B Woodbury, NY, 11797, US
Dr. Kate Brayman
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Can Invisalign Fix Overbite in Adults & Children?
Overbite is a condition that affects the appearance of the mouth and smile, in addition to the mechanics of the jaw. It occurs when the front teeth of the upper jaw overlap the lower teeth, instead of fitting together naturally and evenly. Though it doesn’t sound very pleasant, it’s not necessarily a bad thing, and it certainly doesn’t need to plague a person for life. In fact, most people have an overbite, to some varying degree.
The method for measuring overbite typically looks at how much of your teeth are covered by the upper ones, with a percentage over 25 being considered significant. An excessive overbite can cause the teeth to wear out and even lead to jaw pain and discomfort. Plus, many people report having aesthetic concerns, both with overbite and the well-known treatment methods. Most people have heard of more aesthetically pleasing ways, such as Invisalign, to address minor corrections in the mouth, but does Invisalign help overbite? Yes, Invisalign overbite correction is actually a thing. Invisalign overbite correction is a great,pain-free, more comfortable and more manageable way to address your dental and orthodontic concerns, but first, we need you to understand overbite and its causes.
What Are The Causes Of Overbite?
Overbites can occur for a variety of reasons, from sucking one’s thumb in infancy and childhood to improper teeth growth. Certain habits, like extended use of a pacifier or bottle, can also cause the tongue to push against the back of the teeth, which in turn causes the development of an overbite. Genetics, teeth grinding, and a condition known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction can also play significant roles. The most common cause, though, is having a misshapen or insufficiently sized jaw. This could mean both having too much or too little space for the teeth in the jawline. Additionally, losing teeth and failing to repair the area can also contribute to the development of an overbite.
Left untreated, an overbite can actually lead to significant complications with your help. In addition to irreparable damage to the teeth and jaw, an overbite can cause tooth decay (such as cavities, gum disease, and worn enamel), pain in the jaw, severe headaches, trouble opening and closing the mouth, and difficulties with eating and speaking. Furthermore, leaving an overbite untreated can alter the structure of the face and lead to self-esteem problems both in adolescence and adulthood.
We understand that, especially during these times in development, getting treatment through braces and other traditional methods may be daunting, for fear of discomfort and decreased self-confidence. However, we have another option for correcting overbite, sans the metal brackets and bands: Invisalign.
Does Invisalign Help Correct Overbite?
Invisalign has been available for various dental and orthodontic treatments for a while now. However, the science behind it just keeps improving, finding more and more uses for the technology. If eligible for Invisalign, we will create a unique, individually fitted set of plastic aligners for your mouth. These aligners work to straighten and reposition the teeth, without forcing you to completely change your diet and lifestyle habits.The aligners must be worn a minimum of twenty hours per day in order to ensure success. However, they can be removed when necessary. This means that you don’t need to nix chewy foods from your diet for fear of it messing up your mouth full of metal-ware. They can also be removed when you want to brush your teeth and floss, enabling you to maintain optimal oral hygiene. Once the teeth have moved sufficiently, a new aligner is molded and worn, so that your specific conditions are being adequately addressed. Plus, the aligners are clear and hardly visible to the naked eye, meaning you can undergo treatment without feeling self-conscious about your smile.
So How Does Invisalign Fix Overbite?
Traditional braces work when your dentist periodically tightens the wires attached to the teeth. The principles behind Invisalign are the same, but the goals are accomplished much more subtly. As your treatment progresses, you will need a new set of aligners to keep the progress going. Regular trips to your dentist will allow him/her to track the movement of your teeth, ensuring that your overbite gets under control.
Invisalign is not a quick fix. Like other treatment methods, it works by straightening and repositioning the teeth slowly and gradually. Patience is certainly a necessary virtue here, but we’re sure that you won’t be disappointed with your results. The time required for your full treatment cycle will depend entirely on the severity of your overbite and the specific starting position of each tooth. However, since the treatment is practically invisible, the process can feel like it’s passing by much more quickly.
Benefits of Correcting Overbite with Invisalign
Compared to other orthodontic and dental treatments, Invisalign should seem like a no-brainer. In addition to being able to practice more efficient dental hygiene and prevent tooth decay, Invisalign treatment keeps your gums, cheeks, and lips safer, freeing them from potentially painful cuts and abrasions. Each tooth can be seen and monitored throughout the process, allowing for a more tailored treatment experience.
For those who are concerned about the unsightliness of wearing a mouthful of metal in addition to having an overbite, Invisalign has got you covered. The aligners are clear and plastic, invisible and painless. You can continue to engage in all of the activities that you wish to without worrying about wearing a mouthguard. And food? No problem. Just remove the Invisalign aligners while eating, being sure to clean the teeth and the aligners before putting them back in place.
How does Invisalign fix overbites? In exactly the same way as earlier methods, but without the pain, hassle, and self-consciousness. If you are afflicted by an overbite and are keen to learn more about your treatment options, help is available. Consult with an experienced dental or orthodontic professional for an assessment of whether Invisalign is right for you, and get started on your journey towards flashing a healthy, confident smile now.
If you want to know how much Invisalign costs on Long Island, NY read this.
