Here’s something to chew on: Did you know that 70% of the population has an overbite? This is a very common condition our expert team can treat in a variety of ways. At Charvet Dental, we can correct overbites and create beautifully aligned teeth with Invisalign clear aligners. If you or your child have been dealing with the symptoms of an overbite, our expert team can help! Let’s look at how this exciting system can change your smile without disrupting your lifestyle.
What Is An Overbite?
To put it simply, an overbite is when your upper teeth come too far over the lower teeth. When a deep overbite is present, the lower teeth recede so far behind the upper teeth that they bite into the roof of the mouth. Overbites are bad for your teeth and jaw joints and can impact the shape and appearance of your face.
There are two primary types of overbites. With a vertical overbite, the top teeth overlap the lower teeth more than average. The top front teeth stick out in front of the lower teeth in a horizontal overbite. Each type can have a few possible causes. Overbites can be hereditary or stem from bad oral habits in childhood, like tongue thrusting, nail-biting, and prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking. Most jaw growth happens early, meaning bad habits can lead to uneven development.
Overbites can range from minor to severe. We often describe this condition in terms of percentage. For example, a small percentage of overbite is common and won’t necessarily require correction. A more significant percentage tends to cause oral health and cosmetic issues, which we can address with dental treatment.
Benefits of Treating an Overbite with Invisalign
Along with improving the overall appearance of your smile, correcting an overbite can improve many symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Gum disease and inflammation
- Excessive wear and tear on the tooth enamel
- Jaw pain
- Tooth grinding
- Speech problems
- Irregular chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
For a long time, traditional braces were the only available option for treating an overbite. Some cases may still require braces, but we can often achieve the same results with Invisalign clear aligners!
Correcting an overbite with Invisalign can provide a big change for many patients. They’re comfortable, convenient, and visually discreet. They’re also removable, so you can take them out before meals for extra flexibility.
Compliance is a major factor in how successful your Invisalign treatment will be. The system can only work if you follow the guidelines from Dr. Charvet. If you don’t wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day during treatment, the results can be affected. It may even add time to the dental process.
With Invisalign, your oral hygiene routine will be easier because you can remove the aligners before eating or cleaning your teeth. This means no food restrictions, either! You can eat everything you usually would during Invisalign treatment, as long as you brush after every meal and floss before bed.
Every patient is different, so there’s no universal answer for how long you will need to wear clear aligners. The average time tends to be between 12-24 months, although this can vary widely depending on the individual case. Invisalign patients will typically have in-office visits with us every 12 weeks which limits time missing school or work. Our patients can check in with us virtually with any questions!
The Invisalign Treatment Process
The first step in any dental journey is an initial consultation with an experienced doctor. When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Charvet, he will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and jaws. If your overbite is the right candidate for Invisalign, we’ll create a customized treatment plan just for you.
This plan will be tailored to your specific needs, preferences, and goals. It will include all the movements we want your teeth to estimate how long the treatment process will take. We may even be able to give you a sneak peek of what your new smile will look like once treatment is complete.
Once we have a plan, we’ll begin designing your aligners using the 3D scan of your teeth and gums as our guide. Once the first set arrives from the lab, you’ll be on your way to a better smile!
You’re in safe hands at the Charvet Dental Center
Our team is here to help you feel safe and secure every time you visit our office. We have the experience, expertise, and compassion to make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way! The Charvet Dental Center is dedicated to keeping you smiling. Schedule your first appointment with our doctors today to get the smile you deserve!