By Rafael Mercado, DDS on August 18, 2021
If your front top teeth extend more than 3mm over the bottom teeth, this is considered an overbite. Orthodontic treatment with braces is the longest-standing solution for correcting dental misalignments. However, dentists can now administer Invisalign for overbite, as well as many other alignment problems.
At Castle Hills Family Dental in Castle Hills, TX, our dentists use Invisalign for overbite correction when it’s the best option for the patient. Invislaign clear aligners have many benefits over traditional metal or ceramic braces.
About Invisalign for Overbites
Invisalign is a convenient alternative for addressing an overbite, without surgery or braces. The clear, removable dental aligners are custom-made for each patient. Oftentimes, Invisalign can correct misalignments in 12 to 18 months, versus the two years of treatment time usually required with braces.
Invisalign provides many benefits over traditional braces. Invisalign is:
- Barely noticeable
- Comfortable
- Convenient
- Not dependent on bands or wires
- Usually a 12- to 18-month treatment
Is Invisalign Right for You?
If you’re concerned that braces would alter your appearance in an undesirable way in your social, professional, or romantic life, clear aligners might be a perfect alternative.Invisalign is discrete, so few people will notice that you’re wearing aligners.
To be eligible for Invisalign, you must have good oral health and no gum disease. You must also commit to wearing the trays for 20 to 22 hours per day. Compliance with this rule is imperative for completing treatment in the targeted time frame. If you neglect to wear your trays as instructed, your teeth may shift back toward their initial positions.
While teenagers are eligible for Invisalign in most cases, all of their permanent teeth must have erupted.
Patients whose treatment plan involves orthodontic issues beyond overbite correction may also be good candidates for Invisalign. In addition to correcting overbites, Invisalign can address other orthodontic issues, like rotated teeth, malocclusion, and wide spaces between teeth.
Adults who previously wore braces but have experienced relapse (meaning teeth have become misaligned again) are great candidates for Invisalign. If neglecting to use your retainer was the cause of relapse, the dentist can attach a permanent retainer behind your teeth after treatment is completed.
The Treatment Process
At your first visit, the dentist will take pictures, x-rays, and a digital impression to create a custom treatment plan. This treatment plan and your records will be sent to an Invisalign lab, where your custom trays will be fabricated.
When you begin treatment, abide by these guidelines:
- Wear your trays for at least 22 hours per day
- Switch to a new aligner every two weeks (or as advised by the dentist)
- Attend check-in appointments with our office about every six weeks
- Maintain good brushing and flossing at home
- Contact us if you lose or damage a tray
State-of-the-Art Dentistry in Castle Hills, TX
At Castle Hills Family Dental, we have over twenty years of experience helping patients protect and improve their oral health. To correct an overbite without the pain of traditional braces, call (210) 405-1257 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation in our Castle Hills, TX office.