Invisalign for an Overbite

Invisalign® treatment is popular among patients because it straightens the teeth without the need for noticeable and uncomfortable metal braces. This advanced treatment can address a number of alignment issues, including an overbite. An overbite occurs when the front teeth of the upper jaw protrude when compared to the anterior teeth of the lower jaw. This can make patients self conscious about their appearance and may even result in oral health and functional problems.

At Nordhus Dentistry, Dr. Byron J. Nordhus can treat an overbite with Invisalign treatment. To find out if you are a candidate, contact our Wichita, KS practice today.

Causes of an Overbite

An overbite may be hereditary or caused by malformation of the jaw. When an overbite is the result of genetics, there is nothing a patient can do to prevent the overbite. In cases of malformation of the jaw, however, habits in childhood may contribute to the overbite.

If pressure is applied to the upper teeth and jaw during development, these structures can grow unevenly, resulting in misalignment and an overbite. Habits that can cause these issues include:

• Sucking the thumb
• Tongue thrust
• Prolonged bottle feeding

Oral Health Problems Caused by an Overbite

An overbite can increase the risk of certain oral health problems as a result of malocclusion, or misalignment of the bite. This can cause jaw pain and contribute to early enamel erosion due to increased pressure on certain teeth. Early enamel erosion can contribute to tooth sensitivity and increase the risk of more serious oral health problems such as tooth decay (cavities), root canal infection, and gum disease.

Correcting an Overbite with Invisalign

Because of the aesthetics and oral health problems caused by an overbite, many patients choose to undergo treatment to bring the teeth into proper alignment. In most cases, Invisalign is the favored treatment for teens and adults because the aligners are less obvious and far more comfortable than traditional metal braces.

The first step in the process is to meet with an Invisalign provider to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. While many overbite cases can be treated with Invisalign, there are some severe cases that may require alternative treatment modalities.

During your Invisalign exam, Dr. Nordhus will use the iTero® digital scanner to create a 3-D model of your teeth. This model is used to create a custom set of aligner trays that will gradually correct your overbite and bring your teeth and bite into proper alignment. At this appointment, Dr. Nordhus can also provide you with an image of how your smile will look when Invisalign treatment is complete.

The next step is to progress through your series of aligner trays. Each aligner will be worn for a period of two weeks before you move onto the next aligner. The number of aligners in your treatment plan will depend on the extent of your overbite. As you go through treatment, you will notice a gradual reduction in the protrusion of your upper front teeth as your overbite is corrected.

To find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign for an overbite, contact Nordhus Dentistry today.