Overbites account for the majority of bite problems that people of all ages experience. While overbites were treated for years with metal wire and bracket braces, that’s no longer the only solution.The Invisalign teeth straightening system can also fix minor to a moderate overbite.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a state-of-the-art teeth straightening system that relies on the latest dental technology. During your initial appointment for Invisalign treatment, you will have digital X-rays and painless 3-D scanning of your teeth. Then, a series of custom, clear, plastic aligners will be made specifically for you. You will wear these nearly invisible aligners for several weeks at a time, before transitioning to a new set of aligners. The aligners are removable, allowing you to eat what you want, and continue to brush and floss normally. Most patients complete treatment, including correcting an overbite with Invisalign in less than two years.
How Does Invisalign Correct Overbites?
Invisalign is available with a technology called Precision Cuts. Precision cuts incorporate the use of elastic bands affixed to the clear plastic aligners. Specifically, the bands attach to the top and bottom aligners to gradually pull your top teeth in, while gently moving your bottom teeth forward. This will reduce the appearance of your overbite, all the while shifting your teeth into a more attractive, and a safer alignment.
Do I Need to Fix My Overbite?
Many people want to fix their overbite for aesthetic purposes. It is a valid reason for fixing an overbite. By putting the teeth into proper alignment you can actually correct your facial structure. But changing your outward appearance is not the only reason to correct an overbite.
Those with overbites may be more prone to TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder is a problem with the temporomandibular joint. This joint is used every day as it connects your skull to your jaw. The temporomandibular joint allows you to chew, eat, speak, and yawn. Dysfunction of this joint leads to clicking, popping, jaw locking, headaches, pain, and can even affect your hearing and balance. Correcting an overbite can reduce your risk of developing TMJ and its associated pain.
A third compelling reason to fix an overbite is to prevent tooth damage and gum disease. Teeth that aren’t properly aligned are often rubbing against each other incorrectly, wearing away your protective tooth enamel. Without this protective enamel, bacteria can infect your teeth, leading to cavities and gum disease. Correcting an overbite will better align all of your teeth, so they are not subject to unnecessary, and harmful wear and tear.
Unfortunately, an uncorrected overbite may also lead to difficulty with speech, pain while eating, or severe headaches. For these reasons, it’s smart to begin treatment to correct an overbite as soon as possible. Invisalign allows you to fix your overbite, all the while fixing slanted teeth, gaps in teeth, crooked teeth, and crowded teeth.
Schedule a Free Invisalign Consultation Today
Bella Dental is pleased to offer a free Invisalign consultation to new and existing patients. With three locations in Holmdel, Brick, and Oakhurst, NJ, we are here to help you get the brilliant, bright, straight, and most of all, healthy smile you deserve. Contact us today.