Invisalign® clear aligners are becoming a popular alternative to braces. They make minute adjustments to your teeth over time, improving alignment and spacing. One of the common reasons people use Invisalign is to correct overbites.
Overbites happen when your upper teeth do not align with your lower teeth. They extend past the lower teeth and can irritate your gums or tongue. Invisalign can successfully fix mild to moderate overbites. However, you may need to get braces if you have a severe overbite.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign aligners are not as bulky as metal braces. They straighten your teeth without the need for brackets and wires, making them more comfortable. They are transparent and invisible, so they will not make you self-conscious.
The system combines highly advanced three-dimensional technology with the science of orthodontics. The aligners slowly move your teeth in small increments, with you receiving a new set of trays every few weeks. These will fit your mouth and continue to move the teeth. As the trays place pressure on your teeth, they become straighter.
Fixing Your Overbite
Each aligner is custom-fit for your teeth at every stage of treatment. They place pressure on the top teeth, pushing them toward a new position. Each fortnight, the dentist switches your current tray with the next one in the series. It incrementally moves the teeth. Over time, it diminishes your overbite. You can now look forward to a better and straighter smile than before.
How Long Does It Take?
The condition of your teeth and the severity of your overbite will determine how long it takes and how much work you need. The average duration is six months to two years.
It also depends on the duration you go without your aligners every day. If you take them out for more than two hours, you will have to go through the process for longer. To be safe, only take them out for meals and when brushing your teeth. Rinse and clean the trays before putting them back in your mouth.
Anything Else?
After Invisalign, you may have to wear a retainer. It ensures that your teeth remain in alignment. It also gives the jawbone enough time to regain its structure. The retainer anchors the teeth to ensure they do not move back into their original position. The dentist will determine how long you will need the retainer. They will also decide how long you will be wearing it in a day.
Braces vs. Invisalign
Choosing between Invisalign and braces can be challenging. However, each has its pros and cons. The choice of which to use when fixing your overbite depends on the severity of the overbite. The dentist at Marietta Smile Gallery will also check if you have other dental issues that need correcting. They will consider if those issues will affect your choice of Invisalign or braces.
So although Invisalign can fix your overbite, you may have to consider the other dental issues. Some factors determine the future of your teeth. Consider all of them when making a choice.
For more information on fixing an overbite using Invisalign, visit Marietta Smile Gallery at our office in Marietta, Georgia. You can call (770) 809-1500 today to schedule an appointment.