Invisalign® Can Effectively Treat an Overbite
Dr. Kellyn Hodges is a leading orthodontist serving the greater Philadelphia area, helping patients experience healthy, beautiful, and properly aligned teeth. While metal braces are a great traditional treatment for many cases of malocclusion, an alternative called Invisalign® has become increasingly popular with teenage and adult patients. We'd like to consider how effective Invisalign® is at addressing overbites.
About Overbites
An overbite is an instance in which a person's upper dental arch conceal a considerable amount of the lower dental arch when a patient bites down. Though colloquially known as an overbite, the actual dental health problem being dealt with is properly known as an overjet.
When a patient has an overjet issue, he or she may notice issues with biting and chewing, problems with teeth grinding (bruxism), and a general problem with overall smile aesthetics.
The most common causes of overbites/overjets include the following:
- Genetics
- Bad habits such as thumbsucking
- Overdevelopment of the jawbone structure
About Invisalign®
Invisalign® is a revolutionary alternative to traditional metal braces. The Invisalign® system uses clear plastic aligners to help realign the teeth. Patients wear these removable plastic aligner trays at all times save for when eating, drinking, and cleaning their teeth. A new Invisalign® aligner is provided every two weeks in order to help with the gradual realignment of the teeth over the course of a few months.
Because the Invisalign® trays are clear, it is hard for people to notice them, even when they are up close. This makes Invisalign® an ideal option for many adults and teens.
How effective is Invisalign® at treating overbites?
Invisalign® is quite effective at treating overbites as well as other kinds of malocclusion. It should be noted that a patient's candidacy for Invisalign® varies based on the nature of his or her malocclusion, however. Overbites that are predominantly related to the position of the teeth per se rather than major issues with the contour/shape of the upper dental arch are able to be addressed with Invisalign®. Following Invisalign® treatment, patients will have a healthy and beautiful smile that is properly aligned and balanced.
More serious issues with the shape of the palate may require more advanced procedures simply given the nature of the malocclusion.
A Consultation for Invisalign® Is Crucial
During a consultation at our practice, we will carefully assess your candidacy for Invisalign® and help you make the best possible decision for your overall dental health and wellness.
Alternatives to Invisalign®
For children and pre-teens, Invisalign® is a poor option for their needs. The use of traditional braces and special spacers for the palate is typically more ideal.
For serious issues with overbites/overjets, metal braces are generally an ideal option to consider for effective treatment. In rare instances, oral surgery for the palate may be considered the best option for improving overall dental alignment.
Learn More About Invisalign® with Dr. Kellyn Hodges
For more information about Invisalign® and your many other options for treating malocclusions, it's important that you contact our orthodontic care team today. Dr. Kellyn Hodges will help you have the straightest and most beautiful smile possible.