Fix Your Overbite with Invisalign

Overbites are a prevalent condition we can treat in our Tuscaloosa office. At Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics, we can use Invisalign to correct overbites and create beautiful smiles. If you have an overbite, our expert team can help! Let’s look at how this exciting system can change your smile without disrupting your daily life. 

What is an overbite?

An overbite is when your upper teeth come too far over the lower teeth. When a deep overbite is present, the lower teeth recede so far behind the upper teeth that they bite into the roof of the mouth. Overbites are bad for your teeth and jaw joints and can impact the shape and appearance of your face.

There are two primary types of overbites. With a vertical overbite, the top teeth overlap the lower teeth more than average. The top front teeth stick out in front of the lower teeth in a horizontal overbite. Overbites can be hereditary or stem from bad oral habits in childhood, like tongue thrusting, nail-biting, and prolonged pacifier or thumb sucking.

Overbites can range from minor to severe, so we describe this condition in terms of percentage. For example, a small percentage of overbite is common and won’t necessarily require correction. A more significant percentage tends to cause oral health and cosmetic issues, which we can address with orthodontic treatment. 

What are the benefits of treating an overbite with Invisalign?

Besides improving the appearance of your smile, correcting an overbite can improve symptoms, including:

• headaches 
• gum disease and inflammation
• excessive wear and tear on the tooth enamel
• jaw pain
• tooth grinding 
• speech problems 
• irregular chewing or biting
• mouth breathing 

Traditional braces were previously the only option for treating an overbite, and some cases still require braces, but we can often achieve the same results with Invisalign clear aligners! 

Invisalign is our most popular alternative to traditional braces, thanks to its comfort and convenience. Because they’re removable, Invisalign aligners give you an extra measure of flexibility that you’ll love! 

Your compliance is a huge factor in how successful your Invisalign treatment will be. The system can only work if you follow the guidelines from Dr. Cowan or Dr. Whitaker. If you don’t wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day during treatment, the results can be affected, which may add time to your treatment. You’ll switch your aligners out for the next every week to keep up with the movements of your teeth. 

With Invisalign, you can maintain your regular oral hygiene routine since you remove the aligners before eating or brushing your teeth. That means there are no food restrictions, either! You can eat everything you usually would during Invisalign treatment as long as you brush after every meal and floss before bed.

There’s no “one size fits all” answer for how long you will need to wear clear aligners. The average time tends to be between 12-24 months, although this will vary depending on your case. Invisalign patients typically have in-office visits with us every 12 weeks, limiting time missing school or work. You can also check in with us virtually with any questions or concerns. 

The Invisalign treatment process

The first step in your orthodontic journey is a free consultation with Dr. Cowan or Dr. Whitaker. They will thoroughly examine your teeth and jaws to determine if your overbite is a good candidate for Invisalign and create a treatment plan just for you. 

This plan will consider your specific needs, preferences, goals, and the movements we want your teeth to make. We may even be able to give you a sneak peek of what your new smile will look like once treatment is complete. 

We’ll design your aligners using the 3D scan of your teeth and gums as our guide. Once the first set arrives from the lab, you’ll be on your way to the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!

Improve your smile with Invisalign and Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics

Invisalign clear aligners can be an excellent solution for treating various issues in addition to overbites. These include crowded teeth, underbites, crossbites, and space between teeth. Although the system won’t be a good fit for everyone, you may find Invisalign a simple and subtle way to improve oral health! 

In addition to Invisalign clear aligners, Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics offers a range of orthodontic services. Contact our Tuscaloosa office today to determine if orthodontic treatment is right for your smile.