Can Clear Aligners Fix an Overbite?

Over the past 20 years, an estimated 5 million patients have been treated with clear aligner therapy, an increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal braces. According to Forbes, Invisalign^®, the pioneer in the field, dominates about two-thirds of the market for clear aligners. Here at True Dental, we offer the well-known Invisalign aligners, as well as MTM^® clear aligners. Both of these virtually undetectable aligners are made of smooth plastic, offer a shorter treatment time than traditional braces, and allow for normal oral hygiene. In essence, they are a great way to fix many alignment issues. But can they correct an overbite? Read on to learn about factors that contribute to crooked teeth, in addition to what an overbite is and how it can be corrected.

What Causes Misalignment?

Several factors can contribute to overcrowded teeth, misalignment, and an abnormal bite, such as: genetics; a cleft lip or palate; thumbsucking beyond the age of three; missing, impacted, or abnormally shaped teeth; improperly-fitted fillings, crowns, braces, or other dental appliances; tumors of the mouth and jaw; and a broken jaw that healed incorrectly. There are many kinds of misalignment, but today we’ll focus on the difference between an overbite and an overjet:

Overbite

An overbite is a form of malocclusion in which the upper teeth hang down to overlap a portion of the bottom teeth. In severe cases, the bottom teeth even painfully poke into the roof of a person’s mouth behind their top teeth.

Overjet

Many patients confuse the word “overbite” with a condition called an “overjet”. An overjet is different because the top teeth don’t overlap the bottom teeth. Instead, the top teeth stick out more than the bottom teeth (think “buck teeth”), which leaves a gap when a person bites down.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Treatment with clear aligners involves a series a removable plastic retainers. Under the guidance of our expert dentists, these gently correct the position of teeth by gradually shifting them into the desired place. In general, traditional metal braces are more versatile and offer a wider range of treatment capabilities. However, clear aligners can be used to correct crowded teeth, crooked teeth, gaps, unusually spaced teeth, and more. Depending on your unique dental needs, clear aligners may be effective in treating your overbite.

Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation Today!

Since orthodontic treatment is such an individualized process, we invite you to schedule a consultation here at True Dental to determine the best course of treatment for your specific smile goals and situation. Contact us today with additional questions and to schedule your appointment.

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