Can Invisalign Improve an Overbite and Underbite?

An overbite, deep bite, or overjet is a condition where your upper teeth cover the lower ones. When your upper jaw sits far forward from the lower one, it hides your lower teeth. The misalignment can result from bad oral habits or genetics.

Normal dental alignment is where the upper jaw rests over your lower jaw. In this position, your front teeth project slightly forward. An underbite is where the lower jaw projects in front of the lower jaw. It can hinder the typical function of your mouth, including hampering your molars and front teeth.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a procedure that involves straightening out your teeth without using brackets and wires. It involves the use of aligners. These are clear, bespoke removable appliances that are hard to recognize. Invisalign helps in several dental procedures, including improving overbites and underbites.

Can Invisalign Improve Overbites and Underbites?

Invisalign can improve several orthodontic issues. The first step is booking an appointment with an orthodontist. After consultation, the orthodontist will take a digital scan of your teeth. They use this to form a virtual, three-dimensional model of your teeth. Next, they will plan the treatment that involves a mixture of your tooth and jaw movement.

Simple Invisalign treatments involve straightening out your teeth, allowing you to bite down comfortably. Difficult jaw alignments may require additional appliances alongside Invisalign.

Age and Invisalign

Your age dictates the kind of Invisalign treatment that you will need. Most people finish their growing process at around 12 or 13 years old. At this stage, the orthodontist cannot depend on conventional mandibular advancement equipment to improve your underbite or overbite.

In this case, they will have to incorporate elastics alongside Invisalign aligners. The elastics gradually help correct the orthodontal problem. The elastics provide additional pressure to move the teeth in a specific direction. In younger people, jawbones are still growing and so easier to realign.

Risks of Not Improving Overbites and Underbites

Not receiving orthodontal help for overbites and underbites may result in several complications. These include:

Speech impediment.
Gum infections.
Dental cavities.
Issues breathing.
Pain in your jaws.
Discomfort when chewing.

Length of Invisalign Treatment

Your length of Invisalign treatment, like any other form of treatment, depends on your condition. The more severe your condition, the longer it will take to treat the underbite or overbite. The severity of your condition also dictates the kind and amount of work that the orthodontists need to do.

As a start, the orthodontist may need you to keep the aligners on for six months to two years. Reduce the moments you have them out to less than two hours daily. Only take them out when brushing your teeth or eating.

If you exceed these parameters, your time with them might extend. For better results in a shorter time, you must wear the aligners overnight. Once you complete the Invisalign treatment, you must wear a retainer for a while. The retainer ensures that your teeth maintain their new alignment.

For more on Invisalign and its effect on overbites and underbites, visit Align Dental at our office in Boston, Massachusetts. You can call (617) 340-5300 today to schedule an appointment.