Please be informed of our upcoming holiday schedules on the following location:

  • Wentworth Point – Closed on 25/12, 26/12, 27/12, 31/12, 01/01
  • Ropes Crossing – Closed on 25/12, 26/12, 27/12, 01/01

We are open on dates not mentioned above.

Can Clear Aligners Fix Overbite?

Clear aligners like Invisalign or Spark aligner have become an increasingly popular treatment option to straighten crooked, overcrowded or gapped teeth. But what about other teeth misalignment issues like overbites? Is Invisalign for an overbite effective?

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones by more than one-third or 3 millimetres. This misalignment can cause the upper teeth to protrude forward, leading to an uneven or imbalanced bite. Overbites can vary in severity, ranging from mild to more pronounced. They may be caused by factors such as genetics, jaw size discrepancies, thumb sucking, or prolonged pacifier use.

If you’re looking for discreet orthodontic treatments to fix an overbite and are not sure about its effectiveness when compared to traditional braces, we can help. Read on to find out more about how clear aligners can help fix overbites, their benefits and their comparison with alternative treatments.

What are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are custom-made trays made of a transparent plastic material to gently align your teeth. The aligners are fabricated according to your teeth impressions with the help of advanced 3D imaging technology. Each set is worn for several weeks, and discarded as the teeth shift and move to the correct position. 

Clear aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day to get the desired results. They must be removed for eating or drinking anything except water and during brushing or flossing your teeth. It is advised to clean your aligners before putting them back on and always store them in their case to avoid misplacing or losing them. 

At Boon Dental, we are registered providers of Invisalign and Spark aligners and provide personalised treatment plans to help you correct teeth alignment and bite problems. 

How Clear Aligners  Work for Overbite Correction

Clear  aligners can help correct most types of overbite problems. This usually involves using tooth-coloured attachments depending on the extent of malocclusion, teeth condition and the patient’s age.

Some of the treatment options for overbites include:

Mandibular Advancement for Children

Mandibular Advancement is a specialised treatment designed for children whose jaws are still developing and can benefit from guided growth. The aligners are designed to gradually advance the position of the lower jaw, helping to correct the overbite. The aligners guide the growth of the lower jaw into a more favourable position, bringing it forward to improve the bite relationship with the upper jaw.

It provides a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional functional appliances or headgear commonly used for similar corrections in the past.

Clear Aligner Rubber Bands

In adult cases of overbite correction, elastics or rubber bands can be incorporated into clear aligner treatment. Elastics are small rubber bands attached to the aligners to exert additional force on the teeth and jaws.

For overbites, elastics can be used to correct the alignment of the upper and lower jaws by applying the necessary pressure to adjust the bite relationship. The elastics are worn in specific configurations according to the treatment plan prescribed by your dentist.

The elastics work with the aligners, helping achieve optimal tooth and jaw movements for overbite correction. The size, type, and wear instructions for the elastics will vary depending on the specific needs of each case.

Benefits of Clear Aligners for Overbite Correction

Clear aligners offer a multitude of benefits for patients looking to correct overbites or other teeth alignment issues. Some of them include:

Aesthetic Appeal

Clear aligners are virtually invisible when worn, making them a more discreet treatment option. This can be appealing to teens and adults who want to improve their bite without drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment.

Comfortable Fit

Clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth and have smooth edges and a comfortable fit. Unlike traditional braces, they don’t have any wires or brackets rubbing against your mouth and causing gum irritation or tooth abrasion.

Easier Oral Hygiene

Clear aligners are also removable, allowing you to eat, drink, brush, and floss with minimal restrictions. This convenience promotes better oral hygiene and makes it easier to maintain healthy teeth and gums during treatment.

Predictable Treatment

Clear aligners utilise advanced 3D imaging technology to create a digital treatment plan. This allows you to see a virtual representation of how your teeth will move and how your bite will be corrected over time. The use of computer modelling provides a more predictable treatment process, helping you visualise and understand the expected results.

Fewer Visits to the Dentist

Traditional braces must be adjusted by the dentist every time your teeth change position. With clear aligners, you get customised aligner trays for every phase of your treatment. They are easy to put on and remove. The visits to the dentist are shorter as they usually only involve monitoring your progress and making necessary adjustments to your treatment plan if required.

Comparison: Invisalign & Spark vs Other Options for Overbites

While clear aligners can address a wide range of dental issues, there are certain types of bite problems, such as severe skeletal malocclusions, they may not be able to correct. It is also important to understand that overbite treatments work faster for younger patients with developing jaws. The treatment time may vary based on your age and the severity of your bite. There are also lifestyle factors and budgetary requirements to keep in mind when getting treatment for overbites or teeth or jaw misalignment.

It’s important to note that technological advancements and improvements in clear aligner systems have expanded their capabilities in addressing most bite issues. But there are always situations where alternative treatment options may be required. However, it is always best to consult with an orthodontist or dentist to evaluate your specific bite problem and determine the most suitable treatment for your case.

Some of the other options to treat overbites include:

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires fixed onto the teeth. They offer effective treatment for overbites and other orthodontic issues. Braces use brackets and archwires to gradually shift the teeth and correct overbites. Traditional braces are a proven treatment to correct almost all teeth alignment problems. But the visible glint of metal on the teeth may not appeal to everyone. Additionally, maintaining oral hygiene can be more challenging with braces as it can be difficult to clean around them. Food particles can get trapped in the brackets and wires, and some foods must be avoided to prevent damage to your braces. As braces are not removable and can only be adjusted by the dentist, you might need to visit the clinic more often.

Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery is a surgical option for correcting severe overbites. It involves repositioning the upper or lower jaw to correct the skeletal discrepancy causing the overbite. It is usually recommended for cases with significant jaw misalignment or skeletal issues that cannot be resolved through orthodontic treatments alone. Jaw surgery is a complex and invasive procedure that requires careful evaluation and planning by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Orthognathic surgery may be combined with orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign, for optimal results.

Ready to Begin Your Overbite Correction Journey?

Clear aligner technology has come a long way since Invisalign’s inception over two decades ago. What once was a revolutionary technology for discreet smile correction has evolved into a proven orthodontic treatment that helps people of all ages improve their smile’s appearance and functionality without compromising aesthetics. At Boon Dental, we offer clear aligner treatments tailored to your dental and lifestyle requirements. With a comprehensive evaluation, cutting-edge 3D technology and a bespoke treatment plan, we aim to provide high-quality dental care for visible and lasting results. Book a consultation at our Ropes Crossing or Wentworth Point Clinic today.

Boon Dental