One of the first things we talk about with patients who come to us asking about fixing their overbite with Invisalign is what to do about it. An overbite is when the top teeth stick out too far over the bottom teeth. This can be a little or a lot. The good news is Invisalign can work for many types of overbites. But how well it works depends on a few key things.
At Marrecau Orthodontics we take the time to look at each patient’s individual situation before we recommend a treatment plan. Invisalign is great for mild to moderate overbites. The clear aligners can slowly move the top teeth back and in some cases the bottom teeth forward. This makes the upper and bottom teeth not touch. This takes a long time, usually 12-24 months depending on the severity of the overbite.
To get better teeth you have to wear a set of custom made aligners that put gentle pressure on them. You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks before moving on to the next one. To fix an overbite the aligners may have additional features like attachments. These are little tooth colored bumps that are glued to specific teeth to help the aligners grip better and move teeth more easily.
Some overbites are caused by the teeth being in the wrong place and others are caused by the jaw bones themselves. Invisalign works best when the overbite is caused by the way the teeth are positioned and not by the bones. If the overbite is caused by the upper jaw being too far forward or the lower jaw being too far back you may need to use traditional braces along with other orthodontic tools to get the best results. Types of Braces include metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and self-ligating systems. Exploring the different Types of Braces helps patients select the option that best suits their goals.
In Parkland we see great results with Invisalign for overbites in our patients. Many are surprised by how much better their bite and face look after treatment. Fixing an overbite not only makes teeth look better but it also helps them eat better and can make them last longer.
We use state of the art imaging equipment to show patients how their teeth will move throughout treatment during the first visit. This helps us determine if Invisalign will work for their overbite and what kind of results they can expect. We can also discuss how long the treatment will take and any additional steps that may be needed.
One good thing about using Invisalign to fix an overbite is that patients can see the progress over time. Unlike traditional braces which can cause big changes all at once during certain adjustment periods, Invisalign makes small continuous changes that feel more natural.
But for Invisalign to work well for correcting an overbite the patient must follow the instructions very well. To move the teeth into the correct position for bite correction the aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours a day. If patients take off their aligners a lot or don’t wear them for the prescribed amount of time they may not see the changes they want.
Some patients may need to use other equipment in addition to their Invisalign treatment. This could be rubber bands or other attachments to fix how the top and bottom teeth fit together. When you need to use these extra parts we give you clear instructions on how to do so.
Invisalign treatment for an overbite is about the same cost as traditional braces and most insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment no matter which procedure is used. We help patients understand their insurance and find ways to pay for their care when they need to.
Dr. Tomas Marrecau brings a strong academic background and a genuinely patient-focused approach to orthodontic care. After studying molecular biology at Princeton and completing dental school at Tufts, he finished his orthodontic residency at the University of Pennsylvania, gaining advanced training in modern treatment techniques. At his Parkland practice, he focuses on individualized care, creating treatment plans that fit each patient’s needs and long-term goals. Outside the office, he stays active through tennis, golf, and travel, keeping the same easygoing energy he brings to his work.