Here’s a fact to consider: 70% of the population has an overbite. This is an extremely common condition we can treat in several ways in our Cashmere and Wenatchee offices. At Cashmere Family Dentistry, we can correct overbites and create neatly aligned smiles with Invisalign clear aligners. If you or a loved one have been dealing with the symptoms of an overbite, our educated doctors can help! Let’s take a look at how this innovative system can change your smile without disrupting your lifestyle.
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. On top of that, they 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. Each type can have several possible causes. Overbites can be hereditary or stem from bad oral habits in childhood, like tongue thrusting, nail-biting, and prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking. Most jaw growth happens early, meaning bad habits can lead to uneven development.
Overbites can range from mild to severe. We often 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 dental treatment.
Benefits of Treating an Overbite with Invisalign
Besides improving the overall appearance of your smile, correcting an overbite can improve many other health issues, including:
- headaches
- jaw pain
- tooth grinding
- speech problems
- irregular chewing or biting
- mouth breathing
- gum disease and inflammation
- excessive wear and tear on the tooth enamel
Up until recently, traditional braces were the only available option for treating an overbite. While some cases may still require the stability of braces, we can usually achieve the same results with Invisalign clear aligners.
Correcting an overbite with Invisalign can be an exciting solution for many patients. It’s comfortable, convenient, and has a discreet appearance. They’re removable, so you can take them out before meals. This gives you an extra measure of flexibility that you’ll love!
Your dental journey should be a collaborative process between you and our dentists. Compliance is a huge factor in how successful your Invisalign treatment will be. The system can only work if you follow the guidelines from our doctors. If you don’t wear your aligners for twenty to twenty-two hours per day during treatment, the results can be affected and lengthen treatment time.
Since Invisalign is removable, you can remove the aligners before eating or cleaning your teeth. This means no food restrictions, and your oral hygiene routine will be easier! 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 wear clear aligners. The average time tends to be between twelve to twenty-four months, although this can vary widely depending on the individual case. Invisalign patients will typically have in-office visits with us every twelve weeks which limits time missing school or work. Our patients can also check in with us virtually with any questions or issues!
The Invisalign Treatment Process
An initial consultation with an experienced doctor is the first step in any dental journey. When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Busk or Dr. Harris, they will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and jaws. If your overbite is a good candidate for Invisalign, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan just for you.
This plan will consider your specific needs, preferences, and goals. It will also include all the movements we want your teeth to estimate how long we expect the treatment to take. We may even be able to give you a sneak peek of what your new smile will look like once treatment is complete, so you know what to expect!
We’ll then begin designing 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 a more ideal smile!
Get the best at Cashmere Family Dentistry
You deserve to feel safe, secure, and comfortable every time you visit the dentist’s chair. The expert team here at Cashmere Family Dentistry can help enhance your smile and restore your confidence in a friendly, professional environment. We have offices in Cashmere and Wenatchee, so get in touch today to find out more!
