Can Invisalign Fix Overbite

What is an Overbite?

An overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper jaw overlaps the lower jaw. 

There are two common types of overbite:

• Skeletal overbites are due to the size, shape, and position of someone’s teeth and jaw. They’re usually genetic.
• Dental overbites are due to the position of the teeth. Sometimes the teeth can stick outwards because of childhood habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting.

Vertical overbites occur when the top teeth significantly overlap the bottom teeth.

Failing to correct an overbite can lead to complications such as:

• Higher risk of tooth decay
• Increased risk for gum disease
• Jaw pain
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
• Headaches
• Issues with chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• Lower self-esteem

Thankfully, Invisalign can successfully correct most mild to moderate overbites.

What Types of Overbites Can Invisalign Fix?

Invisalign can fix most mild to moderate dental overbites. Severe cases of skeletal overbite may require surgery to reposition the jaw.

What is Invisalign and How Does it Work?

Invisalign is a system of clear aligners. It’s an effective alternative to traditional metal braces. Clear aligners are transparent plastic trays that apply gentle pressure to slowly reposition teeth.

Since its introduction in 1998, Invisalign has treated nearly 11 million people, becoming the world’s #1 clear aligner brand.

Here’s how Invisalign works:

1. Invisalign treatment begins with an (often free) in-person consultation with an Invisalign-trained dentist or orthodontist. During this consultation, they will digitally scan your teeth and design a personalized treatment plan.
2. Next, they will make a series of clear aligners based on both your current and desired teeth alignments. Over the course of treatment, the aligners will slowly move your teeth into their correct positions to correct your overbite.
3. You will wear your Invisalign aligners for 22+ hours per day. Only remove them to eat, drink, brush, or floss. The aligners will straighten your teeth by 0.25 to 0.3 millimeters every two weeks.⁵
4. After two weeks, you’ll return to the dentist or orthodontist for a follow-up appointment. They’ll review your treatment progress, and you’ll receive your remaining sets of Invisalign aligners. 
5. After that, appointments are roughly every 6 weeks, and you’ll continue switching your aligners every two weeks.
6. After treatment ends, you’ll wear a retainer at night to keep your teeth straight.

Unlike braces, Invisalign treatment is a discrete, convenient, and comfortable way to correct an overbite.

How Long Does it Take for Invisalign to Fix an Overbite?

This varies depending on the severity of the overbite and how often you wear the aligners. On average, Invisalign takes 6 to 20 months to correct an overbite. 

The presence of additional teeth alignment issues, such as crowded or rotated teeth, can also increase treatment time.

How Much Does Invisalign Treatment for Overbites Cost?

Invisalign costs between $3,000 to $8,000, on average. Pricing varies depending on the state you live in, your Invisalign provider, and the severity of your overbite.

Invisalign vs. Braces vs. At-Home Aligners for Overbite

Besides Invisalign, braces and some at-home aligners are also options for treating overbites.

Braces

Braces have served as the traditional orthodontic treatment for most teeth alignment issues for decades. Braces can correct most overbites within 6 to 24 months, which makes Invisalign a slightly faster option. 

Treatment with metal braces for overbite costs between $2,500 and $7,000. This does not include the initial consultation, which usually costs between $275 to $300. Ceramic braces will cost more, generally ranging between $4,000 to $8,000.

At-Home Aligners

At-home aligners usually don’t treat as many cases of teeth misalignment as Invisalign or braces, but they can be a convenient option in more mild cases. 

Treatment time varies depending on the aligner brand, but most at-home aligners can correct minor teeth misalignment in 4 to 6 months. However, treatment can sometimes take much longer, depending on the case. Cost varies but is generally thousands less than braces or Invisalign.

Pros and Cons of Invisalign for Overbites

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign for overbites to determine if treatment is right for you:

Pros

• Can fix most overbites
• Helps achieve a beautiful smile and more confidence
• More discrete, convenient, and comfortable than braces
• No metal wires or brackets to cut your mouth
• Can prevent teeth-grinding
• Studies show clear aligner treatment causes less discomfort than braces
• Invisalign clear aligner plastic is FDA-approved and free of toxins
• Equally or more affordable than braces

Cons

• May not be suitable for severe skeletal overbites
• Invisalign is removable, meaning treatment outcomes depend partially on the wearer
• Some tooth discomfort involved
• Can be expensive

Limited-Time Sale on Byte® Starter Kits

70% off Impression Kit, $100 Off Aligners + Free BrightByte Whitening Treatment

Learn More