Can Invisalign Fix an Overjet?

Key Takeaways

• An overjet is also known as buck teeth
• Invisalign treatment can correct most overjets in 6 to 24 months
• Treatment with Invisalign is discrete, comfortable, and convenient
• Correcting an overjet with Invisalign costs between $2,400 to $9,000
• Severe overjets may require braces or jaw surgery

Can Invisalign Fix an Overjet?

Invisalign is a highly effective treatment for most cases of overjets.

An overjet is a type of malocclusion (teeth alignment issue) in which the upper front teeth stick out over the lower teeth. It’s sometimes also referred to as “buck teeth.”

Overjets can be hereditary or caused by bad habits. 

Causes of overjets include:

• Tongue thrusting
• Thumb-sucking
• Crowded teeth
• Late eruption of permanent teeth

Overjets are relatively mild compared to other bite issues. However, they can cause speech problems like lisps and slurring. They also increase the risk of damage to the mouth and teeth.

Fortunately, orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign, can fix most overjet cases.

What is Invisalign & How Does it Work?

Invisalign is a system of clear aligners. It’s an alternative orthodontic treatment to traditional braces. Unlike braces, Invisalign clear aligners are discrete, convenient, and relatively comfortable. 

First introduced in 1998, Invisalign has treated nearly 11 million people since then. It has become the world’s leading 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, your dentist or orthodontist will take digital scans of your teeth. They will then design a treatment plan based on these scans.
2. Next, they will make a series of clear aligners on both your current and desired teeth alignment. Over the course of treatment, the aligners slowly move your teeth into their correct positions to correct an overjet.
3. Wear your Invisalign clear aligners 20 to 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.⁶
4. After that two-week period, 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. After that, appointments will occur roughly every six weeks, and you’ll continue switching your aligners every two weeks.
5. After treatment ends, you’ll wear a retainer at night to keep your teeth straight.

How Long Does it Take Invisalign to Fix Overjets?

The timeline of overjet correction with Invisalign varies depending on how often you wear the aligners and how severe your overjet is. 

Invisalign may be able to correct a normal overjet within six months.³ More difficult cases may take up to two years.³

Other malocclusion issues will also extend treatment length.

Types of Overjets Invisalign Can & Can’t Fix 

Invisalign treatment can correct most overjets. Severe cases or having multiple bite problems (having an overjet and crowding, for example) may require jaw surgery.

Invisalign Treatment Cost for Overjets

The cost of correcting an overjet with Invisalign varies depending on the overjet’s severity, where you live, and who your treatment provider is. Having an overjet corrected with Invisalign costs between $2,400 and $9,000.³ The average cost is around $5,000.¹

Pros and Cons of Invisalign for Overjets

Overjet correction with Invisalign offers the following benefits:

• Invisalign aligners are removable
• Oral hygiene is easier
• They’re less noticeable than braces
• No metal wires or brackets to cut your mouth
• They’re easy to clean
• Equally or more affordable than braces
• Can prevent bruxism
• Invisalign clear aligners are made of a special plastic, FDA-approved for medical use
• Treatment causes less discomfort than braces²
• A beautiful smile and more confidence

Cons of Invisalign include:

• May not be suitable for severe cases
• Invisalign is removable, meaning treatment outcomes depend partially on the wearer
• Some tooth discomfort is involved
• Can be expensive
• Elastics or tooth colored buttons may be necessary to correct the malocclusion

When are Alternative Treatments Necessary?

Invisalign treats mild to moderate cases of overjet. Some severe cases may require alternative forms of treatment, which include:

Braces

Braces are a good treatment option for moderate to severe overjets. Someone whose overjet is a result of bad habits may also benefit from braces since they aren’t removable. 

You can have braces on their own or in combination with orthodontic headgear and behavior modification. 

There are several varieties of braces, including metal, clear, and lingual. Depending on which kind you have, the cost can range between $3,000 to $10,000.

Surgery

Jaw surgery may be necessary to correct an overjet due to jaw misalignment. Surgery may involve not only realigning the jaw but also extracting teeth. 

Due to how invasive surgery is, orthodontists typically only recommend it as a last resort.

There are different types of orthognathic surgery. The cost may range between $20,000 to $40,000, depending on the type.

Do Overjets Need to Be Fixed?

Overjets are a more mild form of malocclusion. However, they can still lead to a variety of problems, including:

• Toothaches
• Jaw pain
• Speech issues
• Lower self-esteem
• Higher risk of mouth injury
• Teeth may get worn down

Thankfully, correcting an overjet with Invisalign is easy and discrete. And, it can improve your smile and oral health.

If you are dealing with an overjet, ask a dental professional if Invisalign treatment is right for you.