Do you have an overbite that is affecting your appearance, your speech and your ability to properly chew food? At VanLaecken Orthodontics, our doctors provide treatment options for preteens, teenagers and adults with mild to severe overbites that are caused by misaligned teeth and skeletal problems with the jaw.
Overbite Explained
An overbite occurs when the top teeth significantly overlap the bottom teeth. While most people have a small degree of overbite, usually where the upper teeth protrude over the bottom teeth by 2 to 4mm, severe overbites, where the teeth jut over the bottom teeth by 4 to 6mm or greater, should be corrected.
Horizontal Overbites
A horizontal overbite is diagnosed when the upper teeth protrude too far forward over the bottom teeth. This can occur if the upper teeth are angled forward in the mouth or if the upper jaw is significantly forward of the lower jaw.
Vertical Overbites
Vertical overbites are diagnosed when the upper teeth extend down over the bottom teeth. While some overhang of the top teeth is normal, when the upper teeth hang down significantly over the bottom teeth, it should be treated in order to prevent chips, cracking and excessive wear of the front teeth.
Can Clear Aligners Fix an Overbite?
The good news is that clear aligners can be used to fix dental overbites. These are overbites that are caused by the upper teeth being angled outward or toward the lips. This can occur if the individual was allowed to suck on a pacifier or their thumb for an extended amount of time as a child and tongue thrusting. Children, teenagers and adults can develop overbites if they bite their nails and/or chew on objects, like pens, pencils and erasers.
How Aligners Fix an Overbite
Aligners fix overbites by applying constant pressure on the teeth. This pressure moves the teeth into their optimal locations, which help fix mild to moderate overbites and straightens teeth. However, in order to be effective, individuals undergoing overbite correction with VanLaecken Orthodontics need to wear their aligners at least 22 hours a day. This means that the aligners must be worn while sleeping and should only be removed for eating and brushing and flossing the teeth.
It’s important to note that individuals receive a set of aligning trays. Each tray is worn for about two weeks, and it is designed to move the teeth a certain amount. After two weeks, the individual should switch to the next tray in the series. The entire process can involve as many as 26 trays, which is one tray every two weeks for 12 months.
Why People Choose VanLaecken Orthodontics to Fix Their Overbites
Teens and adults choose to fix their overbites with VanLaecken Orthodontics because the clear trays are virtually invisible. Since the trays are removable, the individual can remove them for eating and brushing and flossing their teeth. This means that there are no dietary restrictions during mealtimes and the oral hygiene process doesn’t involve any extra steps. Treatment is also faster than with traditional braces with most people completing their treatment within nine to 12 months.
Financing Invisalign Treatment in Sioux Falls
Many adults and parents of preteens and teenagers may be concerned about the cost of overbite correction with clear aligners. We understand every budget is different, just like every smile. When you meet with our doctors for an assessment, we will determine cost, and work with you to find the best payment solutions for you. VanLaecken Orthodontics offers 3 ways to pay for treatment, including a FSA, HSA, insurance coverage or monthly payment plans. Learn more about our financing options today.
Source: “Can Clear Aligners Fix An Overbite,” Laster Orthodontics