Overbite is a common dental condition that affects up to 70% of the population. Thankfully there are several options for treating overbite here at Accent Smile Center, including clear aligner therapy. If you or your child have been dealing with the symptoms of an overbite, our expert team can help! Let’s explore the benefits of treating your overbite with clear aligners in our Dickson office.
What is an overbite?
An overbite is when your upper teeth come too far forward 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. This is harmful to the teeth and the health of the jaw joints and can impact the shape and overall appearance of your face.
There are two primary types of overbites. With a vertical overbite, the top teeth overlap the lower teeth more than usual. The upper front teeth stick out in front of the lower teeth in a horizontal overbite.
Each type of overbite can have several possible causes. Overbites are often hereditary, but they can also result from poor oral habits in childhood, like tongue thrusting, nail-biting, and prolonged pacifier or thumb sucking. Since most jaw growth happens in the early developmental stage, these habits can lead to uneven development.
Overbites can range from minor to severe, so we often describe this condition in terms of percentage. For example, a smaller percentage of overbite is common and won’t necessarily need correction. A larger percentage tends to cause oral health and cosmetic issues, which we can address with clear aligner treatment.
Treating your overbite with Clear Aligners
Besides improving the overall appearance of your smile, correcting an overbite can notably improve several associated symptoms, including:
- excessive wear and tear on the tooth enamel
- gum disease and inflammation
- headaches
- irregular chewing or biting
- jaw pain
- mouth breathing
- speech problems
- tooth grinding
Traditional braces used to be the only option for treating an overbite, and some cases will still need the stability they provide. However, thanks to modern technology, we can often achieve the same results with clear aligners!
Correcting an overbite with clear aligners can be a game-changer for many patients. It’s the most popular alternative to traditional braces in our Dickson office, thanks to its comfort and convenience. Because they’re removable, clear aligners give you an extra measure of flexibility they love!
Patient compliance is a huge factor in how successful clear aligner treatment is. The system can only work if you follow the recommended guidelines exactly. If aligners aren’t worn the required 20-22 hours per day throughout the treatment, the results can be affected and may also add time to the treatment process. The aligners also need to be switched out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep doing their job.
You can keep up your usual oral hygiene routine with clear aligners since the trays are designed to be removed before eating or brushing your teeth. That means there are no food restrictions, either! You can eat everything you usually would with clear aligners, as long as you’re careful to brush after every meal and floss each night before bed.
There’s no “one size fits all” answer for how long a patient will need to wear clear aligners. The average tends to be between 12 and 24 months, although this can vary widely depending on the individual case. clear aligner patients will typically have follow-up visits with us every four to eight weeks. Skipping these visits can quickly undo any progress that’s been made, so it’s essential to stick to the schedule.
What does the treatment process look like with Clear Aligners?
The first step in your smile journey is a visit with an experienced dentist. When you schedule your first visit with Dr. Gatgens, he’ll perform a thorough examination of your teeth and jaws. If your overbite is a good candidate for clear aligners, Dr. Gatgens will create a personalized treatment plan for you.
This plan will consider your specific needs, preferences, and goals. It will also include all the movements we want your teeth to make an estimate of how long we expect your 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.
Next, we’ll start 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 the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!
Improve your oral health with Clear Aligners and Accent Smile Center
Clear aligners can be an excellent solution for treating a range of issues in addition to overbites, including crowded teeth, underbites, crossbites, gapped teeth, and more. Although the system won’t be a good fit for everyone, many patients will find clear aligners to be a simple and subtle way to improve their oral health!
To learn more about fixing your overbite with clear aligners, contact our Dickson office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gatgens today.