Normally, the upper teeth should slightly overlap the lower teeth when you bite down. But if they’re protruding too much, you have what is known as an overbite. Many people with this condition are tempted to ignore the problem – but this is often a mistake. Your dentist is here to explain the consequences of an overbite and why you should have it corrected with Invisalign as soon as possible.
What Can Happen If Your Overbite Isn’t Corrected?
If your upper and lower teeth don’t align the way they should, your mouth won’t function properly. This can lead to the following issues:
- The force of your bite won’t be distributed correctly, causing certain teeth to wear down at an accelerated rate.
- You may experience jaw pain due to an excessive amount of pressure on the jaw joints.
- Your front teeth will be more susceptible to damage if you fall down or get hit in the mouth.
- Sometimes an overbite can affect your speech, potentially causing a lisp or interfering with your ability to make certain sounds.
In short, there are all kinds of problems that could result from ignoring an overbite. As such, it’s best to seek treatment from a professional once you realize you are struggling with bite issues.
How Can an Overbite Be Treated?
When it comes to correcting bite problems, traditional braces are likely to be the first solution you think of. However, many people would rather not have to worry about highly visible brackets and wires drawing the wrong kind of attention to their grins. Fortunately, many dentists can offer an alternative in the form of Invisalign.
The Invisalign process involves a series of clear aligners that gradually move the teeth toward better positions. Each aligner will need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day; you’ll move on to the next aligner after about two weeks, thus taking another step closer toward a healthier bite.
Invisalign has several advantages over traditional braces. Not only is it more discreet, but its removable nature means it won’t stop you from enjoying all of your favorite foods. That being said, Invisalign works best on mild to moderate overbites; more severe cases may require a more traditional orthodontic approach.
If you want to figure out the best way to treat an overbite, talk to your dentist. They can determine the nature and severity of your bite problem, and they can help you figure out whether Invisalign or another treatment is right for you.
About the Practice
Here at Blue Coast Dental Group, our dentists provide high-quality dental care while respecting our patients’ time, building trusting relationships, and being transparent about treatment options. We provide Invisalign as an option for patients who want to treat their bite problems without braces. To schedule a consultation at our practice in Torrance, visit our website or call (310) 424-3100.