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Can Invisalign® Fix Overbite?

June 2024

Overbite CausesInvisalign TreatmentKeeping Your Smile

Are you looking to fix your overbite? If so, you're not alone. Overbite is very common. So common, in fact, that almost everyone has at least a little overbite.1 Small overbites might not need treatment. When overbite is too large, it can wear your teeth down, make your jaw sore, or create other issues. Overbite can even lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Fortunately, today there are many ways to treat overbite, including Invisalign treatment. Invisalign aligners offer several advantages over braces – they are virtually invisible, comfortable, and faster than braces.

Your doctor can provide more information about overbite, including treatment options. Don’t have a doctor? Click here to find the right Invisalign provider near you.

What is overbite?

An overbite is the amount of "vertical" overlap of upper front teeth to lower front teeth.2 A little overbite is normal, but when it gets too big, it can cause jaw pain, tooth decay, gum diseases, increased change of damage to front teeth and impact on appearance, which can negatively affect self-esteem.2

What causes overbite?

Here are a few of the most common causes of overbite:3

  • Nail biting2 – Over time, the constant pressure and movement of the jaw caused by nail biting can move the upper front teeth forward, causing an overbite.

  • Teeth grinding - Grinding and clenching can put pressure on the teeth, causing the top teeth to move forward and pushing the bottom teeth back.

  • Genetics - If someone has a family with overbites, they may be more likely to get it too.4

  • Using a pacifier - Pacifier use, thumb sucking, and other similar behaviors are associated with an increased likelihood of malocclusions, including overbite.5

Invisalign treatment is more discreet than braces

Two popular ways to fix an overbite are braces and Invisalign aligners. Braces use metal brackets and wires to move your teeth into position. They can be effective, but they are easy to see and can often be uncomfortable. Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, are almost invisible. It’s hard for other people to see your Invisalign aligners while you are wearing them. Invisalign aligners are a more discreet option for correcting an overbite than braces.

Invisalign aligners are comfortable, removable, and fit most lifestyles

Invisalign clear aligners are removable and more comfortable than braces.6 This makes eating and taking care of your teeth more convenient than braces. When it comes time to take care of your teeth, all you have to do is take out your aligners, and you can brush and floss as usual. No worrying about navigating around bulky metal brackets or metal wires. Plus, you can still enjoy your favorite foods and drinks without worrying about food getting stuck in or damaging your braces.

Invisalign treatment may correct overbite faster than braces

Invisalign treatment can correct some malocclusions in as little as six months, with results appearing in weeks.7 Braces, on the other hand, can take between two and three years to treat overbite,8 depending on severity and root cause.

When treating your overbite with Invisalign aligners, it is important to stick to your treatment plan and follow your orthodontist's instructions.

Invisalign treatment cost is comparable to braces

Depending on your insurance and doctor, the cost of correcting your overbite with Invisalign aligners is comparable to braces. Your doctor will be able to review the details of your situation and provide more information on treatment costs.

Talk to your orthodontist about your overbite and correcting it with Invisalign aligners. Click here to find the right Invisalign provider near you.

Maintaining your smile well after the Invisalign treatment

Maintaining healthy habits is critical to the success of Invisalign treatment. These habits include:

  • Keep up with regular dental visits - Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums and check that your teeth are aligned correctly. If adjustments are needed, they can suggest treatments.

  • Brush your teeth daily - Brushing two minutes, twice daily, with ADA-approved toothpaste is recommended. An electric toothbrush can aid in removing plaque and make brushing more effective9 (American Dental Association, 2022).

  • Floss your teeth regularly - Regularly flossing daily and using mouthwash will help ensure teeth are kept clean and healthy between brushing.

Talk to your doctor about Invisalign treatment for your overbite

Contact your doctor to learn more about Invisalign treatment and if it’s right for you. They will review your situation and develop a treatment plan for you. Don’t have a doctor? The Invisalign Doctor Locator can help you find an Invisalign provider near you.


Disclaimer: The information contained in this website are for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you may have regarding any dental or medical-related condition and never disregard or delay seeking such advice because of something you have read on this website.

Wonder if Invisalign treatment is right for you?

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  1. California Association of Orthodontists. (2023 March 24) Does Everyone Have an Overbite? (https://caortho.org/does-everyone-have-an-overbite/)
  2. NWPH Staff. (2022 February 13) How to fix an Overbite: Treatment Options and More (https://www.nwph.net/how-to-fix-an-overbite)
  3. Whelan C. (2020 July 27) What Types of Braces Work Best for An Overbite? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/overbite-braces#causes-of-overbites
  4. National Library of Medicine (2020 January 16). Misaligned Teeth and Jaws: Overview (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553375/)
  5. Schmid K et al. (2018) The effect of pacifier sucking on orofacial structures: a systematic literature review. Progress in Orthodontics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5847634/
  6. Study sponsored by Align Technology and based on adult Class I, nonextraction, mild to moderate crowding cases with SmartTrack material. David W. White, Katie C. Julien, Helder Jacob, Phillip M. Campbell and Peter H. Buschang, Discomfort associated with Invisalign and traditional brackets: A randomized, prospective trial. The Angle Orthodontist Nov 2017, Vol. 87, No. 6 pp. 801-808
  7. Gu, J et al. Evaluation of Invisalign treatment effectiveness and efficiency compared with conventional fixed appliances using the Peer Assessment Rating index. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop February 2017;151:259-66Buschang, P et al. Comparative time efficiency of aligner therapy and conventional edgewise braces. Angle Orthodontist, Vol 84, No 3, 2014
  8. Valerelli F et al. (2017, Oct-Dec) Treatment of a Class II Malocclusion with Deep Overbite in an Adult Patient Using Intermaxillary Elastics and Spee Curve Controlling with Reverse and Accentuated Archwires. Contemporary Clinical Dentistry. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5754997/
  9. American Dental Association. Toothbrushes. (https://www.ada.org/en/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes) Accessed 6/30/2023