Can invisalign correct overbites?

[Neya]

My dentist has me under the impression that invisalign will help solve all my problems (in only 5-6 months!) It just sounds too good to be true.
I have an overbite (without overjet) and my bottom teeth are pushing against my top teeth causing some pretty major pain and wear on my bottoms (there is 0-1mm space when my mouth is closed between the bottoms and tops). Although my top teeth are straight, my bottoms are crowded. The dentist gave me the impression we could use invisalign to not only fix my pain, but perfect my teeth without extractions, changing the back teeth or filing. In my mind, my only thought is he'd have to create an overjet. ew.

Im thinking to correct my overbite and associated pain I'd need traditional braces (which is fine by me) and I need to consult with some orthos first, but I wanted to see if my assumptions of invisalign are correct.

[bbsadmin]

You should get a consultation with an orthodontist or two. Most regular dentists do not have enough training to make a proper diagnosis on a case like this.

[Neya]

Thank you for the quick reply. This is what I was thinking also. Now to find a good orthodontist (or two or three) to consult with!

[Wireless]

I have a severe deep bite where my lower teeth contacted the gums behind my uppers. Like you were describing, I had a lot of pain from gum damage and also had ear aches and problems clearing my ears when flying.

My orthodontist went with Invisalign and some follow up techniques to correct the problem. He has been successful - I'm approaching the final months of treatment - but it hasn't been easy and has taken over two years.

I started out with what ended up being a total of 31 trays of Invisalign. This was followed by temporary Essix retainers that matched my last Invisalign trays along with metal buttons and elastics on my rear teeth.

It looks like we are going to finish with about 4 mm of vertical correction.

From my experience, a deep bite (sometimes called overbite) can be corrected with Invisalign with the right doc doing the work. I do agree this is something beyond what a typical dentist would do and best in the hands of a skilled orthodontist.

Like you, I had read that Invisalign wouldn't correct this type of problem and was surprised when my doc recommended this approach, which was to avoid doing damage to a resorbed tooth root from a previous treatment. This brings up another consideration - later retreatments may be more difficult and longer due to factors caused by earlier treatments.

I did have experience with a dentist using regular braces to correct my problem before. However, as I went through treatment with him, I realized he had limited skills. While he was able to correct the problem, it came back over a number of years. For this type of problem, I definitely would recommend an orthodontist. My doc has an advanced degree in orthodontics and has been good at explaning problems as well as dealing with issues that have come up.

Good luck!!

[DrJasonKTam]

It isn't whether Invisalign can correct and overbite... it is can your doctor use Invisalign to correct an overbite.

I can tell you that experienced orthodontists can definitely do this. However, the time frame for such a treatment wouldn't be that different from braces treatment. The reason is, the teeth are still moving biologically, and the teeth have no idea what is putting pressure on them (ie aligners vs braces).

There is a wide range of skill level with respect to Invisalign and this is the reason for the varying experiences with this treatment modality.

[drgnchsr36]

I have a severe deep bite where my lower teeth contacted the gums behind my uppers. Like you were describing, I had a lot of pain from gum damage and also had ear aches and problems clearing my ears when flying.

My orthodontist went with Invisalign and some follow up techniques to correct the problem. He has been successful - I'm approaching the final months of treatment - but it hasn't been easy and has taken over two years.

I started out with what ended up being a total of 31 trays of Invisalign. This was followed by temporary Essix retainers that matched my last Invisalign trays along with metal buttons and elastics on my rear teeth.

It looks like we are going to finish with about 4 mm of vertical correction.

From my experience, a deep bite (sometimes called overbite) can be corrected with Invisalign with the right doc doing the work. I do agree this is something beyond what a typical dentist would do and best in the hands of a skilled orthodontist.

Like you, I had read that Invisalign wouldn't correct this type of problem and was surprised when my doc recommended this approach, which was to avoid doing damage to a resorbed tooth root from a previous treatment. This brings up another consideration - later retreatments may be more difficult and longer due to factors caused by earlier treatments.

I did have experience with a dentist using regular braces to correct my problem before. However, as I went through treatment with him, I realized he had limited skills. While he was able to correct the problem, it came back over a number of years. For this type of problem, I definitely would recommend an orthodontist. My doc has an advanced degree in orthodontics and has been good at explaning problems as well as dealing with issues that have come up.

Good luck!!

Cool that you used Invisalign for this issue! I have a severe deep bite as well. Only one ortho out of three stated I could use it. But, they also told me more than likely I'd have to finish with braces. I thought about it, but I have some issues with snacking and whatnot...that I just didn't think Invisalign would work well with me. I guess people are right though, it depends on the orthodontist.

[andrea26]

I had an overbite - however my ortho thought that it was not my main issue and by the end of the treatment, I had beautifully straight teeth but the overbite was still there. I insisted that refinements correct this as I paid a lot of money for the treatment. And after extra 8 sets of refinements my overbite was gone. I am really happy with the results now. Good luck to you.

[Wireless]

A lot depends on any pre-existing conditions to determine what treatment is needed. Invisalign was never mentioned to me until after my orthodontist found a resorbed tooth root from a previous treatment (braces twice before). When I went in for my records review, I thought I would be signing up for regular braces. I was very surprised at his recommendation but did follow up on what happens with root resorption - its the same process by which baby teeth come out!! This tooth did cause problems, even with more cautious treatment, and I had to have a mid course correction as a result.

My treatment plan was only half Invisalign. The second phase has been to get my rear teeth to grow out, which has required elastics with metal buttons as well as partial clear retainers on my front teeth. This has gone slowly but steadily, and hopefully will be finished in a couple of months. My entire treatment has involved clear aligners and retainers on my front teeth, which have not been very visible. Essix retainers are thicker and stiffer than Invisalign trays and can be seen close up. So far only one person has noticed and commented in 2 years of treatment.

If you really want treatment other than regular braces, it is possible with a skilled and creative orthodontist. I've seen at least one other case on this board where a two stage approach was used. In my case, it ended up being the primary option to avoid more problems. However, as others have noted, eating and snacking can be a real pain - particularly when attending meetings or traveling.

Perhaps my biggest challenge is after treatment. My orthodontist noted that because of my jaw structure my problem would be difficult to treat and nearly impossible to keep in place (why there were two relapses). I'm not sure what retainer options there are - this is going to be a later discussion.

[Neya]

Thanks for all the replies, and sorry for the delay. I starting watching metal mouth forum.

Im in the process of saving up for my braces and being generally financially prepared. I've decided it's best to go to a good orthodontist either way (metal or invisible) since I have bite problems. I really don't mind the idea of metal traditionals. So I'm keeping my mind open

[Wireless]

It's good to keep an open mind about treatment options. In my case I thought I was signing up for regular braces and my doc wanted to use Invisalign due to pre-existing conditions. The more options you have open, the better.

Also, an orthodontist may use more than one technique for treatment. In my case, I started with Invisalign and am finishing with partial clear retainer with metal buttons and elastics on my rear teeth. Although my case is moving slowly, everything appears to moving successfully even though my deep bite was severe enough that my lowers were hitting my gums behind my uppers making treatment necessary. Originally, I had read that Invisalign wouldn't treat this bad of a condition - with a good doc, Invisalign definitely can!!

If you are planning treatment as an adult, the younger the better although it is not impossible later. I am in my early 60's and part of my problem is due to my lower jaw. So far, its taken over 2 years and I still have a ways (hopefully only a few months more!) to go. It would have been quicker at an earlier age.

Good luck with your decision!!

[BracesNewton]

I agree with a previous post that the answers turns not on Invisalign but on the provider, substantially speaking.

Since Invisalign certification requires minimal orthodontic training relative to orthodontic specialization, it is apparent that experience is far more important for successful Invisalign than it is for successful traditional orthodontics, and that there will be far more variation in expertise among Invisalign providers than among orthodontists.

The upshot is simple: Invisalign candidates should do their due diligence in screening for experience and training (beyond Invisalign certification), whether the provider is a general dentist or orthodontist, but especially the former.

[DrJasonKTam]

I agree with a previous post that the answers turns not on Invisalign but on the provider, substantially speaking.

Since Invisalign certification requires minimal orthodontic training relative to orthodontic specialization, it is apparent that experience is far more important for successful Invisalign than it is for successful traditional orthodontics, and that there will be far more variation in expertise among Invisalign providers than among orthodontists.

The upshot is simple: Invisalign candidates should do their due diligence in screening for experience and training (beyond Invisalign certification), whether the provider is a general dentist or orthodontist, but especially the former.

This a very accurate post save on thing. I wouldn't say that experience with Invisalign is more important than with braces. The issue is that there are fewer experienced doctors with Invisalign out there, and many of them may be very experienced with braces.

[moon781]

I have an overbite and after 16 uppers and then a refinement set of 8 (at which I am on 6), not only is this problem not corrected, but my upper teeth aren't even moving anymore. I have a dentist appt today, and we are going to have some words because what should have been finished does not seem possible.

We'll see.

[Advocate]

My layman understanding is that additional tools such as elastics are used in conjunction with the aligners to fix large overbites.

@moon781, that's sad that your progress seems to have stagnated for the moment. Have you seen good improvement from where you started? (difference from aligner 1 to aligner 17)