Overbite

[Deb]

Hello

I have a large overbite which I have always wanted to fix since my school days. It seems that my top front teeth cover a lot of my lower front teeth and for that reason when I smile its not possible to see much of my lower teeth.

I wonder if Invisalign could correct my overbite or if I would need to have metal braces to fix the problem. I have been on one consultation where I was offered veneers but I dont want to have any of my tooth removed. So it would be great if Invisalign could work. Please let me know, if you think Invisalign would be suitable for correcting my overbite.

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Deb,

Thank you for your post.

Deep overbites are quite common in the population so you are not alone with this issue. With a deep overbite the lower front teeth are covered more than 1/3 by the upper front teeth and therefore hidden when you smile and speak which is less attractive. This problem is treatable with braces.

Invisalign braces are effective at improving deep overbites as the mechanism of the aligner allows forces to be applied to push teeth further into the bone. Attachments are required on the middle teeth to enable the aligner to grip the teeth and apply sufficient force for these movements to express.

Veneers can reduce deep overbites but significant shaving down of teeth would be needed and therefore not the treatment of choice in such cases.

Following a consultation and assessment we can determine if you are suitable for invisalign or if fixed braces are more appropriate. Generally invisalign is effective at improving deep overbites. Invisalign consultations are free at Pearl.