Did you know that invisalign can correct mild to moderate malocclusions? If you are interested in this topic, this article will explain how and under what conditions invisalign can solve the problem of malocclusion, as well as the causes and possible damages of malocclusion.
First of all, it is important to determine when treatment is necessary. It is not advisable to make this decision on an individual basis. It is very important that you follow the advice of your dentist after a thorough examination.
This type of orthodontic treatment usually takes months, sometimes years. You need to know in advance what to expect during treatment and what your responsibilities will be.
That is why we recommend that you read our article carefully and in detail. Now let's look at the details.
What is an overbite?
Firstly, let us understand what the bite of the upper jaw is and which tooth alignments fall under this definition. In a healthy tooth alignment and jaw structure, the upper teeth are slightly in front of the lower teeth.
In some people, however, the upper teeth extend significantly further than expected and cover the lower teeth to a large extent. This type of alignment and/or jaw structure is called an overbite.
The severity of the anomaly varies from person to person. In some people with an overbite, the upper teeth may completely cover the lower teeth. In such cases, daily activities such as speaking and eating become more difficult and require intervention. In milder cases, treatment can still be sought for aesthetic concerns.
Overbite causes and symptoms
Causes of the upper jaw being more prominent than the lower jaw
There are many causes of a prominent upper jaw compared to the lower jaw, including genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. If the underlying cause or causes are environmental or behavioral, it may be possible to prevent the development of a prominent upper jaw relative to the lower jaw. However, once the anomaly has developed, achieving an ideal jaw and teeth alignment is only possible with orthodontic or surgical treatments.
Causes of the upper jaw in front of the lower jaw:
Familial genetic inheritance
The upper jaw being in front of the lower jaw can occur in children as a result of genetic inheritance. If left untreated, this condition may continue into adulthood. For this reason, it is important for children to visit the dentist regularly from an early age.
Thanks to these regular checkups, your child will not only develop a healthy habit of visiting the dentist but will also ensure that possible anomalies are detected early. Let's not forget that much faster and ideal results can be achieved with such treatments as jaw and tooth development continues in childhood.
Behavioral habits in infancy and/or childhood
Prolonged use of a pacifier or bottle in infants can lead to a malocclusion of the upper jaw because of the constant forward pressure on the palate. Prolonged use of bottles or pacifiers is therefore not recommended. Similarly, thumb sucking can also cause this anomaly for the same reason.
You can actually think of this as the opposite of orthodontic treatment. Continuous small forces applied to the teeth and palate can lead to permanent structural changes. Therefore, protecting our babies and children from such habits is very important for developing a healthy jawline.
Permanent tooth loss
After the milk teeth fall out, permanent teeth begin to take their place. Each permanent tooth, together with the tissues to which it is attached, is part of a harmony and balance that extends to the spine. Therefore, the loss of one or more permanent teeth can disrupt this balance. To prevent this, it is important to maintain proper oral and dental hygiene, avoid acidic and sticky foods and drinks, and go for regular dental checkups.
Wink Smile Turkey is happy to offer you professional support in this regard. However, if tooth loss has already occurred, it is necessary to evaluate the situation immediately and complete the missing tooth with treatments such as implant treatment. Otherwise, bone loss occurs in the area where the tooth is lost, and the jaw structure begins to deteriorate. A possible consequence of this deterioration is the impaired bite of the upper jaw.
Tongue thrust
Pushing the teeth forward with the tongue during swallowing for various structural reasons may cause the upper jaw to protrude forward in the long term. Therefore, if you experience such a problem, you may need to consult a dentist or even an ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist in some cases. Addressing the problem before it leads to permanent consequences can help you prevent the upper jaw from protruding forward.
Nail-biting behavior
Nail biting puts regular forward pressure on the teeth, causing permanent adverse changes in the tooth structure. In short, it is necessary to stop the nail-biting habit before it leads to overbite and other health problems.
Overbite symptoms
Standing in front of the mirror and examining your teeth, you may have wondered, ‘Do I have a protruding upper jaw?’ So let's take a closer look at the symptoms. However, no single symptom alone can provide a definitive diagnosis. The only correct diagnosis will be made by your dentist after examinations.
If your front teeth are positioned too far forward when you bite
Slightly part your lips as if you were smiling while keeping your teeth closed. If your front teeth seem to protrude more than usual, you may have an overbite. Don't delay - it's time to visit the dentist!
Pain and locking of the jaw joints (temporomandibular joint disorders)
Jaw and joint pain due to misalignment and balance of the jaw can be a consequence of an overbite.We have good news for you. If this pain is caused by an overbite, treatment is possible, and you can be free from this pain.
Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds when speaking
If you have problems with lisping or whistling when you speak, it may be because the upper jaw is in front of the lower jaw. It is possible to improve your pronunciation with the treatment recommended and carried out by your dentist. If the problem persists, you can seek additional professional support and speech therapy.
Difficulty chewing
When the upper jaw is in front of the lower jaw, the teeth and jaw are out of alignment. As a result, the chewing function may not be able to take place properly. You can get help from your dentist to solve this difficulty.
Headaches
An overbite with the upper jaw in front of the lower jaw can also lead to headaches in advanced stages.
Aesthetic impairment
Malocclusion beyond a certain degree can be seen as an anomaly that affects the person's self-esteem.
Can invisalign correct an overbite?
If you have a mild or moderate overbite problem, it may be possible to correct it with invisalign treatment in Antalya. By using invisalign, a clear aligner, as recommended by your dentist, it is possible to correct an overbite problem. However, it is important to note that only your dentist can determine if this treatment is right for you.
The fact that invisalign treatment does not have the conspicuous appearance of braces and that patients can remove their invisalign aligners at any time makes it a preferred treatment option for many people with overbites.
How does invisalign fixes an overbite?
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners are used to apply minimal force to your teeth. As a result, the position of your teeth and the structure of your jaw gradually change day by day
You may need to see your orthodontist at regular intervals. When the changes to your teeth have been completed with the current aligner, a new aligner is fitted and the force is applied to your teeth again. This step-by-step process will eventually bring your teeth into their ideal position.
In some cases, the invisalign treatment may be supported with an aligner. The purpose of this support is to help reposition your jaw correctly. Once the ideal alignment is achieved, it may be recommended that you continue to wear your aligner for a while. The aim of this continued use is to ensure that the new position of your teeth is permanent.
If you follow your dentist's recommendations carefully, invisalign treatment can provide permanent results.
How long does it take?
Invisalign treatment usually takes between 6 and 12 months for mild overbite problems, while for moderate overbites, it can take between 12 and 24 months. However, as mentioned, these are average durations.
Each individual's oral and dental structure is different, and this difference will naturally affect the treatment time. The severity of the problem is also one of the factors that determine the duration of the treatment. Therefore, the most accurate information regarding the treatment duration can only be provided by your orthodontist.
Another factor that affects the duration is how consistently you wear your aligners daily. In overbite treatment, clear aligners should be worn for an average of 20–22 hours a day. Failing to do so may also extend the treatment period.
How can an overbite be corrected naturally?
Unfortunately, an overbite cannot be corrected naturally once it has developed. However, if the cause is behavioral or environmental, you can prevent it at the very beginning by eliminating the triggering factors. Stopping habits such as thumb-sucking and nail-biting, breathing through the nose rather than the mouth, and positioning the tongue correctly can help prevent the development of an overbite.
However, if the problem has progressed, the only solution is to seek professional orthodontic help. At this point, Wink Smile Turkey dental clinic will always be at your side, ready to provide you with expert and attentive healthcare services!