Yes, Invisalign can fix most overbites. Clear aligners effectively treat mild to moderate overbites by gradually shifting your teeth and improving how your upper and lower teeth fit together. For severe overbites caused by jaw structure issues, additional treatment may be needed, but many patients achieve excellent overbite correction with Invisalign alone.
If you have an overbite and want to know whether Invisalign is right for you, this guide explains how the treatment works, what types of overbites respond best, and what to expect during the process.
How Does Invisalign Fix an Overbite?
Invisalign corrects an overbite by applying gentle, controlled pressure to move your teeth into better alignment over time.
The aligners work by gradually repositioning your upper teeth back and your lower teeth forward until your bite fits together properly. Each set of aligners makes small adjustments, and as you progress through your treatment, your overbite improves incrementally.
For more significant overbite correction, your orthodontist may add elastics (rubber bands) to your treatment. Elastics connect your upper and lower aligners, providing additional force to adjust how your jaws come together. Small attachments or buttons bonded to certain teeth give the elastics anchor points.
The 3D treatment planning technology allows your orthodontist to map out exactly how your teeth will move from start to finish. You can see a simulation of your overbite correction before treatment begins, so you know what results to expect.
What Types of Overbites Can Invisalign Treat?
There are two main types of overbites, and Invisalign works better for one than the other.
- Dental overbite occurs when the position of your teeth causes the overlap. Your upper front teeth stick out too far, or your lower front teeth sit too far back. Invisalign works very well for dental overbites because moving teeth is exactly what clear aligners do. Most patients with dental overbites are excellent Invisalign candidates.
- Skeletal overbite occurs when the size or position of your jaw bones causes the overlap. Your upper jaw may be too far forward, or your lower jaw may be too far back. Mild skeletal overbites can sometimes be improved with Invisalign combined with elastics. Severe skeletal overbites may require jaw surgery in addition to orthodontic treatment.
Your orthodontist evaluates your overbite during your consultation to determine whether it is dental, skeletal, or a combination of both. This assessment guides the treatment recommendation.
- Mild to moderate overbites respond very well to Invisalign. If your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth by a few millimeters more than ideal, Invisalign can typically correct this effectively.
- Severe overbites may require traditional braces or a combination of orthodontics and surgery. Your orthodontist will be honest about whether Invisalign can achieve the results you want or if another approach would work better.
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Fix an Overbite?
The time required to fix an overbite with Invisalign depends on how significant the correction needs to be.
- Mild overbite correction typically takes 6 to 12 months. If your overbite is minor and your teeth need limited movement, treatment can be relatively quick.
- Moderate overbite correction usually takes 12 to 18 months. This is the most common range for patients with noticeable overbites that require more extensive tooth movement.
- Complex overbite cases may take 18 to 24 months or longer. If your overbite involves significant bite adjustment, multiple areas of movement, or the use of elastics throughout treatment, allow more time for optimal results.
Your orthodontist provides a personalized timeline estimate during your consultation based on your specific case. The 3D treatment plan shows exactly how many aligners you will need and approximately how long treatment will take.
Will I Need Rubber Bands With Invisalign for an Overbite?
Many overbite cases require elastics (rubber bands) as part of Invisalign treatment.
Elastics provide additional force to move your jaw into better alignment. They connect from hooks or buttons on your upper aligners or teeth to corresponding points on your lower aligners or teeth. This creates the pressure needed to adjust your bite, not just your tooth positions.
Wearing your elastics exactly as instructed is critical for overbite correction. If your orthodontist prescribes elastics and you do not wear them consistently, your bite will not improve as planned, and treatment will take longer.
Not everyone with an overbite needs elastics. Mild dental overbites may be correctable with aligners alone. Your orthodontist determines whether elastics are necessary based on your specific bite issues.
If you do need elastics, they become part of your routine. Most patients adjust quickly and find them easy to manage.
Invisalign vs Braces for Overbite Correction
Both Invisalign and traditional braces can effectively correct overbites. The best choice depends on your specific case and preferences.
- Invisalign advantages for overbite treatment: Invisalign offers discreet, nearly invisible treatment. You can remove aligners to eat, brush, and floss. There are no brackets or wires to irritate your mouth. Many patients find clear aligners more comfortable than braces.
- Braces advantages for overbite treatment: Braces provide constant pressure without relying on patient compliance. Severe overbites or complex bite issues may respond better to braces because your orthodontist has more precise control over tooth movement. Braces never get lost or forgotten.
- When Invisalign may be the better choice: Mild to moderate overbites in patients who will wear aligners consistently. Adults and teens who want discreet treatment. Cases where tooth movement can achieve the correction without extensive jaw repositioning.
- When braces may be the better choice: Severe overbites requiring significant bite correction. Patients who may struggle with aligner compliance. Complex cases where precise bracket placement offers advantages.
Your orthodontist can recommend the best option after examining your bite and discussing your goals.
What Happens If an Overbite Is Not Corrected?
Leaving an overbite untreated can lead to several problems over time.
- Uneven tooth wear occurs when your teeth do not meet properly. Certain teeth bear more pressure than others, causing them to wear down faster. This can lead to chips, cracks, and the need for dental restorations.
- Jaw pain and TMJ issues can develop because your jaw muscles work harder to compensate for the misaligned bite. Some patients experience chronic jaw pain, clicking, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
- Difficulty chewing may result from teeth that do not fit together correctly. Some foods become harder to bite into or chew thoroughly.
- Speech problems can occur in some cases, particularly with significant overbites that affect how your tongue and lips interact with your teeth.
- Increased risk of tooth damage exists because protruding upper front teeth are more vulnerable to injury during sports, falls, or accidents.
Correcting an overbite is not just about appearance. It improves your oral health, protects your teeth, and can resolve discomfort you may not even realize is related to your bite.
Overbite Treatment at BP Smiles Orthodontics in Queens
At BP Smiles Orthodontics, we evaluate your overbite thoroughly to determine the best treatment approach.
Dr. Boris Pinhasov is an ABO board-certified orthodontist with over 20 years of experience. Board certification is achieved by fewer than one in three orthodontists, demonstrating a commitment to the highest standards of care. As a certified Invisalign provider, Dr. Pinhasov has successfully treated many patients with overbites using clear aligners.
During your free consultation, we use the Lumina Itero scanner to create a precise 3D image of your teeth and bite. This technology shows exactly how your overbite can be corrected and what your results will look like.
“Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces and does a great job with crowding and spacing,” explains Dr. Pinhasov. For overbite cases, he evaluates whether Invisalign alone can achieve the correction or whether elastics, attachments, or an alternative approach would deliver better results.
We give honest recommendations. If braces would achieve significantly better results for your overbite, we will tell you. Our goal is your best outcome, not selling a specific treatment.
With over 170 five-star Google reviews and a 5.0 rating, BP Smiles has earned the trust of families throughout Queens, Flushing, and Bayside seeking overbite correction and orthodontic care.
Schedule your free consultation today to find out if Invisalign can fix your overbite.
FAQs About Invisalign and Overbite Correction
How much does Invisalign cost to fix an overbite?
Invisalign for overbite correction typically costs between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on the severity of your case and how long treatment takes. Insurance with orthodontic benefits may cover a portion. BP Smiles offers interest-free financing to make treatment affordable.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite in adults?
Yes. Invisalign works for adults with overbites just as it does for teens. Adult teeth can be moved effectively with clear aligners. Many adults choose Invisalign specifically because it offers discreet treatment.
Is Invisalign or braces better for overbite?
It depends on the severity of your overbite. Invisalign works well for mild to moderate overbites. Severe overbites may respond better to braces. Your orthodontist can recommend the best option after examining your bite.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite and crowding at the same time?
Yes. Invisalign commonly treats multiple issues simultaneously. If you have both an overbite and crowded teeth, your treatment plan addresses both, moving teeth into proper alignment while correcting your bite.
How do I know if my overbite is severe enough to need treatment?
If your upper teeth significantly overlap your lower teeth, if you experience jaw pain or difficulty chewing, or if you are self-conscious about your bite, you may benefit from treatment. A consultation with an orthodontist provides a professional assessment and treatment options.
