Can Clear Aligners Fix An Overbite?

Key Takeaways

Yes, clear aligners can fix mild to moderate overbite by gradually moving the teeth and improving how the upper and lower teeth meet. More severe overbites or cases involving jaw structure may require other orthodontic treatment.

If you have been wondering, “Do aligners fix overbite?”, the answer depends on the cause and severity of your bite. This guide explains how aligners correct overbite, when they can work, and what to expect during treatment.

Do Clear Aligners Treat Overbites?

Yes, clear aligners can treat mild to moderate dental overbites by gradually moving the teeth into better positions.

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much. When the problem is mainly caused by tooth positioning, aligners can reduce this overlap and improve the way the upper and lower teeth meet.

Retainers are required after treatment to prevent relapse, since teeth can shift back without long-term stabilization.

How Do Aligners Fix an Overbite?

Clear aligners for overbite treatment involve wearing a series of custom-made aligners, with each tray typically replaced every 10 days. As you progress through each set, the aligners gradually reposition the teeth by 0.25mm to 0.3mm to reduce the overbite without brackets or wires.

The success of treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of the overbite. Mild cases show visible improvement within 4 to 6 months. Full correction for moderate overbites generally takes longer, up to 8 months. Moreover, patients should expect gradual, incremental change rather than a dramatic shift partway through treatment.

At-home providers like Smilepath provide BPA-free medical-grade clear aligners directly to patients across New Zealand, including Rotorua.

How Long Do Aligners Take to Fix an Overbite?

Treatment time depends on the severity of the overbite and the amount of tooth movement required.

For mild cases, visible improvement may take around 4 to 6 months. Moderate cases can take longer, depending on the movements needed.

Other factors that can affect treatment time include:

• Severity of the overbite
• Complexity of the required tooth movements
• How consistently you wear your aligners
• How your teeth respond to treatment

Your individual treatment plan will determine the expected treatment time.

What Is the Overbite Treatment Process?

Clear aligner treatment follows a simple step-by-step process from assessment through to retainers.

Check Your Eligibility

Start with a smile assessment to determine whether your overbite is suitable for clear aligner treatment.

Take Your Dental Impressions

If you are eligible, you can use the free impression kit included with your aligners to create impressions of your teeth at home. You can also book a free video session for guidance while taking your impressions. Also, you can book a 3D dental scan at one of our partner clinics. This one-time visit can help you quickstart your treatment without any hassles.

Receive Your Custom Aligners

We first create a digital smile projection that shows how your teeth are expected to look after treatment. Once you review and approve this plan, we move forward with making your custom aligners, which are then sent directly to you.

Wear Your Aligners

Wear your aligners according to your treatment instructions and change them on the recommended schedule. That is usually 22 hours a day for daytime aligners, and 10 hours every night for night-only aligners.

Monitor Your Progress

Follow your progress instructions throughout treatment with the Smilepath Tracking App so any issues with fit or tracking can be identified early.

Wear Retainers

After active treatment, retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions and reduce the risk of them shifting back.

When Clear Aligners May Not Be the Right Choice

Clear aligners may not be suitable if your overbite is mainly caused by the position or size of your jaw rather than the alignment of your teeth. In these cases, orthodontic treatment that addresses jaw structure may be more appropriate.

They may also not be recommended if your teeth require complex or extensive movements that fall outside what aligners can predictably achieve.

A professional assessment is important to understand the cause of your overbite and whether clear aligners are the right option for you.

Choosing the Right Overbite Treatment

Clear aligners can be an effective solution for many mild to moderate overbites, but they are not suitable for every case. The best way to know for sure is through a proper evaluation, which will help guide you toward the most effective treatment for your smile.

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