Correct Your Overbite With Invisalign
An overbite is a common dental issue where the upper front teeth overlap with the lower front teeth. While many people may have a slight overbite, severe cases can lead to jaw pain, difficulty speaking, and tooth decay. Fortunately, advancements in orthodontic technology have made it easier than ever to correct an overbite. Invisalign, a popular clear aligner treatment, has helped many patients achieve a healthier and more beautiful smile.
Our Farmington Invisalign dentists at Desert Hills Dental Care are here to help you treat your overbite and give you the smile of your dreams. We proudly provide overbite treatment with Invisalign clear aligners to patients from Farmington, Shiprock, Waterflow, Aztec, and surrounding areas throughout northwestern New Mexico. Call us at (505) 327-4863 to learn more.
Why Choose Desert Hills Dental Care for Overbite Correction?
Located in the heart of the Four Corners region, Desert Hills Dental Care understands the unique needs of our diverse community. Whether you’re commuting from the Shiprock area for work in Farmington’s energy sector, traveling from Waterflow for a family visit, or coming from historic Aztec after exploring the ancient ruins, we make orthodontic care convenient and accessible.
Our experienced team understands that life in northwestern New Mexico is active and varied, which is why we offer flexible scheduling and discreet treatment options tailored to your lifestyle. Our central Farmington location makes it easy for patients from across the region to maintain their regular Invisalign appointments while managing their busy schedules.
We’re proud to serve the tight-knit communities of Farmington, Shiprock, Waterflow, and Aztec, providing the same high-quality orthodontic care that you’d find in larger metropolitan areas, right here in our beautiful high desert region. Call our Farmington dental practice at (505) 327-4863 to learn more.
What Is an Overbite?
An overbite is a dental condition where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively. In some cases, the overbite may be so severe that the lower teeth are entirely hidden behind the upper teeth. Overbites can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, thumb sucking, and tongue thrusting.
An overbite can cause several dental problems, including:
- Speech difficulties
- Difficulty chewing and biting
- Jaw pain and discomfort
- Teeth grinding
- Wear and tear on teeth
Benefits and Limitations of Invisalign for Overbites
Benefits of Invisalign for Overbites:
- Nearly Invisible Aligners: Invisalign trays are made from clear, medical-grade plastic, making them almost undetectable when worn. This allows patients to undergo orthodontic treatment discreetly, which is especially appealing for adults and teens who are self-conscious about their appearance during treatment.
- Removable for Convenience: The aligners can be easily removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This means there are no dietary restrictions, and maintaining oral hygiene is much simpler compared to traditional braces, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease during treatment.
- Enhanced Comfort: Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth and lack the metal brackets or wires that can cause irritation, sores, or discomfort inside the mouth. Most patients experience only mild pressure as their teeth shift, rather than the soreness often associated with braces adjustments.
- Fewer Office Visits: Treatment with Invisalign typically requires fewer in-person appointments, as there are no wires to tighten or brackets to replace. Digital treatment planning allows for more predictable progress tracking, and many providers offer virtual check-ins to further streamline the process.
- Predictable, Digital Treatment Planning: Advanced 3D imaging and digital planning tools allow patients to see a preview of their expected results before treatment begins. This technology enables precise tooth movements and helps ensure the treatment stays on track.
- Special Features for Teens: Invisalign offers mandibular advancement features—small, built-in wings on the aligners—for growing teens. These features help guide jaw development while correcting overbites, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional orthodontic appliances.
- Improved Oral Health: By correcting an overbite, Invisalign can help reduce abnormal tooth wear, lower the risk of jaw pain or TMJ disorders, and promote better long-term oral health.
Limitations of Invisalign for Overbites:
- Not Suitable for All Cases: Invisalign may not be effective for severe skeletal overbites or cases with significant jaw discrepancies. Patients with these complex orthodontic needs may require traditional braces, additional appliances, or even surgical intervention for optimal results.
- Strict Compliance Required: Success with Invisalign depends on wearing the aligners 20–22 hours per day. Inconsistent use can slow progress, compromise results, or extend the overall treatment time.
- Potential for Lost or Damaged Aligners: Since the trays are removable, they can be misplaced or damaged if not handled with care, resulting in treatment delays or additional costs for replacement.
- May Be Less Effective for Complex Cases: Invisalign is generally best suited for mild to moderate overbites. Cases involving severe jaw misalignment, impacted teeth, or other complex orthodontic issues may see limited improvement with aligners alone.
- Initial Adjustment Period: Some patients may experience temporary speech changes or increased saliva production when first wearing aligners. These effects typically subside as the mouth adjusts.
- Cost Considerations: Invisalign can sometimes be more expensive than traditional braces, and insurance coverage varies. It’s important to discuss payment options and insurance benefits with your provider before starting treatment.
Invisalign Overbite Treatment Process
At Desert Hills Dental Care, we’ve streamlined the Invisalign process to deliver effective overbite correction while fitting seamlessly into your lifestyle, whether you’re based in Farmington or traveling from Shiprock, Waterflow, or Aztec.
Initial Consultation and Digital Imaging
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation using advanced 3D digital scanning technology. This eliminates messy impressions while creating precise models of your teeth and bite. Our Farmington Invisalign dentists will assess your overbite and discuss your treatment goals, developing a personalized plan that fits your schedule and lifestyle.
Custom Treatment Planning
Using specialized software, we map out your entire treatment journey, showing you exactly how your teeth will move over time. You’ll actually see a preview of your future smile before treatment begins. This detailed planning ensures predictable results and helps us determine the exact number of aligners you’ll need.
Precision Aligner Creation
Your custom aligners are crafted from medical-grade material specifically for comfortable tooth movement. Each set applies gentle, targeted pressure to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. For complex overbites, we may incorporate precision cuts that work with small elastics to provide additional corrective force.
Active Treatment Phase
You’ll wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. This means you can continue enjoying your favorite foods – from green chile dishes at local Farmington restaurants to traditional foods at community gatherings. Regular check-ups every six to eight weeks ensure your treatment stays on track and allow us to provide your next series of aligners.
Retention and Long-term Success
After completing your active treatment, you’ll wear retainers to maintain your new bite alignment. This final phase ensures your beautiful results last for years to come.
Why This Process Works
Our systematic approach combines cutting-edge technology with personalized care, making treatment convenient for busy professionals, students, and families throughout northwestern New Mexico. The removable nature of Invisalign means fewer dietary restrictions and easier oral hygiene compared to traditional braces, while the clear appearance keeps your treatment virtually invisible.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Invisalign will not make your overbite worse before it gets better. Invisalign is designed to gradually shift your teeth into the correct position, which can help improve your overbite over time. However, patients may experience some slight discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners. This discomfort is typically mild and subsides within a few days.
Yes, Invisalign can correct an overbite in children. However, it’s recommended that children wait until all of their permanent teeth have grown in before starting Invisalign treatment. In some cases, early intervention may be necessary to prevent the overbite from getting worse. Our Farmington Invisalign dentists will assess your child’s teeth and determine the best treatment plan.
Yes, Invisalign can treat both overbites and underbites. Invisalign aligners are designed to apply gentle, consistent pressure to gradually shift your teeth into the correct position. This makes them an effective treatment option for a variety of bite issues. Our dental team will evaluate your case and determine if Invisalign is the right treatment option for you.
Yes, Invisalign can help fix an overbite caused by thumb sucking. Thumb sucking can cause the front teeth to protrude, leading to an overbite. Invisalign aligners can help gradually shift the teeth back into the correct position, which can help improve the overbite.
However, it’s important to address the thumb-sucking habit to prevent the overbite from recurring. Our dentists can provide advice on how to break the thumb-sucking habit and help prevent the overbite from returning after treatment.
Say Goodbye to Overbites, Call Your Farmington Invisalign Provider!
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and it’s never too late to make a change. Take the first step towards a more confident you by scheduling a consultation with our team today.
We’re here to help you achieve the smile you deserve, whether you’re traveling from Shiprock, Waterflow, Aztec, or right here in Farmington. Call us at (505) 327-4863 to book your orthodontic treatment consultation in Farmington, NM, and start your journey toward a happier, healthier smile.