Case Study With Dr. Hardik: Correcting deep overbite while optimizing tooth shade

The goal of combining teeth whitening and Invisalign is to correct malocclusions (misaligned bite) while simultaneously addressing stains caused by tooth wear. Medical literature provides evidence that the Invisalign Mandibular advancement for teens systems improve occlusion and skeletal patterns [1] (Pinho et al., 2025). When the bite alignment is uneven, the upper teeth tend to overlap with the lower teeth, causing the enamel to thin. By using AI assistance to open the bite vertically, the tooth’s natural position can be restored, and medical-grade whitening gels can be used to safely brighten the smile. Our team at Enamel Dentistry Saltillo ensures that you leave the office with a Hollywood smile.

Patient discussing invisalign correction for overbite and tooth shade
  • Deep Overbite realignment: Our team in Saltillo uses Invisalign to apply vertical forces to open the bite. This shift stops the top teeth from damaging the bottom teeth, preventing jagged edges seen in some patients. Studies support that malocclusions can cause impacted teeth, jaw problems, and damage to adjacent teeth [2] (Ghodasra et al., 2023). 
  • Convenience: There is strong medical evidence indicating that receiving dental bleaching during orthodontic treatment with aligners is beneficial [3] (Levrini et al., 2020). This is why appointments are offered that allow our patients to progress through their treatment plan without scheduling constraints that are often seen in orthodontics. 
  • Dual-phase method: By combining Invisalign and teeth whitening, it ensures that the wellness reveal happens all at once. By the time your teeth reach the desired position, the enamel is also up to 7 shades lighter, maximizing the impact of the correction

Living in East Austin involves balancing professional business and local culture. Whether grabbing lunch at Plaza Saltillo or heading to your professional job in The Domain, your time is an asset. We recognize the burden of traffic on I-35. Thankfully, our clinic and technology are optimized to lower the time spent in the dental chair while delivering effective results. 

Many of our patients view their smile as a component of their overall health. Correcting a deep overbite is important when attending tech summits, where confidence in your appearance is ideal. Since Invisalign trays are removable, your oral health routine can still be maintained without major changes.

Deep overbites are clinically known as Class II malocclusions. This creates a traumatic occlusion where the top teeth can cause trauma to the lower teeth. This repetitive impact can lead to incisal attrition, which is the physical wearing of the enamel. As the enamel thins, the yellow dentin becomes visible. Dentin is typically yellowish and denser than enamel. This is why patients with deep bites often feel that their teeth look stained even if they are not coffee drinkers. 

When the bite is too far over the bottom teeth, the teeth reflect light at an undesirable angle, which can cause shadows that elicit a yellow appearance. By utilizing Invisalign to open the vertical dimension, the teeth are moved to a position where the light can be reflected evenly. This functional correction makes it ideal for whitening, as the teeth are no longer under stress.

  • Patient Presentation: 
    • A Mid-30s patient presents with a 70% overbite. They report feeling that the owner’s teeth are short and jagged. They also displayed frustrations since over-the-counter whitening strips were failing to whiten their smile. They were concerned about the yellowing along the gumline and the edges of the teeth. 
  • Underlying complication: 
    • The clinical evaluation showed wear on the incisors due to the deep overbite. This meant the protective barrier was compromised. Attempting high-concentration whitening at this point would have delivered the gel to the thin enamel on the incisors. This would have caused intense nerve pain or sensitivity. Dr. Hardik came to the conclusion that the teeth needed to be moved to stop the trauma. 
  • Treatment: 
    • Dr. Hardik used iTero Element imaging to map the patient’s bite and planned a 14-month Invisalign protocol. Step 1 focused on moving the teeth in small vertical increments. Once the bite was opened 80% and trauma ceased, treatment proceeded to step 2. During the final three aligners, 10% carbamide peroxide gel was introduced. This lower concentration of whitening agent was worn inside the Invisalign trays, allowing the enamel to rehydrate between sessions. 
  • Results:
    • The patient achieved a complete bite correction, creating a healthy vertical gap that protected the lower teeth. The jagged edges on the bottom teeth were smoothed, and the shade was advanced to a natural BL4. The patient was able to debut their new smile at a local tech summit without tooth sensitivity.
  •  

Mail-order aligners often only focus on the front 6 teeth when smiling. These generics are not designed to handle the mechanics of an overbite. Studies support that direct-to-consumer aligners without the supervision of a dentist can lead to adverse oral health outcomes [4] (Belgal et al., 2023). If the front teeth are aligned but the vertical bite is incorrect, it could lead to damage. 

Below is a table that compares professional Invisalign to mail-order aligners 

Feature 

Invisalign 

Mail-Order Aligners 

Bite Management 

AI-Assisted vertical opening 

No Bite Correction 

Whitening Method 

Prescription whitening gel 

ABrasive strips 

Clinical oversight 

Monthly tracking with Dr. Hardik 

Remote only 

Enamel Protection 

Preconditioning for sensitivity 

None 

1. Will correcting malocclusions with Invisalign and teeth whitening cause permanent sensitivity?

No. By using a protocol with potassium nitrate and hydroxyapatite, the enamel is strengthened before the whitening phase begins.

2. Can I whiten my teeth with the Invisalign resin attachments?

Yes. Tooth enamel is porous. The whitening agent diffuses through the enamel and travels underneath the attachment.

3. How often do I need to visit the dental office with Invisalign therapy?

We typically see patients every 6-10 weeks.

Dr. Hardik Chodavadia, DDS, provides comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry at Enamel Dentistry in Austin, TX. With extensive clinical experience, he specializes in preventive care, gum health, restorative dentistry, and minimally invasive aesthetic treatments. He is committed to delivering safe, evidence-based solutions that keep patients comfortable and informed at every step.

[1] Pinho T, Clemente C, Castro I, Gonçalves MDP. Retrospective Evaluation of Invisalign® Mandibular Advancement in Growing Patients: Cephalometric, PAR and 3D Molar Displacement Outcomes. Dent J (Basel). 2025;13(11):517. Published 2025 Nov 5. doi:10.3390/dj13110517 

[2] Ghodasra R, Brizuela M. Orthodontics, Malocclusion. [Updated 2023 Apr 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592395/ 

[3] Levrini, L., Paracchini, L., Bakaj, R., Diaconu, A., & Cortese, S. (2020). Dental bleaching during orthodontic treatment with aligners. The international journal of esthetic dentistry, 15(1), 44–54. 

[4] Belgal P, Mhay S, Patel V, Nalliah RP. Adverse Events Related to Direct-To-Consumer Sequential Aligners-A Study of the MAUDE Database. Dent J (Basel). 2023;11(7):174. Published 2023 Jul 17. doi:10.3390/dj11070174

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