An overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite can make eating certain foods more difficult, breathing freely increasingly hard, and feeling confident in your smile seem impossible. Your dentist may recommend orthodontics to address these issues, but are metal braces your only hope? Learn whether Invisalign clear aligners are enough to align your bite.
Is Invisalign Enough to Address Bite Misalignment?
It was once believed that serious bite misalignment could only be treated with traditional braces. However, advancements in orthodontics now make clear aligner systems like Invisalign viable treatment options.
Customized to fit your unique smile, these trays are discreet and provide the appropriate pressure to adjust your bite and teeth as needed.
How Does Invisalign Treat Misaligned Bites?
To understand how Invisalign works when addressing each type of bite misalignment, here is a brief breakdown of each:
- Overbite: With an overbite, the upper row of teeth protrudes out over the lower row, creating a less-than-ideal aesthetic. With Invisalign, your dentist can create a plan that causes your upper teeth to move backward. Rubber bands and attachments can also help move everything into its proper place, resulting in a healthier bite.
- Underbite: When your lower row of teeth sits out in front of your upper row, you will notice enamel erosion over time. You may also struggle to speak or eat. Invisalign can be combined with elastics to gradually shift your teeth and bite over time; however, it can also be used effectively with tooth extraction or resizing certain teeth.
- Crossbite: If some of your bottom teeth sit in front of your upper ones, you have a crossbite. Enamel erosion, poor oral hygiene, and gum disease can occur, but with Invisalign, your dentist can choose which teeth to shift so that your smile comes into proper alignment. This allows your teeth to come together without further damage.
- Open Bite: When back teeth touch, but front ones do not, when closing your mouth, this is an open bite. If you practiced non-nutritive habits as a child, you may struggle to bite and chew foods properly. Using Invisalign allows your dentist to develop a plan that targets various teeth at different times, a process known as staging. Over time, your front teeth will come together, allowing for a fluid, healthy bite.
Don’t discount Invisalign as a reliable orthodontic solution. No matter what kind of bite you have, trust that these clear aligners are enough to give you the smile you deserve.
About the Author
Dr. Ryan Johnson is a skilled dentist with more than 1,000 hours of advanced clinical training, enabling him to provide Invisalign to straighten teeth and realign bites. As a clear alternative to traditional braces, these trays are highly effective in addressing all types of misalignment, including the most severe overbites. If you are concerned about your smile and want to learn more about Invisalign, contact us at (904) 895-4536 to speak with a member of our team.