Many people are motivated to straighten their crooked or overcrowded grins for cosmetic purposes, but did you know that Invisalign can also significantly improve your oral health? When your teeth are pressed too closely together, it’s more challenging to reach all their surfaces when you brush and floss them. This can lead to dental problems like cavities or gum disease.
Fortunately, your orthodontist can perfect your smile with Invisalign. This clear alternative to traditional braces uses plastic aligner trays that fit over your teeth to gently reposition them. However, if you have a misaligned bite, you might wonder whether this treatment is strong enough to make the necessary adjustments.
Continue reading to learn more about whether Invisalign can correct more complex bite issues!
What Is a Misaligned Bite?
A misaligned bite, also known as a malocclusion, is a common dental problem that happens when your upper and lower teeth don’t line up correctly when you close your mouth. It can be caused by genetics, jaw size differences, childhood habits (like thumb-sucking), or as a result of teeth that aren’t in their proper places.
There are several kinds of malocclusions, including:
- Overbite. This is when your top teeth jut out too far past your lower ones.
- Underbite. People with this condition have lower teeth that stick out farther than their upper arch.
- Open bite. This type occurs when your upper and lower front teeth don’t touch at all when you close your jaw.
- Crossbite. If you have a single tooth or sections of teeth that don’t fit together properly, you might have this condition.
Can Invisalign Address a Misaligned Bite?
The answer to this question differs from person to person because it depends on your unique circumstances. Typically, Invisalign is ideal for more minor issues like slightly crooked teeth or a mild overbite. If you have a more severe malocclusion, then this method might not be able to apply the right amount of pressure or torque necessary to shift your jaw to where it needs to be. In these cases, your provider may recommend traditional braces instead.
However, in some cases, Invisalign is perfectly capable of adjusting your malocclusion. For example, youths with still-developing teeth can get special trays that include an Invisalign Mandibular Advancement. This refers to aligners that include plastic wings to help posture growing jaws more to the front or back as needed in small, consistent increments.
If you’re not sure whether Invisalign can get you the results you’re hoping for, schedule a consultation with your orthodontist. They’ll make professional recommendations based on your current condition. Soon, you’ll have started your journey to a straighter smile!
About the Author
Dr. Stan Drabik has more than two full decades of experience helping people of all ages build and maintain beautiful, healthy grins. He earned his undergraduate degree at Wittenburg University and then achieved his Doctor of Dental Surgery at SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Now, he’s an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontics. He combines a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology so you know that your and your family’s teeth are in good hands. If you would like a consultation, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (585) 872-4660.