If you’re self-conscious about your smile due to crooked teeth or issues with your bite, you might be a little reluctant to commit to metal braces. As tried-and-true as they are, they’re still cumbersome and noticeable, to say the least. But there’s luckily another modern, effective solution that’s much more comfortable and convenient for patients: Invisalign. Though you might not realize it at first glance, these trays can do much more than straighten teeth – they can even correct overbites, underbites and other similar problems! Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Bite Problems
When most people think of orthodontics, straightening crooked teeth comes to mind; however, these treatments also target other types of issues, including those affecting one’s bite pattern. These bite problems, also called malocclusions, don’t just affect the appearance of the teeth; they drastically affect their functionality and can even threaten a patient’s oral health.
Two of the most common types of bite issues include overbites and underbites. Overbites refer to when the upper teeth overlap significantly with the lower teeth, while on the other hand, underbites occur when the lower teeth protrude past the other teeth. There are also crossbites, or when some of the upper teeth don’t fit over the lower teeth when the mouth is closed, and open bites, which refer to when the upper and lower teeth do not touch properly when the jaw is closed.
Though bite problems can vary greatly in severity from patient to patient, one thing remains true for all of them; they should be addressed to lower the risk of dental issues. Thankfully, Invisalign can often correct these problems and ensure optimal oral health as well as improved smile aesthetics.
How Invisalign Corrects Bite Problems
Invisalign essentially does the exact same job as traditional braces; the patient’s teeth are gradually and precisely shifted into their desired positions. However, rather than relying on metal brackets and wires, Invisalign utilizes a system of customized clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth. Over several months, the patient wears the trays for around 22 hours each day, only removing them to eat and brush, and the teeth are slowly, methodically moved into healthier, straighter positions.
Invisalign is fully capable of addressing bite issues as well as dental misalignment. Overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and other minor malocclusions can usually be treated with the clear aligners, assuming the patient follows all guidelines. Invisalign is also often used to address bite issues that have sprung up for patients who’ve undergone orthodontic treatment in the past and seen their bite issues return, often due to them not wearing their retainer. But in any case, as long as the malocclusions aren’t too severe, Invisalign can often be an ideal solution.
One thing to keep in mind is that patients with very severe bite issues might be unable to benefit from Invisalign treatment. Much like how the clear aligners cannot address complex misalignment, they also cannot treat acute cases of malocclusion. In these cases, traditional braces could be the better option. That said, a consultation with your orthodontist is the quickest and surest way of knowing whether your bite issues can be treated with Invisalign.
About the Practice
Our team here at Dr. Joseph Costa Family Dentistry has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Worcester for several years, offering a wide range of services including Invisalign treatment. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, please visit our website or call us for further information! Telephone: (508) 755-1980.