When Invisalign first came onto the orthodontic scene, it was only effective for correcting aesthetic crookedness and gaps. If your misalignment was severe enough to change your bite, then you would likely have to deal with metal braces. However, thanks to technological and design improvements made along the way, Invisalign can now fix the vast majority of bite problems! Here’s how it works.
Understanding Bite Issues
Simply having crooked teeth is a bit different than having a “bite issue.” Basically, when an orthodontist says you have a misaligned bite, they mean that your teeth don’t come together properly at rest. Here are some examples of what this can look like:
- Overbite – This is when the upper arch of teeth juts out farther than the lower arch.
- Underbite – The opposite of an overbite, where the lower arch extends farther than the upper arch.
- Crossbite – In this case, only some of the upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth.
- Open bite – When the upper and lower teeth don’t touch at all, preventing someone from biting down all the way.
Bite misalignment can certainly be caused by uneven pearly whites, but often also involves an incorrect jaw position. Because of this, straightening out the teeth is usually only part of the treatment puzzle.
How Invisalign Corrects Misalignment
Invisalign has always been able to correct misaligned teeth by applying increasing amounts of pressure that encourage dental movement. Repositioning the jaw, however, is more complicated. Nowadays, an orthodontist can cement special attachments to the aligners and use elastics to exert pressure on the jaw.
Where the attachments need to be placed and how the elastics need to be configured will ultimately depend on your unique situation. Rest assured, though, that an orthodontist is well-qualified to determine the best design for your smile!
Talk to Your Orthodontist About Your Treatment Options
To sum everything up, modern Invisalign aligners are capable of fixing mild to moderate bite issues (or, in other words, the vast majority of cases). That said, if your misalignment is severe, traditional braces may be the most effective solution for you. The only way to know for sure is to talk to your orthodontist about your treatment options. A thorough exam with X-rays will be able to tell them what you need.
About the Practice
Dr. Timothy G. Wigal and Dr. Alex Kluemper are certified orthodontists with offices in Mt. Vernon, Heath, and Columbus. As specialists in dental and bite alignment, they’re well-qualified to help you determine whether Invisalign is right for you. And as dedicated and compassionate providers, they’re more than happy to address any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment plan! To schedule your consultation today, contact Dr. Wigal and Dr. Kluemper’s office at 740-276-8484.