When most people think about Invisalign, they’re picturing straighter and more attractive teeth. And while Invisalign absolutely delivers in that regard, there’s a common misconception that clear aligners are only a cosmetic solution used to address crooked teeth! The truth is, Invisalign has evolved and is very capable of correcting a number of bite problems that were once only resolved through metal braces. Here’s a closer look at how these unique clear aligners can do far more than straighten teeth!
Why Do Bite Problems Need to Be Corrected?
Bite problems come in many different forms, but they all have one thing in common—they involve your teeth not fitting together the way they should when your mouth is closed. However, this isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can cause real problems over time, including uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, and even speech issues. All in all, addressing a bite problem is about protecting your long-term oral health, not just the appearance of your smile!
What Kinds of Bite Problems Can Invisalign Address?
Modern dental care has come a long way, and Invisalign can effectively treat many mild bite concerns, including:
Overbites
An overbite is one of the most common bite issues, occurring when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much. A small amount of overlap is normal and healthy, but an excessive overbite can put stress on your teeth and jaw and even cause the lower teeth to bite into the roof of your mouth. Invisalign treats overbites by gradually repositioning both the upper and lower teeth.
Underbites
An underbite is essentially the reverse of an overbite, where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. This can affect the way you chew and speak, and it tends to place unusual stress on the front teeth. Invisalign can address mild to moderate underbites by moving the upper teeth forward and the lower teeth backward.
Open Bites
An open bite means that when you close your mouth, the upper and lower front teeth don’t touch at all, leaving a visible gap. This can make it difficult to bite into food and may contribute to a lisp or other speech patterns. Invisalign corrects open bites by gradually angling the teeth, so they come together properly.
Keep in mind that Invisalign isn’t a perfect system, and while effective in many milder cases, patients with severe bite problems might have no choice but to pursue traditional orthodontics. In any case, during your consultation, your dentist will review all of this with you to ensure your smile is set up for future success!
About the Practice
With Dr. Camesia Matthews and Dr. Shadi Haidar leading the way, our team here at University Dental Group proudly serves patients and families in Worcester. We offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options, including Invisalign clear aligners for patients who’d like straighter teeth without the use of traditional orthodontics. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment to see if Invisalign is right for you, you can call or visit us online for more information. Telephone: (508) 372-8663.