Invisalign clear aligners are often associated with cosmetic improvements—after all, many patients opt for this solution because of how discreet it is, not to mention all the aesthetic benefits that come with a straighter smile. That said, it’s also an effective means of addressing bite issues that affect oral health and comfort, in both the short and long term. Here’s what you need to know, along with when to tell if your issues might warrant traditional treatment instead.
Understanding Bite Issues & Why Treating Them Matters
A bite issue, sometimes referred to as a malocclusion, occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not align properly. Common bite problems include:
- Overbite – The upper teeth close too far in front of the bottom teeth.
- Underbite – The opposite of an overbite; the bottom teeth are in front of the upper ones.
- Crossbite – When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, rather than outside.
- Open bite – The upper and lower teeth don’t meet all the way when the jaw is closed.
While these concerns can seem minor at first, untreated bite issues can lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw strain, headaches, and difficulty chewing and opening your mouth. It’s always best to address them proactively—and Invisalign can often help.
How Invisalign Helps with Bite Issues
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-designed to gradually shift teeth into their ideal positions. The aligners fit snugly over your teeth and slowly move them over the course of several months, assuming you wear them for 22 hours a day and swap to your new sets as instructed.
These trays can move and rotate teeth quite extensively, even enough to correct certain bite issues like those listed above. By correcting these issues, Invisalign helps create a more balanced bite, reducing stress on teeth and jaw joints while improving overall function and aesthetics.
When Traditional Braces May Be Best
While Invisalign is highly versatile, it may not be the ideal solution for every orthodontic case. Severe bite problems, complex tooth movements, or situations requiring significant vertical correction may respond better to traditional metal braces, as they allow for a little more direct control over certain types of movements.
The best way to determine whether Invisalign or braces is right for you is through a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation—once your bite, alignment, oral health, and goals have been reviewed, a personalized treatment plan can be kicked off.
About the Practice
With Dr. Scott Schmidhauser at the helm, our team here at Miles of Smiles proudly serves the needs of patients and families in Londonderry and the surrounding areas. We offer a wide variety of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options, including Invisalign clear aligners for patients hoping to address orthodontic concerns such as overbites, underbites, and more. If you have any questions about the blog or need to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (603) 437-8204.