Invisalign clear aligners are one of the easiest, most convenient ways to get a straighter smile. But is it a good choice for you if you have a problem with your bite? Issues like overbite, underbite, and other jaw misalignments can lead to a host of oral health issues, including worn down teeth and TMJ disorder. While you may have heard in the past that Invisalign can’t address these orthodontic concerns, that’s not the case anymore! Read on to discover how Invisalign in Round Rock can help you with these four common bite problems.
Overbite
An overbite is when the top teeth stick out too far in front of the bottom teeth. While nearly everyone has some degree of overbite, if the space between the upper and lower teeth is too large, the top teeth are more susceptible to injury and wear.
Invisalign can correct overbites in younger children using a mandibular advancement appliance. However, this method works alongside the development of the jaw, so its not an effective option for patients over the age of 12 or 13. Instead, older patients can wear elastics with their Invisalign aligners to gradually move the bottom teeth forward and the top teeth backward.
Underbite
As you may have guessed, an underbite is the opposite of an overbite. In these cases, the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. This often occurs when the lower jaw grows faster than the upper one. Underbites can cause uneven wear on the teeth and make it difficult to chew and speak.
An underbite is easiest to treat in younger patients whose jaws are still developing. Many mild cases of underbite can be corrected using a combination of Invisalign aligners and elastics. However, severe underbites may require additional treatments or surgery to correct.
Open Bite
An open bite is an uncommon orthodontic issue that means the top and bottom teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including jawbone growth and childhood habits. Thankfully, Invisalign aligners can move specific teeth at specific times to shift them into positions where they come together correctly.
Crossbite
If a patient has a few bottom teeth sitting in front of some of their front teeth, they have an issue called crossbite. Depending on which teeth are involved, you can have back crossbite or front crossbite. This problem can cause permanent changes in facial structure and tooth position, which is why it’s important to have crossbite detected as early as possible.
Invisalign aligners can typically correct crossbites that are related to tooth position, which are usually single tooth crossbites. Crossbites that involve many teeth on one side are often jaw related, which requires a treatment that can help set up the jaws so they are the proper size.
If you have bite problems in Round Rock, it’s time to talk to your dentist about Invisalign! This modern orthodontic treatment can help you achieve the happy, healthy smile you deserve.
About the Author
At Chisholm Trail Dental Health, Dr. Mike Asay is proud to offer the families of Round Rock, TX the latest, most effective, and most comfortable treatments available. He is an active member of several prestigious organizations and completes numerous hours of continuing education in a wide variety of topics, including Invisalign. As an Invisalign Preferred Provider, he can help correct an array of bite issues while straightening your smile. To see if Invisalign can fix your bite problems, he can be contacted via his website or at (512) 244-2796.