Invisalign: A “Clear” Alternative for Orthodontic Treatment of Dental Misalignment!

While Invisalign aligners are most commonly used to give patients beautiful straighter smiles, they can also be used to correct a misaligned bite. Invisalign treatment can give you not just a straighter smile, but relief from the serious dental problems cause by dental misalignment!

Misaligned bites are known as malocclusions. Depending on the type and severity of the malocclusion, this misalignment can cause a wide range of dental issues, including difficulty chewing and speaking properly, excessive wearing on teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, jaw pain and even gum recession and bone loss.

Invisalign treatment can be used to correct the following common malocclusions:

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth overlap the upper front teeth because the lower jaw is too far forward. Also known as a prognathism, an underbite can make it difficult to chew and speak properly and wear down teeth. In severe cases of underbite, surgery as well as orthodontic treatment may be required.

Overbite

Sometimes called a deep bite, an overbite occurs when the top front teeth overlap the lower front teeth by more than 25%. While many people have a slight overbite, if the overbite exceeds 25%, it can cause jaw pain and excessive tooth wear over time. A more severe overbite is known as a retrognathism.

Cross Bite

When the top and bottom jaws do not meet up properly due to lateral misalignment of the upper and lower arches, it is called a cross bite. With a cross bite, the top front teeth usually sit inside the front lower teeth. It is important to correct a cross bite as it can lead to serious problems like chipped or cracked teeth, bone loss, and gum recession.

Open Bite

With an open bite, the top and bottom jaw do not meet up at all, causing a gap between the top and bottom teeth. An open bite makes biting and chewing very difficult.

With Invisalign treatment for malocclusions, you are not only able to achieve a healthier smile, but you also get the benefits that Invisalign offers over traditional metal braces. Invisalign is a more discreet, more comfortable, custom-fit alternative to metal braces. Invisalign’s clear aligners are barely noticeable when worn; often you are the only one who knows you are wearing them! Made of a proprietary soft plastic, Invisalign aligners are far more comfortable than metal braces. They don’t cause the irritation that can occur when metal braces rub up against the soft tissue in your mouth.

When you opt for Invisalign to correct your malocclusion, treatment begins with a comprehensive digital scan of your teeth and mouth. This scan allows the technologically advanced Invisalign software to create aligners that perfectly fit your teeth, requiring little, if any adjustment.

Additionally, Invisalign aligners are more convenient and make dental care easier to maintain than traditional metal braces. There are none of the food restrictions that come with metal braces as you remove the aligners to eat and drink. You also remove the aligners to follow your regular dental hygiene routine, allowing you to ensure the health of your teeth and gums during treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with a dental malocclusion, Invisalign aligners offer a technologically advanced, comfortable, and convenient alternative to traditional metal braces. Correcting malocclusions with Invisalign not just improves the comfort and function of your smile today, it reduces your risk of developing further dental issues in the future. If you are wondering if Invisalign might be an option for addressing your dental misalignment, contact our office today to schedule a consultation!