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When you think of Invisalign, you probably imagine a treatment that fixes crooked smiles. After all, most patients use it to correct misaligned teeth. However, did you know Invisalign can also treat bite problems? In fact, its aligner trays can even realign overbites and the like. As for how these results are possible, your Medford dentist has an explanation. Here’s a summary of how Invisalign fixes bite issues and the various perks that come from the process.
Invisalign & Bites
If you don’t already know, misaligned teeth affect your bite. The top and bottom arches only fit well together when they’re well-positioned. Otherwise, they’ll work at cross purposes and likely cause oral health issues.
Thankfully, however, Invisalign fixes this issue. As treatment moves your teeth with aligners, it fixes bite problems related to pearly whites’ positions.
Consider dental spacing and crowding, for instance. Whether your teeth are too close or too far apart, aligner trays will move them as needed to make your bite healthier and stronger.
How Invisalign Corrects Overbites
When addressing overbites, Invisalign takes different approaches based on a patient’s age. Consider the example groups below:
Younger Patients
For patients 12 years old or younger, Invisalign can correct an overbite by relying on their body’s growth. To do so, it relies on a special appliance called “Invisalign Mandibular Advancement.”
The tool named above, using plastic wings on the aligners, helps a child shift their lower jaw forward. Though involved, this process both straightens the teeth and aligns the jaws.
Teenage or Adult Patients
Unfortunately, advancement tools don’t work for patients 13 years old or older. Still, there are other methods.
One such approach, for example, involves wearing elastics with Invisalign aligners. Like those worn with braces, these bands can move one’s bottom teeth forward while also moving the top teeth back. As a result, they’d correct an overbite.
The Perks of Treating a Bite with Invisalign
Compared to metal braces, Invisalign has several perks as a bite correction treatment. These include the following:
- A subtle treatment
- An easily monitored process (for you and your dentist)
- No risk of cuts or marks in your mouth
- Ease of use with meals and dental care
As you can see, there’s good reason to get Invisalign for your smile problems. Therefore, talk with your local dental practice about possible treatment options soon!
About the Author
Dr. Gary Rosenfeld is a dentist based in Medford, NY, having earned his dental degree from the Columbia University Dental School. He’s also a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His specialties are preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention Invisalign. Dr. Rosenfeld currently practices at The Smilist Dental Medford and is reachable on his website or by phone at (631)-286-9000.