Invisalign clear aligners are well-known for how easy and convenient they make getting a straighter smile. However, is this modern orthodontic treatment a good choice if you have a misaligned bite? Bite problems like overbite, underbite, crossbite, and more can lead to serious issues like TMJ disorder and cracked teeth. Thankfully, your Long Beach orthodontist can easily help realign your jaws and help you achieve a comfortable bite with Invisalign! Here are four common bite problems that Invisalign can fix.
Underbite
An underbite is when the bottom teeth sit in front of the top teeth when the mouth is closed. This typically occurs when the lower jaw grows faster than the upper one. When the lower jaw juts out in front like this, it can become difficult to eat and speak comfortably and the teeth may be exposed to extra wear and tear.
Underbites are easiest to treat in younger patients whose jaws are still developing. Invisalign aligners paired with elastics and other attachments can help readjust the lower jaw and pull it backwards to fit the bottom teeth behind the top teeth. However, underbite cases that are severe or in older patients may need to be corrected with traditional orthodontics.
Overbite
Overbites are one of the most common bite problems. This is where the top teeth stick out too far in front of the bottom teeth. While a small degree of overbite is natural and healthy, a large space between the front upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed can leave the top teeth more vulnerable to erosion and injury.
In patients younger than 12 years old, Invisalign can be paired with a mandibular advancement appliance to guide the jaw into place as it grows. For patients over the age of 12, Invisalign aligners can typically be paired with elastics to gradually move the jaws into proper alignment.
Open Bite & Crossbite
If the top and bottom teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed, it’s called an open bite. This uncommon bite problem can be caused by factors like jawbone growth rates and childhood habits. Thankfully, Invisalign can move certain teeth at specific times to help them come together correctly.
A crossbite means that some of the bottom teeth are sitting in front of the top teeth. Depending on which teeth are involved, it may be further classified as back crossbite or front crossbite. Invisalign can address slight cases of crossbite, such as where only one or two bottom teeth are in front of the top teeth. Crossbites involving more than two teeth are often caused by severe jaw issues that would be addressed more effectively with other treatments.
If you have bite problems such as overbite or underbite, it’s time to visit your Long Beach orthodontist. They’ll help you determine if Invisalign is the best way to achieve the happy, healthy, and beautiful smile you deserve!
About the Practice
Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth is a multi-specialty dental practice that is dedicated to helping smiles of all ages in Long Beach and the surrounding communities. Dr. Glen Shanock is proud to work with a team of specialists in order to meet all his patients’ oral healthcare needs under one roof. Their in-office orthodontist Dr. Anish Gala has been straightening smiles for over a decade and is able to offer personalized and effective treatments for children, teens, and adults alike. To learn more about fixing bite problems, don’t hesitate to contact them via their website or at (516) 431-5855.