If your teeth don’t line up the right way when you close your mouth, you might have a bite problem. This is more common than you think. Many people visit their dentist Edmonton and find out they have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. The good news? Invisalign can fix many of these problems without metal braces. Let’s walk through everything you need to know.
What Is a Bite Problem?
A bite problem, called a malocclusion by dentists, happens when the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly. This can make it hard to chew food, speak clearly, or even keep teeth clean.
Here are the three most common types:
- Overbite – This is when the upper front teeth stick out too far over the lower teeth. Some overbite is normal, but too much can put pressure on the lower jaw and teeth.
- Underbite – This is the opposite. The lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. It can affect how a person’s face looks and how they chew.
- Crossbite – This happens when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside. It can happen on one side or both sides of the mouth. If left untreated, a crossbite can wear down teeth unevenly and cause jaw pain.
All three of these conditions can worsen over time if left untreated.
How Invisalign Works for Bite Correction
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners made from smooth plastic. Each aligner is custom-made to fit the patient’s teeth. Every one to two weeks, the patient switches to a new set of aligners. Each new set moves the teeth a little bit more until they reach the correct position.
For bite problems, Invisalign uses special tools along with the aligners:
- Attachments – These are small, tooth-coloured bumps bonded to the teeth. They help the aligners grip the teeth and apply the right amount of force to move them.
- Elastics (rubber bands) – For overbites and underbites, the dentist may ask the patient to wear small rubber bands with the aligners. These bands help position the jaw correctly.
- Precision cuts – These are small notches in the aligner that hold the rubber bands in place during treatment.
Together, these tools allow Invisalign to treat bite problems that used to require traditional metal braces.
Is Invisalign Right for Your Bite Problem?
Not every case can be treated with Invisalign. Mild to moderate bite problems respond well to Invisalign treatment. Severe cases may still need traditional braces or even jaw surgery.
The best way to find out is to visit a dentist. They will take X-rays and digital scans of the teeth and jaw to check if Invisalign is a good fit.
If you’re searching for Invisalign near you, look for a certified Invisalign provider. These are dental professionals who have completed special training and treated many Invisalign cases.
What to Expect During Treatment
Most Invisalign treatments for bite problems take 12 to 24 months, depending on the severity of the problem. During this time, the patient visits the dentist every six to eight weeks for check-ups.
The aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. They are removed only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing teeth. The more they are worn, the better the results.
At the end of treatment, the dentist will provide a retainer. This keeps the teeth in their new position so the bite doesn’t shift back.
Improve Your Smile with Invisalign
Jagare Ridge Dental offer Invisalign treatment to improve smiles and correct bite alignment problems. Our clear aligner system gently moves teeth into the proper position over time. Our dentist regularly monitors progress to ensure safe results. Book your Invisalign consultation today at Jagare Ridge Dental.
FAQs
Can Invisalign fix an overbite completely?
Yes, Invisalign can correct mild to moderate overbites. Severe overbites may need additional treatment planned by a dentist.
How long does Invisalign take for bite correction?
Most bite correction cases take 12 to 24 months, but the timeline depends on the severity of the malocclusion.
Does Invisalign hurt when correcting bite problems?
Some pressure or mild discomfort is normal, especially after switching to a new aligner. This usually fades within a day or two.
Can adults get Invisalign for bite problems?
Yes. Invisalign works for both teens and adults. Age is not a barrier to bite correction.
How do you find a trusted Invisalign provider?
Search for Invisalign near you and check if the dentist is a certified Invisalign provider with experience treating types of bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite).