Today, more people than ever are opting for Invisalign clear aligners over metal braces, but not everyone is a good candidate for this modern and discreet orthodontic treatment. If you have bite problems, Invisalign may be able to help balance your bite and ease tension on your jaw joints, but not in every situation. Read on to learn more about whether Invisalign can help fix bite problems.
What is Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses clear, custom-crafted plastic aligners to gently shift your teeth into their ideal positions instead of metal brackets and wires. It works like this: every two weeks, you’ll graduate to the next series of trays in your treatment until you achieve your final, ideal alignment.
Throughout your journey, you’ll visit your Invisalign dentist in Glendale every six to eight weeks for a quick check-in appointment and to pick up the next sets of aligners in your treatment. At the end of your journey, your dentist will provide you with a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting back into their ideal positions.
Can Invisalign Treat Bite Problems?
The short answer to whether Invisalign can treat bite problems is, “yes,” but it’s actually a little more complex than that. While Invisalign has been shown to treat open bite, cross bite, underbite, and overbite, it can only treat these issues if they’re not severe. Using elastics, Invisalign can help align the bite in addition to your teeth, but if your malocclusion is more severe, you may be able to get faster, more reliable results with traditional braces. If that’s the case, your Invisalign dentist may refer you to an orthodontist.
Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment is excellent for patients who have mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, ranging from crowded teeth and gapped teeth to bite problems. The best way to learn whether you’re a good candidate for the treatment is to visit your dentist for a consultation. After a thorough examination and review of X-rays, they will be able to let you know whether your issues are severe enough to warrant the need for specialty orthodontic treatment, like traditional braces, or if Invisalign can help you achieve the results you want.
While Invisalign can work wonders for many patients, it’s not always the right choice for everyone! Even if it’s not the ideal option for your needs, rest assured that your dentist will refer you to a specialist to help effectively address bite problems to prevent future consequential issues from arising, like TMJ disorder, jaw pain, and uneven wear and tear on your teeth.
About the Author
Dr. John Upton has been practicing dentistry for over 35 years, helping thousands of patients achieve a straighter, healthier smile with Invisalign clear aligners. In addition to attending renowned post-graduate training at the Las Vegas Institute and Pankey Institute, Dr. Upton holds his Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, allowing him to expertly maintain and enhance smiles through the use of cutting-edge treatments like Invisalign aligners. To schedule a consultation, visit Arrowhead Dentistry’s website or call 623-878-6333.