Can Invisalign Fix a Misaligned Bite?

 

Invisalign is the market leading removable clear aligner system that can discreetly align a crooked smile. Made of a patented SmartTrack clear plastic, these aligners fit comfortably over the teeth and are difficult to detect. For this reason, Invisalign treatment is especially appealing to adults and older teens who feel they won’t suit metal braces while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

However, while Invisalign is renowned for its aesthetics, can it really fix a misaligned bite or complex cases? The short answer is yes, but it’s important to understand the limitations of using Invisalign for this purpose.

A misaligned bite, also known as Malocclusion, refers to a problem with the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. A misaligned bite can form for many reasons, including overcrowded teeth, sucking your thumb as a child, shifting or missing teeth, genetics, injury, or misalignment in your upper and lower jaw. 

When you visit us for a routine dental visit, our dentists will check your teeth and jaw alignment. If we suspect misalignment, we will take an x-ray to determine the malocclusion. The most typical types of malocclusion are Underbites, Overbites, Crossbites and Open Bites. 

 

How to Detect a Misaligned Bite:

 

1. Underbites are when your lower front teeth extend beyond your upper front teeth.
2. Overbites are the opposite of underbites, so the upper front teeth extend beyond your lower front teeth. It’s important to note that some percentage of Overbite is considered normal. Only when the Overbite extends beyond 25% will your dentist recommend treatment.
3. Crossbites are when some of your upper front teeth sit behind your bottom front teeth.
4. Open Bites are when your upper teeth do not touch the lower teeth when your mouth is closed. As in the name, Open Bites make the mouth look slightly open.

 

Symptoms of a Misaligned Bite:

 

Many symptoms of a misaligned bite are challenging and can impact your day-to-day life. Here are some of the main signs to watch out for:

 

• Speech difficulties
• Mouth breathing
• Inability to bite into certain foods
• Discomfort when chewing

 

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our friendly reception team so that we can help you. 

 

Can Invisalign Fix Misalignment?

 

Before, the only way to fix a misaligned bite would be with traditional metal braces and appliances. However, since the mid-90s, Invisalign has continually evolved its technology to be more robust and predictable, and it’s now an effective treatment for mild to moderate cases of malocclusion. 

As with regular Invisalign treatment, the clear plastic aligners apply gentle pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. But it’s their patented technology that makes Invisalign stand out amongst other clear aligners on the market to help with misaligned bites. 

The SmartTrack plastic from which each aligner is moulded gives ‘75% more predictable tooth movement when compared to Invisalign aligners previously made’. That’s how our dentists can create visual predictions of your results after treatment with the ClinCheck software. 

Invisalign’s newest SmartForce technology can also help with malocclusion by controlling specific types of tooth movements and the timing of those movements to correct the bite. These SmartForce features include torque control, which means we can rotate teeth to create more aesthetic and natural-looking results. Additionally, we can use the advanced 3D computer modelling system to design each aligner with small, tooth-coloured attachments to target singular teeth with more force and correct your bite.

Every Invisalign treatment at The Bristol Dental Practice is tailored to your specific needs and can be adjusted as required throughout the treatment process to ensure optimal results. 

 

Wondering if Invisalign is right for you? Discover what Invisalign treatment can do.

 

Limitations of Using Invisalign for Misalignment:

 

It’s important to note that Invisalign may not be the best option for everyone. In some cases, traditional metal braces may be the only effective method of correcting malocclusion. For instance, if you have a severe overbite or underbite, the clear aligners will not be able to fix the issue without additional treatment, such as jaw surgery. 

Invisalign can also be more expensive than traditional braces, as it takes longer to complete treatment when correcting malocclusion than regular straightening. Routine Invisalign treatment can typically take anywhere from 8 to 18 months, while fixing malocclusion can take up to two years.  Invisalign therefore requires more aligner sets to correct misalignment. 

 

Final Thoughts:

 

Invisalign can be an effective method in treating mild-to-moderate cases of misalignment. It is virtually invisible, comfortable and convenient, making it a proven option for those looking to straighten their teeth and correct their bite. However, it’s important to note that Invisalign may not be the best option for all our patients, especially those with severe malocclusion, jaw problems, or on a budget. If you’re considering Invisalign, it’s best to visit your specialist orthodontist to determine if it’s a suitable treatment for you. 

 

Interested in Invisalign Near You? Contact Us at The Bristol Dental Practice for First Class Orthodontic Solutions. 

 

We offer free, no-obligation consultations for all our treatments at The Bristol Dental Practice to determine whether this is the right choice for you. We want you to feel confident and happy when deciding upon treatment within our care, so this is the perfect time to ask our friendly and knowledgeable team any burning questions you may have.

Our team understand that treatment cost also plays a big part in the decision-making process, which is why we offer flexible 0% finance options for all our treatments, so you don’t have to make compromises regarding your dental health. 

 

Book a free consultation online or call our friendly reception team at 0117 405 7264.

 

We can’t wait to welcome you!