Invisalign has become one of the most popular orthodontic treatments, offering a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. While most people associate Invisalign with straightening crooked teeth, many wonder whether it can also correct bite issues. The answer is yes — in many cases, Invisalign can successfully treat various types of bite problems.
What is a Bite Problem?
A “bite problem,” also called a malocclusion, occurs when the upper and lower teeth don’t come together properly. This can lead to difficulty chewing, speech issues, jaw pain, and uneven tooth wear. Common bite problems include overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and deep bite.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions. Each set of aligners applies gentle pressure to move teeth according to a customized treatment plan. For bite correction, the aligners can be combined with small attachments bonded to the teeth, precision cuts for elastics, and other specialized techniques to guide the jaw into better alignment.
Bite Issues Invisalign Can Treat
- Overbite: When the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth, Invisalign can help bring them into a more balanced position, improving function and appearance.
- Underbite: If the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, Invisalign can often move the lower jaw back or upper teeth forward to correct the relationship.
- Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. Invisalign can widen the dental arch and realign the teeth to eliminate this imbalance.
- Open bite: If the front teeth don’t touch when you bite down, Invisalign can close the space so that the teeth meet properly, which improves speech and chewing.
- Deep bite: When the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth too much, Invisalign can reposition the teeth to reduce the overlap and prevent uneven wear.
When Braces Might Be Better
While Invisalign can handle many bite issues, severe cases may still require traditional braces or even jaw surgery. Your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth, jaw alignment, and bite to determine whether Invisalign is the right choice for your needs.
Invisalign is much more than a cosmetic solution — it can correct many types of bite problems, improving both the look and function of your smile. With advanced technology and custom treatment planning, it’s possible to achieve significant bite correction without the wires and brackets of traditional braces.
About the Author
Dr. Admasu Gizachew is a graduate of the New York University School of Dentistry. Since graduating, he has made an effort to stay up to date with the latest developments in the dental field, logging almost 300 hours of continuing education each year. He also stays current through memberships in the American Dental Association and the New Jersey Dental Association. If you’re looking for a straighter, healthier smile with Invisalign treatment, schedule an appointment today online or call our Brick Township office at (732) 475-7535.