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Twenty years ago, Invisalign was in its infancy, treating minor issues like slight misalignments. There were no advanced treatment options available to deal with more complicated things like bite alignment. However, after decades of research, Invisalign has come much closer to traditional orthodontic treatments like braces than ever before. But can it now fix overbites and other dental issues? Continue reading to learn more about the augmented power of Invisalign and how it helps patients with more complicated bites.
Invisalign and Overbites
An overbite happens when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. This can not only affect the appearance of your smile but also lead to issues like jaw pain and difficulty chewing.
Invisalign is highly effective in treating overbites, but how this is achieved depends on a few factors. The age of the patient, the severity of the issue, and how the patient handles the treatment are all important.
Fixing Overbites in Young Patients
Younger patients under the age of 12 haven’t stopped growing and their jaw posture is more malleable. Because of this, they can get special Invisalign trays with “wings” that create a “mandibular advancement” appliance. This will gradually shift their lower jaw posture forward while straightening their teeth at the same time!
Invisalign and Bite Issues in Teens and Adults
Once a patient has reached the age of 13, their oral cavity is mostly grown, so mandibular advancement won’t work. So, special elastics are used to gently pull the bottom jaw forward to correct the overbite. These elastic bands are similar to the ones found on traditional braces but can be removed with the aligners.
Can Other Bite Issues Be Fixed with Invisalign?
The same types of modifications seen in overbite treatment can be applied to correcting other bite issues as well. In fact, Invisalign can now be used to correct the most common tooth and bite problems like underbites, crossbites, open bites, excessive spacing, and crowding!
So, Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable, and effective solution for correcting multiple dental problems with your teeth and jaw. If you’re ready to unlock your best bite and achieve the smile of your dreams call your dentist and schedule a consultation!
About the Author
Dr. Francisca A. Sanchez is a passionate dentist who has been helping her patients unlock their best smiles for over 20 years. She earned her dental doctorate from the Columbia School of Dental Medicine and has stayed current on new dental technologies and techniques through advanced training ever since. Call (646) 669-7407 to schedule an Invisalign consultation at FS Dental Arts or visit the website to see a full menu of other services available.