Orthodontic treatment is beneficial for all aspects of your teeth and jaws. While most people think of Invisalign as a way to get a better-looking smile, there are tons of long-term health benefits to straightening your teeth with this clear aligner system. Additionally, you can fix bite issues when you get Invisalign, giving you a smile that both looks and feels great.
Common Bite Problems
So, what can possibly go wrong with your bite that would require orthodontic treatment? Many patients have problems with their bite that they may not even realize. One common problem is an overbite, where the upper teeth stick too far forward. Also common is an underbite, which presents the opposite issue where the lower teeth are positioned further forward than they should be.
Other types of bite issues include crossbites, where some or all of the teeth in the upper jaw are positioned inside the lower jaw, which is the opposite of how it should be. Sometimes, teeth will stick up too far or be tilted in a fashion that creates a disproportionate amount of pressure. Ideally, the teeth should have an even distribution of pressure when biting down.
Invisalign First
One way to tackle bite problems is to get orthodontic treatment early. An orthodontist will prescribe early orthodontic treatment if they determine that waiting longer will result in larger problems later on in life. Early orthodontic treatment is primarily concerned with how the jaw is forming. Invisalign First is a relatively new early orthodontic treatment that can guide how the jaw grows.
In many cases, early orthodontics will help prevent a patient from needing teeth removed or having a longer treatment process later in life. Since the jaw is still growing and is more malleable around age seven, this is the ideal age to get an assessment to see if early orthodontics can fix your child’s bite problems.
Fix Bite Issues with Invisalign
For patients with less severe overbites or subtle underbites, getting orthodontic treatment with Invisalign can fix their bite problems. By getting rid of crowding and properly directing each tooth, the shape of your bite can be fixed for ideal comfort and functionality.
For patients who need stronger correction to fix their bites, elastic bands may be required. Patients can still use Invisalign even if they need elastic bands, thanks to small hooks in the aligners or tooth-colored attachments on your teeth. These additions are placed toward the front or back of the mouth depending on what time of bite problem is being corrected.
The pressure from the elastic bands will correct the position of your jaws to get rid of your underbite or overbite. Just make sure to remove these bands and replace them after meals to keep your treatment on course to be completed on time.
The Invisalign Clear Aligner System is a great option for many patients who want more comfort and subtlety as they straighten their smile and fix their bite problems. Contact Smith Orthodontics today to get a free consultation and to see how Invisalign can improve your smile.
