Most people think of Invisalign as a way to straighten crooked teeth, but many patients also have bite problems, where the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly. Bite issues matter for more than looks: they affect chewing, wear on the teeth, jaw comfort and gum health. Modern aligner techniques can correct many bite problems, though some cases still need braces or a combined approach.
An overbite or deep bite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much vertically. Overjet is when the upper teeth stick out too far horizontally. An underbite is when the lower front teeth sit in front of the uppers. A crossbite is when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which can occur at the front or back. An open bite is when the front teeth do not meet at all when the back teeth are closed.
Aligners can level and intrude teeth to reduce deep bites, close spaces, move teeth sideways to correct mild to moderate crossbites, and improve many open bites, partly because the plastic covering the back teeth helps control their height. Attachments, the small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to teeth, give the aligners grip for these more complex movements.
Correcting how the upper and lower jaws relate often requires elastics, small rubber bands hooked between the upper and lower aligners. They apply gentle pulling force to shift the bite forward or backward. Elastics only work when worn consistently, typically all day except while eating, so they require commitment.
Severe skeletal discrepancies, where the jaw bones themselves are mismatched in size or position, may need fixed braces, growth-modifying appliances in children, or orthognathic jaw surgery combined with orthodontics in adults. A thorough assessment with X-rays and a bite analysis will show whether the problem is mainly dental, which aligners can usually handle, or skeletal.
A balanced bite spreads chewing forces evenly, reducing the risk of chipped edges, worn enamel and gum recession on overloaded teeth. It can also make teeth easier to clean and can improve facial profile in some cases. Correcting the bite first also creates a better foundation if you later want veneers or other cosmetic work.
Many mild to moderate overbites are treated successfully with aligners and elastics. Severe cases with a skeletal cause may need braces or a combination with jaw surgery.
Only if your treatment plan involves correcting how the upper and lower jaws meet. Your dentist will explain if elastics are needed and for how long each day.
Correcting some bite problems, particularly underbites and large overjets, can subtly improve lip position and profile. The extent depends on the type of correction.
Get a bite assessment and find out if clear aligners are right for you. Learn more about Invisalign in Al Ain.
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