Invisalign® has changed how millions of Americans view orthodontic treatments. By foregoing traditional brackets and wires, people can get the treatment they need without sacrificing their favorite foods or struggling with oral hygiene, making getting the straight smile you’ve always dreamed of much easier.
Unlike traditional orthodontic treatments, Invisalign aligners in Delray Beach are removable, meaning you can take them out to eat, drink, and clean your teeth. However, many patients wonder if clear aligners are as effective in solving every case of malocclusion. Here, we’ll explore that.
Why Do Teeth Get Crooked?
Bite problems can arise from various factors, from childhood injuries to genetic factors. Many bite issues are hereditary, stemming from family traits in jaw size, tooth size, and alignment.
Additionally, your childhood habits greatly influence how your jaw and bite develop. Issues like prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use, or prolonged bottle feeding can alter the positioning of teeth and jaws, leading to malocclusions.
Early loss of baby teeth can also lead to misalignments, as the role of these primary teeth is to save space for permanent teeth to come. Delayed loss of baby teeth can lead to orthodontic issues, too.
For these and many other reasons, around 4 million people in the U.S. need or under an orthodontic treatment, and 65% of adults don’t have well-aligned teeth.
Types of Bite Problems
Invisalign has become a preferred option for patients looking to get orthodontic treatment without having to get braces. By wearing them as indicated for 20 to 22 hours a day, you can effectively align your teeth without having to worry about uncomfortable metal brackets and wires.
But how long does it take for Invisalign to work? Your daily wear time, the severity of the alignment problem, and a few other crucial factors will all affect the answer. On average, Invisalign treatment ranges from 6 to 18 months, with some cases requiring more time based on specific dental needs.
Let’s go over some common types of misalignments Invisalign can help resolve:
1. Overbite
When the upper and lower front teeth greatly overlap, it is called an overbite. Genetic factors can cause overbites, but they’re often a result of thumb-sucking during childhood. For that reason, they’re also known as “pacifier teeth.”
If treatment is not received, overbites can result in uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, and even TMJ disorders. With Invisalign aligners, tough patients’ teeth will gradually shift, moving the upper teeth back and the lower teeth forward to achieve a balanced bite.
2. Underbite
As the name indicates, an underbite is characterized by the lower teeth protruding beyond the upper teeth. Long-term thumb sucking, abnormalities in jaw growth, or genetic factors can all contribute to this condition.
Underbites can cause jaw pain, interfere with chewing, and make the face look unbalanced. Invisalign can enhance overall function and appearance by repositioning and aligning the lower teeth with the upper teeth.
3. Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, either on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral). They often arise from jaw size discrepancies, tooth positioning issues, or developmental factors.
A crossbite can cause complications, uneven wear on teeth, and painful symptoms, but mild cases can be corrected with Invisalign treatment. Through a series of aligners, Invisalign can correct the positioning of the teeth, aligning the upper and lower arches.
More complex cases of crossbites may require orthodontic combined with jaw surgery, though.
4. Open Bite
Open bites occur when a gap between the upper and lower front teeth remains even when the mouth is closed. It’s often caused by thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, and certain jaw growth patterns.
Open bites are a common aesthetic concern for patients and can lead to difficulties with speech and chewing, so prompt treatment is important. Invisalign can close the gap by progressively moving the teeth into a more aligned position.
5. Crowding
When there is not enough room in the jaw for every tooth to fit correctly, it is called crowding, and the teeth overlap. This condition can be hereditary or result from the premature loss of baby teeth.
Overcrowding makes it difficult to clean teeth effectively, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Invisalign can create space by gradually moving teeth into better alignment, allowing for improved oral hygiene.
6. Spacing
Spacing occurs when teeth are separated by gaps. It is frequently caused by genetics, missing teeth, discrepancies in tooth size, or premature tooth loss.
Although spacing may be aesthetically pleasing to some, it can cause problems with oral hygiene. By moving teeth together, Invisalign can close gaps and improve appearance and function.
7. Midline Shift
A midline shift occurs when the center line of the upper and lower teeth does not align. This can result from tooth loss, orthodontic treatment, or natural development.
While it may seem unserious, a midline shift can lead to uneven wear and affect bite function, so it’s important to treat it effectively. Invisalign achieves that by adjusting the positions of the teeth to ensure that the midline is centered.
Understanding the Importance of Orthodontic Treatments
Bite misalignment and malocclusion are much more than an aesthetic concern—they can have several implications for oral and overall health, from causing bite discomfort to even affecting the digestive system.
Misaligned bites can make cleaning teeth properly difficult, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Moreover, in the long run, the misalignment will strain the jaw muscles and joints, leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, headaches, and chronic pain.
Bite issues can affect chewing efficiency, potentially leading to digestive problems if food is not adequately processed. The other main function of the mouth, speaking, could also be affected, as certain bite problems can impact articulation and clarity of speech, especially in children.
For these reasons, getting prompt treatment for your malocclusion is fundamental. Nowadays, there’s a variety of options, like clear aligners designed to cater to every patient’s needs, so don’t keep putting off your dental health.
Get the Invisalign in Delray Beach You Need
Invisalign is a versatile treatment option that can address many bite problems. From simple crooked teeth to over- and underbites, the various sets of clear, removable trays offer effective results without sacrificing aesthetics and comfort during your day-to-day.
If you’re unsure whether Invisalign is the right treatment for you, consult with a professional. Reach out to Friedman Dental Group and schedule an appointment as the first step toward gaining a healthier, more confident smile!
*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.