When you want straighter teeth without metal wires and rubber bands, you can turn to Invisalign. These “invisible” braces fix a variety of dental problems, from mild cases of crooked teeth to more serious problems involving malocclusion, overbite and underbite. It’s true that Invisalign treatment at Speaks Orthodontics can’t adjust all known dental bite issues, but with a few sets of custom Invisalign trays, you can fix any of these six main dental conditions.
Invisalign Can Treat Gapped Teeth
- What causes the problem? Gaps between teeth may appear in one area of your mouth or throughout your entire bite. One possible cause is abnormal jawbone growth. Another is tooth loss, which may cause surrounding teeth to shift due to the extra space.
- Why does it need to be corrected? Aside from having a less pleasing smile, gapped teeth can lead to gum problems, including periodontal pockets and increased chance of developing periodontal disease. Your gums rely on protection from your teeth, and gaps leave them more vulnerable.
Invisalign Can Treat Overcrowded Teeth
- What causes the problem? If you have small jawbones, there might not be enough room for all your teeth to sit comfortably in your mouth. This leads to overcrowding.
- Why does it need to be corrected? When left unaddressed, overcrowded teeth can become severely crooked and wreak havoc on your bite and the appearance of your smile. Overcrowding also makes it more difficult to clean your teeth properly, allowing plaque to accumulate. This increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Invisalign Can Treat Overbite
- What causes the problem? What you know as an “overbite” is technically called an “overjet.” It occurs when the upper teeth bite too far over the lower teeth. Causes include genetics, bad oral habits and an overdeveloped bone structure.
- Why does it need to be corrected? Overbites make chewing difficult and can cause irritated gums. The unnatural tooth placement can also wear down the lower teeth and cause painful jaw joint problems.
Invisalign Can Treat Underbite
- What causes the problem? An underbite is when the lower front teeth protrude past the upper teeth. It’s caused by an underdeveloped upper jaw, overdeveloped lower jaw or a combination of the two. Missing upper teeth can also cause an underbite to form.
- Why does it need to be corrected? This bite problem can make it difficult to chew because it prevents the front teeth and molars from functioning normally. This also leads to worn teeth and can cause painful jaw joint problems.
Invisalign Can Treat Open Bite
- What causes the problem? An open bite is defined as teeth that can’t make physical contact when the jaw is fully closed. Most often, the front teeth don’t make contact in an open bite, which is caused by a genetically abnormal jaw structure or excessive thumb-sucking.
- Why does it need to be corrected? This dental issue can make chewing difficult or painful. It can also cause speech impairment and increases the risk of a thermo-mandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
Invisalign Can Treat Crossbite
- What causes the problem? This is when a crooked jaw causes teeth to align strangely, causing one or more upper teeth to make contact with the inside of the lower teeth. This can occur anywhere in the mouth when a crossbite is present.
- Why does it need to be corrected? Common problems associated with crossbites include worn teeth, gum disease and bone loss.
