Can Invisalign Fix Jaw Alignment Issues?
If you’ve ever been told you have a bite issue or a jaw that doesn’t line up quite right, you might be wondering about your treatment options. Traditional braces are often the first thing that comes to mind, but many patients are asking a different question: Can Invisalign fix jaw alignment issues?
Invisalign and other brands of clear aligners have come a long way since they first hit the market. What started as a tool for straightening mildly crooked teeth has evolved into a sophisticated system that can address many bite and alignment concerns.
In this blog, we’ll dive into how Invisalign (and other types of clear aligners) work, whether it can fix common jaw problems like overbites, underbites, and open bites, and what you should expect during treatment.
Understanding Jaw Alignment Problems
Before we answer whether Invisalign can help, it’s important to understand the most common types of jaw alignment problems:
Overbite
This happens when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much. It can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, and difficulty biting or chewing.
Underbite
An underbite happens when the lower set of teeth is positioned out past the upper set of teeth. This can cause speech difficulties and uneven wear on your teeth.
Open Bite
In an open bite, the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed, creating a gap. Open bites can make it hard to chew or speak clearly.
Crossbite
A crossbite happens when one or more of the upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth. This misalignment can lead to uneven wear, jaw discomfort, and it can affect overall dental health.
All of these are classified as malocclusions, which is a general term for bite misalignments. While the severity of these conditions varies, they can all impact your dental health, comfort, and confidence.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign involves wearing a set of personalized clear aligners that progressively shift your teeth into their proper positions. You wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks before switching to the next one. Over time, this steady pressure shifts the teeth—and in some cases, the jaw—into better alignment.
Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can eat what you want and brush your teeth easily. They’re also virtually invisible, making them a popular option for teens and adults who prefer a more discreet form of orthodontic treatment.
But what about jaw alignment? Let’s take a closer look.
Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite?
Yes, Invisalign can fix an overbite in many cases. An overbite is one of the most common bite issues orthodontists treat, and Invisalign has special features designed to address it.
For example, Invisalign has special attachments and precision bite ramps that apply extra force to the teeth and jaw. These tools help guide the upper teeth backward and the lower jaw forward, reducing the severity of the overbite over time.
However, the success of Invisalign in treating overbite depends on how severe the overbite is. For mild to moderate overbites, Invisalign is often very effective. More complex cases may require additional treatment or a combination of Invisalign and other orthodontic tools.
Can Invisalign Fix an Underbite?
Invisalign can fix an underbite in some situations. Underbites usually occur when the lower jaw is too far forward or the upper jaw is underdeveloped.
Invisalign can help shift the teeth to improve the bite, especially in milder cases. Attachments and elastics (tiny rubber bands) can also be used with Invisalign to guide the jaw into a better position.
For moderate to severe underbites, especially those caused by skeletal issues rather than just dental misalignment, a combination of Invisalign and jaw surgery may be necessary. Your orthodontist will assess your condition and recommend the best approach.
Can Invisalign Fix an Open Bite?
Open bites can be hard to treat, but Invisalign can help, especially if the bite problem comes from dental habits or minor alignment issues.
With the use of vertical force, Invisalign aligners can help bring the top and bottom teeth closer together. Attachments placed on the teeth help apply pressure in the right areas, encouraging proper alignment.
Invisalign is often successful in closing gaps in the bite and improving the way your teeth come together. However, if the open bite is due to jawbone shape or growth problems, additional treatments may be needed.
Can Invisalign Fix Jaw Alignment Overall?
Now let’s return to the major question: can Invisalign fix jaw alignment? The answer is yes, but with some limitations.
Invisalign is highly effective at correcting many alignment issues, especially when the problem is dental in nature (meaning the teeth are out of place rather than the bones). Invisalign can help guide the jaw into better alignment by moving the teeth into the proper position and improving how they fit together.
However, if your jaw alignment issue is skeletal (related to bone structure rather than just the teeth), Invisalign alone might not be enough. In those cases, your orthodontist might recommend a more comprehensive treatment plan that includes surgery, traditional braces, or other devices.
The good news is that advances in Invisalign technology have made it possible to treat more complex jaw alignment issues than ever before. In many cases, patients who once would have needed braces can now benefit from Invisalign.
What to Expect During Treatment
Here’s what you can expect from the clear aligner treatment process:
- Consultation: You’ll start with a comprehensive exam, including X-rays and digital scans to assess your bite.
- Treatment plan: A custom treatment plan will be created using 3D imaging software.
- Aligner trays: If clear aligners are right for you, you’ll receive a series of aligners to wear, typically for 20 to 22 hours per day.
- Monitoring: Regular check-ins with your provider will ensure your treatment is progressing properly.
- Results: Depending on the severity of your jaw alignment issue, treatment may take anywhere from 12 to 24 months.
Keep in mind that compliance is key to your success with this treatment. Make sure to wear your aligners as instructed and attend all scheduled appointments.
When to See an Orthodontist
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, difficulty chewing, speech problems, or you notice that your teeth don’t align properly when you close your mouth, it’s time to consult an orthodontist.
Jaw issues don’t just affect your appearance—they can affect how you speak and chew, and they can cause problems down the line like tooth damage, gum disease, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.
At your appointment, the orthodontist will take digital scans of your mouth to get a better idea of any underlying issues. This will help them find the most effective treatment for your unique case.
Is Invisalign Right for Your Jaw Alignment Issue?
If you’ve been wondering if Invisalign can fix an overbite, an underbite, or an open bite, the answer is that it often can, especially with modern technology and a customized treatment plan.
At our practice, we believe everyone deserves a confident smile and a healthy bite. We offer thorough consultations to evaluate your condition and determine the best treatment path for you.
We’re proud to offer Spark Clear Aligners, which, like Invisalign, are a nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth and correct alignment issues. If clear aligners aren’t the right option for you, we also offer Damon Clear Braces, which combine effective treatment with a discreet appearance.
Ready to take the first step toward a better smile and better bite? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out how we can help you achieve lasting results.
