Eating is one of the greatest joys in life. Our ability to bite affords us the luxury of enjoying our food. But not all people have a perfectly aligned bite. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, there are seven common bite problems: underbite, crossbite, overbite (deep bite), crowding, spacing, open bite, and overjet. If you have a mild to moderate case of one of these bite problems, Invisalign in Millersville may be the perfect way to solve it! Read on to find out why misaligned bites can cause problems and what Invisalign can do to help.
Why are Misaligned Bites a Problem?
The way the upper and lower teeth align is important because it determines how effectively you can chew your food. If your teeth are properly aligned, force caused by biting is evenly distributed, leading to healthier, longer-lasting teeth. On the other hand, if your bite is misaligned in some way, certain teeth can wear down more quickly from bearing all the unbalanced biting force.
Many people don’t like their bite misalignment because of cosmetic reasons. But more importantly, it can lead to chronic jaw pain and increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. This is due to the lower teeth rubbing against the gum tissue on the back of the upper front teeth.
How Invisalign Can Help
Invisalign can reliably correct most mild bite problems. If Invisalign is right for you, you will receive a series of trays that are specifically designed to correct your bite issue. Each set of aligners will put a specific amount of pressure on your teeth, gently moving them into proper alignment. Gradually moving your teeth into their ideal positions will in turn help even out your bite.
Invisalign is a wonderful option to correct misalignment issues because of its discreetness, removability, and overall convenience. Discover if it is the right option for you by having a consultation with your dentist.
Important Factors to Keep in Mind
As with most dental treatments, there are certain factors to consider when looking into Invisalign, especially when targeting bite issues. Be mindful of:
- Age range – If the patient is 12 years old or younger, their jaws are still growing, and they are not a suitable candidate for Invisalign.
- The severity of the bite issues – Invisalign is most effective at addressing mild and minor bite issues, so severe problems usually need to be treated with traditional orthodontics.
- Prep work— There might also be work that needs to be done prior to you receiving your aligners so that your teeth are properly prepared for treatment.
- Commitment – Patients must stick to the 22-hour rule throughout their Invisalign treatment. Wearing the aligners as instructed is vital to your desired outcome!
Your “perfect bite” can be about more than delicious food. Call your dentist today to see if Invisalign is an option you should consider!
About the Author
Dr. Tran and her team proudly serve the community of Millersville and those around it. She received her dental doctorate at the University of Maryland at Baltimore. In addition to being Invisalign Certified, she constantly adds to her expertise by continuing education courses through the world-renowned Pankey Institute. Dr. Tran is available to help you fix your misalignment issues so you can have your dream smile. You can contact Transcendent Smiles through their website or by phone at (410) 421-7316.