Will Invisalign Work for Your Malocclusion?

Are you dreaming of a beautiful smile and perfectly straight teeth? You should know that there are modern alternatives to traditional metal braces that may be right for you.

Increasingly recommended for patients of all ages, Invisalign offers an effective and discreet way to straighten teeth and correct certain types of malocclusions. In addition to enhancing your smile, it also contributes to better oral health.

Discover how this nearly invisible treatment can help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Is Invisalign the Right Treatment for You?

Invisalign is a proven orthodontic treatment that gradually moves the teeth using clear aligners. These aligners are typically replaced every one to two weeks in order to achieve optimal alignment.

While Invisalign is highly effective, it may not be suitable for every case. Depending on the complexity of your dental issues, an alternative approach might be recommended. If this is the case, our team will walk you through the available options and help you choose the one that best fits your needs. Together, we’ll develop the best treatment plan to achieve your goal.

Types of Malocclusions That Can Be Treated With Invisalign

Several dental alignment issues can be corrected with Invisalign. Here are some common cases where this treatment could be an appropriate solution.

Overbite

Overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend significantly beyond the lower teeth. In some cases, the lower teeth may even be hidden behind the upper ones.

While a slight overbite is considered normal, it becomes a concern when the protrusion is clearly visible. A pronounced overbite can lead to various dental issues, including premature tooth wear and jaw pain.

Several factors can contribute to the development of an overbite such as genetics, bruxism (teeth grinding), prolonged thumb-sucking in childhood, and more.

Depending on the severity of your condition, Invisalign could be the right treatment for you. A preliminary consultation with one of our dentists will help determine whether Invisalign is the right treatment to correct your overbite.

Underbite

An underbite is essentially the reverse of an overbite. It occurs when the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw. This type of malocclusion can make it difficult to close the mouth properly, chew efficiently or speak clearly. It can also lead to premature tooth wear.

As with overbite, underbite is often the result of genetics or childhood habits such as thumb-sucking. In some cases, more technical factors may also be linked to an underbite.

Invisalign clear aligners can usually correct this type of malocclusion. Depending on the severity of the situation, a combination of orthodontic treatment and surgical intervention may be recommended. In all cases, a consultation with a dentist will help determine the treatment best suited to your oral condition.

Crossbite

We notice a crossbite when one or more lower teeth bite outside the upper teeth on either side of the mouth. In optimal alignment, the upper teeth should rest slightly outside the lower teeth. In a crossbite, the upper and lower jaw are not aligned correctly.

Diagnosing a crossbite involves identifying the location of the misalignment and determining which teeth are affected. This helps the dentist define the best course of action. In the long term, a crossbite can lead to a number of problems. These include tooth wear and chipping, receding gums, severe temporomandibular pain and much more.

Do you think that this may be your type of malocclusion? Invisalign treatment may be able to correct your bite and smile alignment. A first consultation will allow us to determine if this treatment is appropriate, as well as develop a treatment plan personalized to your specific condition. Depending on the severity of the situation, alternative solutions may also be recommended.

Diastema

Better known as gapped teeth, diastema refers to spaces between two adjacent teeth. Sometimes, the spacing can be more noticeable, which can cause a person to feel self-conscious. This malocclusion can affect both children and adults. That said, for children it usually resolves naturally as baby teeth fall out.

Diastema can cause certain inconveniences, such as spaces between the teeth where food can get stuck. It can lead to gum pain and even gum disease if the problem worsens.

As with other malocclusions, several factors can contribute to diastema, including genetics or diseases, accidents, bad habits and more. Also, adult teeth that don’t emerge after the baby teeth have fallen out can leave noticeable gaps.

Invisalign can often correct the gaps between teeth. A consultation with our team will allow us to put in place a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.

Open Bite

An open bite means that the upper teeth don’t come in contact with the corresponding lower teeth, creating an opening. This misalignment often affects both the appearance of a smile and oral function. When the teeth don’t touch, it can become difficult to chew properly.  This can lead to tooth erosion in certain teeth that are being used more frequently.

To restore proper function and comfort, as well as improving the appearance of your smile, Invisalign might be an effective option. A complete dental examination and X-rays will allow our team to assess your situation and work out the next steps with you.

Crowding

Dental crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for the teeth to align properly. As a result, the teeth will often overlap, twist or crowd together. Some teeth may even move forward or backward.

Crowded teeth are often difficult to clean properly. Flossing and brushing teeth may become less effective, increasing the risk of dental plaque, tartar, cavities and diseases. Invisalign could help improve your condition.

In some cases, and depending on the patient’s age, a treatment combination may be preferred. For younger patients, treatment may be combined with other approaches, such as palatal expansion. In adults, some teeth may need to be removed to allow for proper positioning. A consultation with a dentist will allow you to learn more about the next step.

Are you asking yourself if Invisalign is the solution for you? Whether you’re living with a malocclusion or simply looking to improve the alignment of your teeth, we invite you to contact our team to schedule a first consultation. We’ll guide you towards the treatment that is best suited to your condition, and present you with everything you need to know to make an informed decision.