Do you have an overbite, underbite, or another type of bite problem that is interfering with your oral function and affecting your appearance? Orthodontic treatment may be able to help. However, you might be reluctant to commit to traditional metal braces. Is there a more convenient alternative? For many patients, yes. Invisalign is often able to correct overbites and other bite problems. This blog post explains what you can expect with treatment.
How Invisalign Works for Bite Problems
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that utilizes a custom series of clear aligner trays to apply gentle pressure to the teeth. As you progress from one aligner to the next, your teeth will gradually shift into their planned positions. Moving the teeth is often important for correcting bite problems.
However, you may also need some additional accessories. For example, you might need to wear small rubber bands, sometimes called elastics, that hook onto small attachments on your aligners. The purpose of the rubber bands is to help train your lower jaw to rest in the correct position.
Of course, treatment details can vary greatly from patient to patient. During your consultation with your Invisalign provider, they can give you a better understanding of what lies ahead.
General Notes on What to Expect with Treatment
Here are a few notes on what your treatment experience may be like:
- Invisalign is designed to be as comfortable as possible, but it can still cause some soreness and general discomfort. If you experience severe discomfort or pain, you should let your provider know.
- You should stay in touch with your dentist throughout your treatment and comply with any special instructions they give you.
- The average treatment time with Invisalign is 12 months, but that can vary quite a bit depending on the details of each case.
- After you complete Invisalign treatment, you will need to use a retainer to maintain your results.
Can Invisalign Correct All Bite Problems?
When Invisalign first hit the market a few decades ago, it was almost exclusively for mild dental misalignment, not for correcting bite problems. It has come a long way since then! However, it is still not suitable for all bite problems. It is best for correcting mild to moderate cases of misalignment.
If Invisalign is not quite right for your unique case, your provider can discuss other treatment options. For example, you might need traditional braces or even jaw surgery.
Are you ready to fix your overbite or another type of bite problem? Ask your dentist if Invisalign could help you achieve a healthier, better-aligned smile!
Meet the Practice
The team of experts at Santavicca Dental Professionals is proud to provide Invisalign and many other top-quality treatments to members of our community. If you are struggling with an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or similar problem, we can assess the situation and recommend your next steps. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact our Lebanon, NH, office at 603-215-7108.