People are often concerned about the color of their teeth, but the way your teeth come together is also important for an attractive smile. If you have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite, you might feel self-conscious about showing off your pearly whites in front of others. Not to mention, a misaligned bite could lead to chronic teeth grinding and other dental health issues. These days, you can fix these bite problems without having to wear metal braces, thanks to Invisalign in Allen, TX. Keep reading to find out how!
The Importance of a Balanced Bite
In order to have a healthy, functional smile, your upper and lower teeth need to meet in a certain way. Otherwise, your tooth enamel could become worn-down, chipped, or fractured. Over time, daily tasks like eating and speaking might become difficult. You may even suffer from frequent jaw pain due to a TMJ disorder.
How Invisalign Works
Instead of awkward metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of transparent plastic aligners to shift your teeth and jaws into more ideal positions. These custom trays exert gentle pressure on your teeth as you wear them for about 22 hours a day. They’re conveniently removeable for easy eating and oral hygiene.
What Bite Problems Can Invisalign Fix?
Although each case is different, Invisalign can often correct mild to moderate levels of common bite problems, including:
- Overbite/underbite – When the top teeth protrude too far in front of the bottom arch, it’s called an overbite. An underbite occurs when the bottom teeth extend too far. Invisalign can gradually close the space between the upper and lower arches.
- Crossbite – In some cases, the top and bottom teeth rest inside one another, which increases your risk of breakage. Invisalign can balance out these arches to create a gorgeous, functional smile.
- Open bite – If your front top and bottom teeth don’t come together when your mouth is closed, you have an open bite. This problem is often caused by prolonged tongue-thrusting or thumb-sucking during childhood, but Invisalign can typically fix it.
Enjoy a Better Bite with Invisalign
Invisalign is an effective, comfortable way to fix most bite problems. However, you’ll still need to attend a consultation with your dentist to ensure that you’re a good candidate for this treatment. By improving your bite with Invisalign, you’ll be able to enjoy a smile that feels as good as it looks!
About the Author
Dr. Tonie C. Lewis is an Invisalign dentist in Allen, TX with more than 15 years of experience in the field. After earning her dental doctorate from the Howard University College of Dentistry, she has become certified in Invisalign. She is also an active member of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. To find out if Invisalign is the right way to fix your bite problems, visit her website or call Allen Smile Design at (972) 954-9728.