Invisalign® is often associated with straightening crooked teeth, but clear aligners may also correct many common bite problems. Depending on the cause and severity of the condition, Invisalign can be used to treat certain overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
At Johnson Orthodontics, Dr. Brad Johnson creates customized Invisalign treatment plans for teens and adults throughout Mentor, Chagrin Falls, Willoughby, Solon, Bainbridge Township, and surrounding Northeast Ohio communities. As a board-certified orthodontist with advanced Invisalign experience, Dr. Johnson can determine whether clear aligners, braces, or another orthodontic solution is best for your smile.
What Is a Bite Problem?
Your bite describes how your upper and lower teeth meet when your mouth is closed. When the teeth or jaws do not align properly, the condition is known as a malocclusion.
Common bite problems include:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Excessive overjet
- Deep bite
Some bite differences are minor and may not require treatment. Others can affect chewing, tooth wear, oral hygiene, speech, jaw comfort, or the appearance of the smile. An orthodontic evaluation is necessary to understand the type of bite concern and whether treatment is recommended.
Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite?
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth vertically overlap the lower front teeth. A small amount of overlap is normal, but an excessive or deep overbite may place additional pressure on the teeth and surrounding tissues.
Invisalign can correct many dental overbites by gradually repositioning the teeth and improving how the upper and lower arches fit together. Treatment may include specially designed attachments or other features that help guide tooth movement.
The outcome depends on factors such as:
- The severity of the overbite
- Whether the issue involves the teeth, jaws, or both
- The patient’s age and growth
- The amount and type of movement required
- Consistent aligner wear
Research indicates that clear aligners can improve deep bites, although planned movements may not always be fully achieved during the first series of aligners. Additional refinements or overcorrection may sometimes be required.
Can Invisalign Fix an Underbite?
An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed.
Invisalign may be effective for some mild or moderate underbites, particularly when the problem is primarily caused by tooth position. Aligners can gradually reposition the teeth to create a healthier bite relationship.
However, some underbites are caused by a significant difference in jaw size or position. These skeletal cases may require additional orthodontic appliances, braces, growth modification for younger patients, or jaw surgery for certain adults. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that clear aligners can work for mild dental underbites, while substantial skeletal discrepancies may require more than orthodontic treatment alone.
Can Invisalign Fix a Crossbite?
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth sit inside the corresponding lower teeth rather than slightly outside them.
Crossbites may affect the front teeth, back teeth, or one side of the mouth. Invisalign can correct some crossbites by moving the affected teeth into better alignment. Whether clear aligners are appropriate depends on the patient’s age, the type of crossbite, and whether the issue involves tooth position or jaw width.
Growing patients with a narrow upper jaw may need a palatal expander before braces or clear aligners are used to complete alignment. Early evaluation can be especially important because some jaw-width concerns are easier to address while a child is still developing.
Invisalign Treats More Than Simple Cases
Modern Invisalign treatment can address a broad range of orthodontic concerns, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites and deep bites
- Selected underbites
- Selected crossbites
- Open bites
- Teeth that shifted after previous treatment
However, clear aligners are not automatically the best choice for every patient. Treatment success depends on accurate diagnosis, careful planning, patient cooperation, and oversight by an experienced orthodontist.
Why Orthodontic Expertise Matters
Invisalign aligners are created from a digital treatment plan, but the technology does not replace the orthodontist directing the case.
Dr. Johnson evaluates the teeth, bite, jaw relationships, facial structure, and treatment goals before determining which movements are appropriate. He can also decide whether attachments, elastics, additional aligners, or a different appliance may be needed.
This expertise is especially important for bite correction because improving how the teeth fit together requires more than making the front teeth appear straight.
Dr. Johnson is a board-certified orthodontist and Top 1% Diamond Invisalign Provider. His orthodontic specialty training and Invisalign experience allow him to manage a wide range of straightforward and complex cases while creating treatment plans around each patient’s individual needs.
How Long Does Invisalign Bite Correction Take?
Treatment time varies based on the type and severity of the bite problem. Mild dental corrections may take less time than cases requiring significant movement across both arches.
Other factors include:
- The number of aligners required
- Whether attachments or elastics are used
- How consistently the aligners are worn
- The patient’s biological response to treatment
- Whether refinements are needed
The American Association of Orthodontists notes that the number of aligners and treatment duration vary according to the individual orthodontic problem and the movements required.
Dr. Johnson will provide a personalized estimate after completing an orthodontic evaluation.
Find Out Whether Invisalign Can Correct Your Bite
The only reliable way to determine whether Invisalign can fix your overbite, underbite, or crossbite is through an examination by an orthodontist.
During your complimentary consultation at Johnson Orthodontics, Dr. Johnson will evaluate your teeth and bite, explain the cause of the problem, and review the available treatment options. You will receive a customized recommendation based on your health, lifestyle, and smile goals.
Schedule a complimentary consultation at our Mentor or Chagrin Falls office to learn whether Invisalign is right for your bite.
FAQs
Can Invisalign completely fix an overbite?
Invisalign can correct many dental overbites, but results depend on the severity and whether the issue involves tooth position, jaw structure, or both.
Can Invisalign treat a severe underbite?
Some underbites can be treated with Invisalign, but severe skeletal underbites may require additional orthodontic treatment or jaw surgery.
Can Invisalign correct a crossbite?
Invisalign may correct certain dental crossbites. Crossbites caused by a narrow jaw may require expansion or another appliance.
Are braces better than Invisalign for bite problems?
Neither option is universally better. The right treatment depends on the type and complexity of the bite problem and the patient’s individual needs.
Does Johnson Orthodontics offer complimentary Invisalign consultations?
Yes. Johnson Orthodontics offers complimentary orthodontic consultations at its Mentor and Chagrin Falls offices.