Bite issues are some of the most common concerns in dental health. Misalignments of the teeth and jaw, often called malocclusions, can affect how the teeth meet when you bite down.
These issues can range from aesthetic concerns and minor discomfort to more serious problems that affect oral health and overall quality of life. The position of your teeth can impact your confidence, ability to eat and speak, and wider health.
Fortunately, there are effective treatments available to correct these issues. One such treatment is Invisalign, a modern solution that can help address a range of bite issues comfortably and discreetly. So, what are the most common bite issues, and what should you do if this applies to you?
This guide will explain the causes and symptoms of bite issues like overbite, underbite, and crossbite and discuss how Invisalign can help.
The way the teeth fit together is critical to oral health. When there’s an issue with this alignment, it can lead to a variety of complications. Here are some of the most common bite issues:
An overbite occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively. It’s one of the most common types of malocclusion and can result in functional and aesthetic concerns.
Ideally, your upper teeth should slightly cover your lower teeth. However, in the case of an overbite, your upper teeth may protrude too far forward, sometimes completely hiding your lower teeth.
The issues caused by an overbite can include:
An overbite can also affect the overall appearance of the smile. If you have a pronounced overbite, you may feel self-conscious about how your teeth look.
An underbite is the opposite of an overbite. Here, your lower teeth are positioned in front of your upper teeth. This misalignment can occur due to genetics or developmental issues during childhood.
In more severe cases, an underbite can lead to functional problems with eating, speaking, and even breathing.
Common symptoms of an underbite include
In severe cases, an underbite may require more complex treatment, such as surgery, but for many, Invisalign offers an effective way to correct the issue gradually.
A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite on the inside of your lower teeth. This can occur either at the front or the back of the mouth, and it can affect your teeth and your jaw.
Crossbites are problematic because they can cause uneven wear on the teeth and even lead to jaw joint issues, which may result in discomfort or pain.
Symptoms of a crossbite can include:
Crossbites can occur on one side of your mouth (unilateral crossbite) or both sides (bilateral crossbite). In either case, the misalignment should be corrected to prevent long-term damage.
An open bite occurs when there is a gap between your upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This means that the front teeth do not touch when biting down, making biting and chewing food difficult.
An open bite may occur in the front of the mouth (anterior open bite) or towards the back (posterior open bite).
Open bites can lead to problems with speaking, eating, and breathing, so early treatment is ideal.
A deep bite is a type of overbite in which your upper teeth excessively overlap your lower teeth, causing them to be covered by the upper teeth to an extreme degree.
This condition can lead to problems such as gum irritation, excessive tooth wear, and jaw pain. If you have a deep bite, you may find it difficult to fully close your mouth or experience discomfort when chewing.
Bite problems can develop for various reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:
Genetic factors often play a significant role in bite issues. If a family member had an overbite, underbite, or crowded teeth, there’s a higher likelihood of inheriting similar dental alignment problems. Genetics also affects the size and development of the jaw, contributing to misalignments.
Prolonged thumb sucking or dummy use can interfere with the development of the teeth and jaw, often leading to open bites or overbites. These habits exert pressure on the teeth and can cause them to shift or grow incorrectly.
Losing baby teeth too early can cause permanent teeth to come in misaligned. If a baby tooth falls out prematurely, the surrounding teeth may shift into the space, preventing adult teeth from coming in properly and potentially causing crowding or bite issues.
Injuries to the face or jaw can displace teeth and disrupt jaw alignment. A blow to the jaw can lead to underbites, crossbites, or other bite misalignments.
Habits such as tongue thrusting, nail-biting, or chewing on pens can affect the position of the teeth. These habits can apply undue pressure on the teeth, leading to misalignment over time.
Unconscious teeth grinding, often caused by stress or sleep disorders, can wear down teeth and shift their alignment, contributing to overbites, underbites, or other bite problems.
Uneven growth of the upper and lower jaws during childhood can cause bite misalignments like overbites, underbites, or crossbites. These issues may be addressed through orthodontic treatment if detected early.
While traditional braces have long been the go-to treatment for correcting bite problems, Invisalign has become an increasingly popular choice due to its discreet, comfortable, and effective approach.
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners that gently shift the teeth into the desired position.
These aligners are virtually invisible, making them perfect for adults and teenagers who want to improve their smile without the noticeable appearance of metal braces.
Here’s how Invisalign can help with common bite issues:
The first step in Invisalign treatment is a consultation with our team. We’ll thoroughly examine your teeth and bite to determine the exact nature of the misalignment.
Using advanced 3D imaging and innovative software, we’ll create a custom treatment plan to address your bite’s specific issues. Your treatment plan will involve multiple small steps. We can even show you an image of the smile you’ll see if you choose the treatment.
This personalised approach means that Invisalign can treat many mild to moderate bite problems, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and deep bite.
Invisalign aligners work by gradually applying pressure to the teeth, shifting them into their correct positions over time. Unlike traditional braces, which use metal brackets and wires to move the teeth, Invisalign aligners are smooth and comfortable, reducing the risk of irritation to the gums and inside of the mouth.
Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before being replaced with the next set in the series. The aligners will gradually move the teeth into better alignment, helping correct issues such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite without invasive treatments.
Invisalign is far more comfortable than traditional braces. The aligners are made from smooth plastic so they won’t irritate the inside of the mouth.
Because your aligners are removable, cleaning and maintaining the best oral hygiene is easier, reducing the risk of plaque build-up and tooth decay during treatment. Additionally, you can enjoy all your favourite meals without worrying about food becoming trapped.
One of the main benefits of Invisalign is its discreet appearance. Each aligner is virtually invisible when worn, making it an ideal option if you’re concerned about the aesthetic impact of wearing braces.
Whether you’re an adult seeking to improve your smile or a teenager, Invisalign offers a way to correct bite issues without drawing attention to your dental treatment.
Invisalign is highly effective for treating many bite problems, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. The aligners can move the teeth in multiple directions, gradually correcting the misalignment and helping to restore the proper bite.
While severe bite issues may require additional treatments, Invisalign is successful for many people with moderate to mild bite problems. With the right treatment plan and consistent use of aligners, you can expect to see significant improvements in your bite, smile, and confidence.
Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign treatment often takes less time. Most cases of Invisalign treatment last between 12 and 18 months, depending on the severity of the bite issue.
While every treatment plan will vary, you should see noticeable improvements within just a few months of starting the process.
Bite issues such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite can cause discomfort, affect oral health, and impact self-esteem.
Invisalign offers a modern and effective way to correct these problems. With its discreet, comfortable, and highly customised approach, Invisalign can help you achieve a healthier bite and a more confident smile.
Contact us today to schedule your Invisalign consultation.
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Our Invisalign® aligners can fix a large range of teeth position issues, by using a set of clear aligners which are custom made to your teeth and almost invisible.
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