Can Invisalign® Clear Aligners Correct My Open Bite?
Turns out, this modern method of orthodontic treatment can correct many different bite issues.
An open bite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when both the top and the bottom teeth fail to meet at the front or back of the mouth when the jaw is completely shut, resulting in a space between them.
Causes of open bites include genetic skeletal causes originating from bone growth, as well as poor oral habits during infancy and childhood such as thumb sucking, lower lip sucking and tongue thrusting that inhibit the proper direction of dental development.
Open bites can be a challenge to treat depending on their level of severity - but the good news is, there are several orthodontic treatment methods that can successfully correct these “bad bites”, resulting in a fully closed top and bottom row of teeth when smiling.
How are open bites corrected today?
The most popular kinds of orthodontic treatment today are traditional wire braces and Invisalign® clear aligners - and both are very capable of correcting mild to moderate cases of open bite, in addition to treating other malocclusion issues like underbites, crossbites and overbites (or “deep” bites).
However, Invisalign® has actually been proven to be even more effective at treating open bites compared to conventional wire braces - and this is great news considering how popular this orthodontic solution is among patients today.
Using Invisalign® to correct an open bite
A patient should not undergo treatment for an open bite using Invisalign® unless they are being assisted by a fully trained and qualified dentist or orthodontist. Generally speaking, correcting a bad bite will place a patient at a Level 3 with regards to treatment intensity, which means that a treatment timeline of anywhere from 9 to 24 months will be required in order to achieve the desired result.
Like with the treatment of any malocclusion type, patients will need to wear the aligners for a recommended 20-22 hours minimum every day, while advancing to a new set of aligners every 2 weeks as the teeth gradually shift into their new positions.
Aside from the benefits of being virtually undetectable and comfortable to wear, Invisalign® also doesn’t require patients to adhere to any new teeth cleaning techniques or methods as they are removable. This means that the orthodontic journey of a patient correcting a mild to moderate open bite, underbite, crossbite or overbite can be a much more pleasant and painless experience compared to a treatment experience with traditional braces.
Don’t suffer the consequences of an improper bite any longer. You deserve better!
Open bites and other malocclusions present issues with chewing, speaking or swallowing, and can even cause pain when biting or eating. They also contribute to self-esteem issues, as many people struggle to feel confident with a misaligned smile.
Are you ready to correct your open bite, or any other misalignment issue with Invisalign® clear aligners? Southview Dental would be thrilled to help!
Speaking of routine dental visits - are you due for your next one?
Schedule your free Invisalign® consultation with our expert dentist in Milton today to learn whether you’re a candidate, and take the first step toward achieving your best (straight and properly aligned) smile!
