Invisalign can treat a vast range of problems resulting from the misalignment of teeth. To learn more about what Invisalign treats, see our Invisalign page.
Overbite
This is when the upper teeth sit in front of the lower teeth. When the person bites down, the upper teeth come over the lower teeth and there is not a proper bite. Overbite is normally caused by a) genetics, b) poor oral care, or c) overdevelopment of the jawbone that holds the teeth. In addition to cosmetic reasons to correct this, an overbite can cause painful jaw and joint problems as well as gum problems. Additionally, it can sometimes wear on the lower teeth which are being impacted.
Underbite
An underbite is the reverse of an overbite. When a person with an underbite closes his teeth together, the lower teeth slip over the upper teeth. As with overbite, this can cause jaw and jaw joint issues, as well as tooth wear.
Gaps in Teeth
Gaps between teeth can be caused by missing teeth, which then causes other teeth to move to fill the empty space. These gaps can also come from abnormal jawbone growth. In either case, the teeth no longer properly protect the gum. Again, in addition to cosmetic reasons for correcting this, important health issues such as periodontal disease can come from gaps in teeth.
Open Bite
An open bite is when teeth that are supposed to come together do not, leaving open space between the teeth. This can cause problems with chewing, and even speech impairment. It can also lead to greater issues like problems with the jaw joint (the thermo-mandibular joint), often referred to as TMJ problems.
Teeth Overly Crowded
When there is not enough room in your jaw for all your teeth, overcrowding results. Teeth get pushed around, and you can end up with very crooked teeth, Also, the way that teeth get jammed up against each other can make it hard to properly brush and floss. This, then, can result in more problems with tooth decay and plaque.
Crossbite
A crossbite can occur when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned. It causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth and can happen on both the front and the sides of the mouth. This can cause wear of the teeth, gum disease, and bone loss.
