Can Invisalign® Treatment Fix an Overbite, Underbite, or Crossbite?

Do your teeth not quite line up when you bite down? If so, you may be experiencing malocclusion, the clinical term for teeth or jaws that don't align properly. Fortunately, Invisalign aligners in Newton Centre, MA can correct mild to moderate cases of overbite, underbite, and crossbite, as well as crooked teeth and general spacing issues. The clear aligners work by applying steady pressure to gradually move the teeth into better alignment. 

At Kaceli Dental Aesthetics, our team offers the Invisalign brand as a discreet orthodontic treatment option for adults or teens looking to correct their bite. Call today to schedule a consultation and find out if you're a good candidate. 

What is malocclusion? 

So, what is malocclusion? It's a term that describes teeth or jaws that don't align as they should. An overbite occurs when the upper teeth extend over the lower teeth, while an underbite is the opposite, with the lower teeth positioned in front of the upper ones. A crossbite happens when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside, which can affect just a few teeth or an entire side of the mouth. 

These bite issues can develop from genetics, childhood habits like thumb sucking, early tooth loss, or jaw growth patterns. Left untreated, malocclusion can lead to uneven wear on teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing or speaking clearly. Some patients also notice increased strain on the jaw joint over time. In cases like this, Kaceli Dental Aesthetics may recommend Invisalign treatment in Newton Centre as a solution. 

Invisalign treatment for malocclusion 

Invisalign aligners are clear, custom-made trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each tray in the series is slightly different, gradually moving your teeth toward their correct position. For mild to moderate bite issues, this gentle, continuous pressure can shift both teeth and, to some degree, jaw position over the course of treatment. 

More severe cases of malocclusion may need aligners combined with other tools, like elastics or attachments, for more advanced orthodontic treatment. During your consultation at our office, our team will assess your bite and determine whether clear aligners alone can address your specific case. 

Tracking progress and results 

Most patients wear each set of aligners for 1 – 2 weeks before moving to the next, with mild cases showing noticeable improvement within a few months. Correcting crooked teeth often takes 12 – 18 months, while bite corrections involving an overbite, underbite, or crossbite can take longer, sometimes 18 – 24 months, depending on severity. 

Consistency matters more than almost anything else. Wearing your aligners for the suggested 22 hours a day keeps your treatment on schedule, while skipping hours here and there can extend your timeline significantly. Regular check-ins let our team confirm your teeth are moving as planned and make adjustments if progress slows. 

Get your bite back on track in Newton Centre 

Overbites, underbites, and crossbites don't have to mean a mouth full of metal. Invisalign aligners offer a discreet form of orthodontic treatment that can correct many of these issues along with crooked teeth. If you have questions such as, "What is malocclusion?" or want to know whether clear aligners could work for your bite, call today to schedule a consultation at Kaceli Dental Aesthetics in Newton Centre, MA.