Invisalign® revolutionized teeth straightening when it first hit the market back in 1999. No longer did kids and adults have to suffer the indignities associated with traditional braces, such as cuts and injuries from broken wires and a smile that looked like railroad tracks.

The innovators at Invisalign have continued to improve their product so that their aligners address just about any type of misalignment issue. SmartForce® attachments, for example, allow for more complex tooth movements. Invisalign can even be constructed with precision wings that move the lower jaw forward, when necessary.

At our clinic in San Antonio, Texas, Anthony Osei, DDS, PhD, offers Invisalign in addition to traditional braces. When you choose Invisalign, you even get to see a digital preview of your new smile.

Do you want to join the 16 million smiles around the world that Invisalign has improved, comfortably and nearly invisibly? Here are six of the most common alignment problems that Invisalign addresses.

1. Overbite

Overbite, which kids sometimes refer to as “buck teeth,” is a common alignment problem in which the upper arch of teeth extend far over the lower arch. In many instances, overbite is accompanied and exacerbated by a recessed lower jaw.

A recessed jaw is responsible for the look of a “weak chin.” A recessed jaw also increases your risk for snoring and sleep apnea, because it allows your jaw to collapse against your airway when you sleep.

To fix an overbite, we gradually move your upper teeth backwards, so that they’re in better alignment with your lower jaw. We may also move the lower jaw forward with precision wings.

2. Underbite

When your lower teeth extend over your upper teeth, you have an underbite. An underbite can make chewing difficult. It can also complicate clear speech.

In most cases, Invisalign can fix a mild underbite. In severe cases, however, we may refer you to a maxillofacial surgeon for surgical correction in addition to Invisalign.

3. Crowded teeth

If your jaw is too small, your teeth may overlap each other and twist. Crowded teeth are more difficult to brush and floss than aligned teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities and decay.

Invisalign is a perfect solution for crowded teeth. Discreetly and comfortably, they gently nudge your teeth so that they straighten up and align in a healthy way.

4. Cross bite

A cross bite is a misalignment in which some of your lower teeth cross over your upper teeth, but not all of them. A crossbite can cause gum erosion and tooth erosion, too.

With the help of an expert dentist, Invisalign nudges the crossed teeth back into alignment. Perfectly aligned teeth allow your gums and jawbone to stay healthy and strong.

5. Gapped teeth

Extra space between your teeth is referred to as gapped teeth. The gaps act like pockets that can easily trap bacteria that could lead to tooth decay or gum infection.

Invisalign closes the gaps between your teeth. Aligned teeth function better and look better.

6. Open bite

Another kind of malocclusion (misalignment) is called an open bite. In open bite, your upper and lower teeth don’t touch. An open bite can make it difficult to bite foods effectively. An open bite is easily fixed with an Invisalign treatment.

Of course, you don’t have to have a severe orthodontic issue to benefit from Invisalign. If you’d like generally straighter teeth to improve the overall look of your smile, we help with that, too.

Are you ready to straighten your teeth with Invisalign? Contact us by phone or through our online form for restorative dentistry today.