Une main de dentiste avec un gant bleu touche l'impression en plâtre blanc de la mâchoire dentaire d'un patient avec une béance occlusale.

Invisalign®: Dental Malocclusions That Can Be Corrected

30 January 2025 | bleu3

Dental malocclusions affect many people, and can affect oral health, smile aesthetics and even self-confidence. An increasingly popular solution for correcting many of these malocclusions is Invisalign®, thanks in part to its use of clear, removable aligners.

What Is a Dental Malocclusion?

A malocclusion is a dental condition caused by a problematic alignment or arrangement of the teeth. This means that the upper and lower teeth don’t fit optimally together when the jaw closes. Dental malocclusions can lead to a number of aesthetic and functional problems requiring treatment.

It’s important to note that more complex or serious malocclusions may require orthognatic surgery to resolve the problem. This type of surgery is performed in order to correct misaligned jaws. It’s usually followed by a complete dental alignment treatment to place the teeth in their optimal position.

What Are the Risks Associated With Misaligned Teeth?

Although many malocclusions are generally harmless, some do carry several risks. Moreover, the most serious cases require orthodontic treatment or surgery to restore harmonious, functional occlusion of the teeth.

Here are some of the complications that can arise when teeth don’t fit together properly:

  • Premature wear of teeth
  • More difficult oral hygiene
  • Pain in the temporomandibular joint
  • Risk of tooth cracks or erosion

4 Malocclusions That Invisalign® Can Treat

Traditional braces have long been the only solution for correcting all dental malocclusion. However, they are no longer the only option available on the market today to address slight to moderate tooth misalignment.

Invisalign® is a discreet, comfortable solution able to address a variety of malocclusion problems. This alternative to braces corrects your smile without compromising aesthetics. But for which types of malocclusion is Invisalign® suitable?

Overbite

Overbite is characterized by the teeth of the upper jaw overlapping those of the lower jaw. This malocclusion can be recognized by a lower jaw that is set further back. This imbalance can lead to excessive tooth wear and jaw pain. Invisalign® is particularly effective at treating moderate overbite, correcting tooth alignment to achieve a more harmonious appearance of the teeth and jaw.

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the teeth of the lower jaw protrude beyond those of the upper jaw. This malocclusion usually presents a more advanced lower mandible, which can affect the appearance of the face. It can also lead to chewing difficulties, joint pain and, in more serious cases, dental problems such as tooth wear.

Invisalign® can help correct this malocclusion in certain cases where the misalignment is slight. Surgery may be required to treat a severe underbite. Your orthodontist will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your situation.

Open Bite

An open bite is characterized by a space between the upper and lower incisors when the mouth is closed. As a result, the anterior or posterior teeth do not meet properly. Habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting can cause this type of malocclusion.

Invisalign® can treat some cases of open bite by encouraging the teeth to move into a position that allows the mouth to close more naturally. It is necessary to consult an orthodontist to determine whether your crossbite can be treated with Invisalign®. Otherwise, he or she can recommend the treatment best suited to your situation.

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when some of the upper teeth are positioned behind the lower teeth rather than in front. This misalignment can lead to tooth wear and jaw pain.

Whether or not Invisalign® can be used for correcting a crossbite depends on many factors, including the:

  • age of the patient,
  • crossbite type,
  • crossbite cause.

Although Invisalign® can be effective in correcting some mild to moderate crossbites, an evaluation is still required to assess a patient’s eligibility for treatment. Only an orthodontist can determine with certainty whether a particular case can be treated with this technology.,

 

Invisalign® is an effective option for treating various types of dental malocclusion, but each case is unique. That’s why a consultation with an orthodontist is essential to assess whether this treatment is right for you. Contact the team at Clinique d’Orthodontie F. Lavoie to book an appointment. Start the process now to achieve a harmonious smile, while enjoying the comfort and discretion of clear aligners.