Invisalign for Open Bite

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign avoids the need for fixed braces by using clear aligner technology instead. The fully removable aligners can correct various problems, including open bites. Because you can remove the aligners, the impact on everyday life is minimal. Treatment can easily fit into any busy lifestyle.

This article looks more closely at open bites, what causes them, and the problems that could arise if you don’t fix an open bite. We also explain how Invisalign can help and what to expect during treatment.

What Is an Open Bite?

An open bite occurs if your teeth are improperly aligned and is a form of malocclusion or a poor bite. It occurs if your upper front and lower front teeth cannot contact each other when you close your back teeth together. The resulting gap can make you feel self-conscious and can potentially cause oral health problems.

What Can Cause an Open Bite?

Several factors can cause an open bite, including the following.

• Genetics may mean you have inherited your open bite from your parents, and you may notice siblings have the same issue.
• Oral habits can cause open bites to develop, including sucking your thumb or tongue thrusting.

Should I Fix an Open Bite?

You may have noticed certain problems developing if you have an open bite. These could include:

• Difficulty chewing and swallowing food.
• Problems with closing your mouth.
• Poor tooth alignment may cause teeth to wear unevenly.
• You could have difficulty enunciating certain words or have a lisp.
• Problems with your jaw joints, which are called temporomandibular joints.
• Gum or bone loss.

Correcting these problems can help improve self-confidence and self-esteem. Properly chewing food can improve nutrition.

Jaw joint problems or TMJ disorder can be painful, causing these joints to become inflamed. Treating an open bite can relieve these issues.

How Can Invisalign Work for an Open Bite?

An open bite is just one issue that can be corrected with Invisalign. The clear plastic aligners are custom-designed to move your teeth into the proper positions, correcting problems like an open bite so your teeth are properly aligned once you finish treatment.

Each set of aligners is made to place specific teeth under pressure, gently forcing them to move and gradually closing your open bite. Because no brackets or wires are involved, treatment is more comfortable and has minimal impact on your everyday routine.

Invisalign Process for Treating Open Bites

The process for treating an open bite with Invisalign is very straightforward and as follows.

1. An initial consultation with our Invisalign provider will determine if this treatment is right for you. While Invisalign is effective, open bite correction isn’t always easy. If we determine it can help you, we take a 3-D digital scan of your teeth to create a detailed model of your mouth.
2. Invisalign software creates your custom treatment plan based on this digital scan, showing how your teeth move from start to finish.
3. You can preview digital images created by the software to see the predicted results, provided you follow the treatment plan carefully.
4. When you are happy with the plan, we will create your custom aligners, and you will begin wearing them, using each set for two weeks.
5. You must wear the aligners almost all the time. Ideally, we prefer that you remove them for meals and oral care. They must be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours daily for effective treatment.
6. You discard your current set of aligners every two weeks and begin wearing the next one. The aligners continue to move your teeth, gradually closing your open bite.
7. You must return to our dental office every 6 to 8 weeks for a quick checkup. The appointment is to ensure your teeth are moving correctly and as predicted.

How Long Will Treatment Take?

The timeline depends on the severity of your open bite. If you only have a mild open bite, you can complete treatment in as little as three months. A more moderate open bite could take up to 18 months to correct.

Benefits of Using Invisalign for an Open Bite

The benefits of choosing Invisalign to correct your open bite include the following.

• Discreet treatment. Once in the mouth, your aligners are virtually invisible, with no brackets or wires.
• Easy oral care.Because the aligners are removable, it’s easy to maintain excellent oral hygiene. You can brush and floss your teeth normally without special tools.
• Custom treatment plan. Your treatment plan is designed especially for you, helping you achieve an optimal outcome by gradually moving your teeth into the correct positions.
• Convenient and comfortable. Treatment is convenient with little impact on your normal routine. The lack of braces and wires ensures the aligners are more comfortable.

Invisalign can be a good solution for an open bite, achieving excellent results in treating mild-to-moderate malocclusion problems. The results are predictable. The ability to view virtual images of how your smile will look before you begin treatment is a bonus. It ensures you can see treatment is effective and worthwhile.