Invisalign for Bite Alignment – Kansas City, MO

Why Should I Fix My Bite?

Apart from the fact that most individuals do not like walking around with a poorly aligned bite for aesthetic reasons, there are other motivations to fix this common problem, such as:

• It can negatively impact your ability to speak clearly
• It can cause embarrassment and self-esteem issues
• It can lead to chronic jaw pain and eventually, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
• It can cause your teeth to wear down and become more susceptible to tooth decay, damage, and stains

How Can Invisalign Correct My Bite?

When inquiring about bite alignment correction, you will discover that Invisalign is a versatile method of orthodontic treatment. Not only can it fix crooked, overcrowded, and gapped teeth, but it can also bring your teeth forward, backward, and into greater alignment, alleviating many of the most common problems that often occur with overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and even dental midlines.

To better understand each type of bite problem, we’ve provided a further explanation below:

• Overbite: When the upper row of teeth protrudes out over the bottom row of teeth.
• Underbite: When the bottom row is pushed out further than the upper row of teeth.
• Crossbite: When biting down, your teeth overlap, and the upper row sit inside the lower teeth.
• Open Bite: When closing your mouth, the back teeth touch but the front teeth do not.
• Dental Midlines: When the back area of your bite does not match and begins to negatively impact how your jaw functions.

Is Invisalign Right for Me?

While most individuals who inquire about Invisalign find it is an ideal solution, it is ultimately up to Dr. Byars to make the final determination. During your initial consultation, he will evaluate your smile and facial structure, identifying the problem area(s) and considering whether Invisalign is the right method for you. Some patients have severe bite alignment problems or gaps between teeth that only traditional braces can fix, but if it appears your condition readily aligns with the kind of results Invisalign can produce, he will move forward with taking impressions of your teeth.

These will be sent to a dental lab where technicians will craft your custom aligners, which you will be expected to wear for 20-22 hours each day. You will switch out your trays and begin wearing the next set in the series after 1-2 weeks, allowing your teeth to gently and continually shift in the right direction. You will begin to notice a difference in the way your bite feels, which will serve as motivation to continue with treatment until you are finished.

Depending on the severity of your original condition, you can expect to be finished with Invisalign in 12-18 months, but this timeline can vary.