If you are considering Invisalign, you may already have a list of cosmetic concerns you would like to address. Perhaps your teeth are crowded, there are noticeable spaces between them, or you are unhappy with the way your smile comes together when you bite. While the appearance of your teeth is important, understanding your bite is also an essential part of determining whether Invisalign is right for you.
Your Bite Is More Than Straight Teeth
Your bite describes how your upper and lower teeth come together when your mouth is closed. Ideally, the teeth should meet in a way that allows you to bite and chew comfortably while distributing pressure appropriately.
Problems with the bite can include overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, crowding, and excessive spacing. Some patients may have more than one of these concerns at the same time.
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move teeth into planned positions. Depending on the type and severity of the bite issue, this approach may be an effective way to improve both tooth alignment and how the teeth come together.
Bring Your Questions
There is no shortage of questions patients have about Invisalign. Common topics include treatment length, aligner wear, eating and drinking, attachments, refinements, retainers, and expected results.
You may also want to ask about how Invisalign fits into your work, school, travel, or social schedule.
Understanding the responsibilities involved before treatment begins can help ensure you are comfortable with the process.
How Your Bite Affects Invisalign Treatment
Not every orthodontic concern is treated in exactly the same way. During an Invisalign consultation, your dentist can evaluate the relationship between your upper and lower teeth, the position of individual teeth, and your overall smile.
Digital scanning technology helps highlight detailed information about your current tooth alignment. Instead of relying only on a visual assessment, your dentist can use digital records to help plan how your teeth may move throughout treatment.
With this process, the goal is not simply to make the front teeth appear straighter. Proper treatment should consider your bite and how your teeth function together.
Invisalign Can Address a Variety of Concerns
Invisalign may be appropriate for many adults and teens with concerns such as mild to moderate crowding, gaps, certain overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, treatment recommendations are individualized.
The best way to determine whether Invisalign is appropriate is to have your teeth and bite evaluated by a dentist experienced in clear aligner treatment. In some situations, another orthodontic or restorative approach may be more suitable.
Start With a Personalized Evaluation
Understanding your bite gives you a better starting point when deciding whether Invisalign is right for you. A consultation allows your dentist to look beyond the appearance of your smile and consider alignment, function, and your specific treatment goals.
Best Natural Smile provides Invisalign consultations for patients in Santa Monica and surrounding areas, including Marina Del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and West Los Angeles. Dr. Ariela Feitelberg can evaluate your bite and discuss whether Invisalign may be an appropriate option for improving your smile.