If you’re looking for an orthodontic solution that can straighten your smile without traditional braces, you might benefit from SureSmile. This alternative treatment utilizes clear, plastic trays instead of bulky metal brackets to gently reposition your teeth. It’s the perfect solution for those with mildly crooked, overcrowded, or gapped grins.
However, if you have an underbite, overbite, or another malocclusion, it’s natural to wonder whether this method can be used to address it. Continue reading to learn more about how bite misalignments are handled with clear aligners!
What is Malocclusion?
Malocclusion refers to the misalignment of teeth when the mouth is closed, such as a pronounced overbite, underbite, open bite, etc. These often are due to genetics, certain oral habits as a child (like thumb sucking), poor dental hygiene, or physical trauma. Regardless of the underlying cause, when your teeth don’t come together the way they should, the enamel can be worn down unevenly or prematurely. Unfortunately, this leaves your pearly whites more vulnerable to damage and disease.
Therefore, straightening your grin with SureSmile can potentially prevent them from developing cavities, gum disease, or other injuries by shifting them to their ideal places.
Can SureSmile Fix Malocclusions?
Clear aligners can be applied to correct certain bite problems, such as:
- Underbite. This occurs when your bottom teeth are just past the upper ones when your mouth is closed.
- Overbite. If your upper arch extends far beyond your lower one when your jaw is relaxed, you may suffer from this misalignment.
- Open bite. If your upper and lower teeth don’t come together when you close your jaw then an open bite could be the culprit.
Although your dentist is happy to discuss SureSmile with you, it’s not always the best treatment for every circumstance. For example, those with more severe issues might need traditional braces because they allow for more torque and manipulation of movement. The gentle pressure exerted by the clear plastic aligners may not be forceful enough to make the necessary adjustments.
Depending on your unique circumstances, your dentist might need to provide special trays referred to as “mandibular advancements” or include attachments or other accessories to fix a bite misalignment with clear aligners. These help to posture your upper and lower jaws in the right ways to make incremental shifts over the course of your treatment timeline.
If you’re not sure whether your malocclusion can be treated with SureSmile, the best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with your dentist today!
About the Author
Dr. Jordan Hardin has several years of experience providing a wide range of services to help Plano residents build happy, healthy smiles. He earned his DDS from the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry. Now, he’s a member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners, among other professional organizations, making him a SureSmile expert you can trust. By combining a relaxed atmosphere with state-of-the-art equipment, he can provide fully individualized solutions to meet your unique needs. If you’re interested in a consultation, you can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 964-8989.