Have you considered improving your smile but are put off by the idea of braces? Is your child or teen in need of orthodontic care but is fighting you on the idea of wearing braces? Clear aligners at Goings Orthodontics might just be what you or your family member need to achieve a straighter smile without the hassle of traditional braces. Keep reading to find out what type of bite issues aligners can fix—you might be surprised by their versatility!
What Are Bite Issues?
Bite issues, also known as malocclusions, are problems with the alignment of your teeth and jaws. They occur when your teeth don’t fit together properly, leading to various dental challenges. But before we get into the complications they cause and how aligners can help, let’s first define some common bite issues to give you a better idea of what we mean by “misalignment”:
- Overbite: Sometimes referred to as “buck teeth,” this occurs when your upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth.
- Underbite: This is when the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth, causing a bulldog-like appearance.
- Crossbite: This happens when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, often leading to worn-down or crooked teeth.
- Open Bite: An open bite is when there’s a noticeable gap between the upper and lower front teeth when the mouth is closed.
- Crowded Teeth: This occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw, causing teeth to overlap and twist.
- Spacing or Gapped Teeth (Diastema): These are noticeable gaps in teeth, often due to missing teeth or natural spacing between teeth.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners, such as the leading brand Invisalign that we offer, are a modern and nearly invisible solution for teeth straightening. They are custom-made, transparent trays that fit snugly over your teeth and apply gentle, consistent pressure to gradually shift the alignment of your teeth over time. Since there are no wires to adjust like with our metal and clear braces, you’ll switch to a new set of aligner trays roughly every two weeks, each slightly different from the last, for a step-by-step progression towards a straighter smile.
What Bite Issues Can They Fix?
Clear aligners can effectively treat all of the bite issues mentioned above—overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, crowding, and spacing—in children, teens, and adults, but that’s not all. In addition to major bite corrections, clear aligners are also great for smile touch-ups. If you’ve previously had orthodontic treatment but haven’t maintained the results due to not wearing your retainers or have noticed your teeth shifting as you age, clear aligners can help.
However, it’s essential to note that clear aligners are not right for everybody. You might not qualify for clear aligners if you have a more complex case. When you come in for your smile assessment, we encourage you to be open to the idea of metal braces or clear braces, as they might be what you need to fix your misalignment.
No matter what orthodontic appliance you and Dr. Goings use for your smile, you can be confident that you’ll achieve the healthy, straight you (or your child) deserve(s)!
Why Is It Important To Fix Bite Issues?
Addressing bite issues with braces is an investment beyond just having a pretty smile. It’s a step toward improving long-term oral health and overall well-being, allowing patients of all ages to enjoy a better quality of life!
For example:
- Correcting misalignments can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and abnormal wear of tooth enamel. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and less likely to harbor harmful plaque and bacteria.
- An ideal bite contributes to improved chewing and digestion, allowing you to enjoy a variety of foods without discomfort. When the teeth and jaws are aligned, it is easier to chew food more effectively, decreasing the risk of choking and indigestion.
- Correct alignment alleviates undue stress on the jaw joints and muscles, relieving TMJ/TMD pain and preventing chronic headaches and facial pain associated with misaligned teeth.
- Orthodontic treatment can improve your breathing by opening up your airways, which can help treat mouth breathing, bad breath, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
- Treating your bite problems will save you time and money! With an improved bite, you’re less likely to waste your valuable time and hard-earned cash at the doctor or dentist for dental emergencies and indigestion solutions.
- The psychological impact of correcting misalignments is just as important as relief from physical symptoms. A confident smile can enhance self-esteem and social interactions, positively influencing personal and professional relationships throughout your lifetime!
Why Choose Goings Orthodontics For Clear Aligners?
At Goings Orthodontics, you’re in expert hands with Dr. Goings. As a top 1% Invisalign provider, he has extensive experience in treating various orthodontic alignment issues using clear aligners. His proven track record of success means you can trust him to deliver exceptional results, whether you’re correcting a tricky bite issue or seeking a minor adjustment.
Achieve A Happy, Healthy Smile With Goings Orthodontics
We’re passionate about helping you achieve the best possible smile at Goings Orthodontics. With our expertise in clear aligners and a commitment to patient care, you can trust us to guide you through every step of your orthodontic journey. Don’t wait any longer to transform your alignment—contact us in Fort Collins or Windsor, CO, today to schedule a free consultation! Your perfect smile is just an appointment away.
