Braces were made to straighten teeth, and in doing so they improve not only your cosmetic smile but your bite as well. You may think that cosmetic clear aligners only address your cosmetic smile, but actually, they carefully align and fix your bite issues too. What bite problems can clear braces help with, and which health conditions are you avoiding by doing so?

Bite problems fixed by Clear Braces

A deep bite

Characterised by your upper row of teeth fitting and sitting over your lower when resting or biting down. This kind of misalignment can lead to gum problems and wear and tear on your lower teeth, grinding them down and even pushing them back over time. A deep bite can also lead to joint discomfort because of the constant tension from your upper jaw on your lower.

An underbite

This occurs when our lower jaw and lower row of teeth are pushed further past our upper row of teeth. This creates a sort of jutting-outwards appearance but can also prevent the function of your upper front teeth. You could also experience discomfort and pain in the lower jaw and joints because of the stress on your teeth.

An open bite

This occurs when your back teeth are closed together, but your front teeth don’t meet in the same way. They can be fixed by clear aligners to stop or prevent a speech impediment from developing and to help prevent the development of the temporomandibular joint disorder in severe cases. TMJD happens when something prohibits your jaw from working properly, which can lead to pain and stiffness in your jaw, head, and neck.

A cross-bite

This occurs when the two rows of teeth don’t meet correctly, causing one row to sit off-centre or unevenly with the other. A cross-bite can leave gums exposed in some places, heightening the risk of gum disease through lack of soft tissue protection, and if left untreated then your jawbone could also become weak. This is because of the abnormal placement of the bones and jaw, but also because the teeth are being held and pulled in a position they shouldn’t be.

Gapped teeth

This is incredibly common and can also be fixed by clear aligners. Because gapped teeth leave large areas of your gums unprotected, gaps can heighten your risk of developing gum disease, sensitivity, and periodontal pockets. Straightening your teeth helps to close these gaps, creating healthier gums in the process.

Overly crowded teeth

Also incredibly common, and they don’t come without their health risks. Overcrowded teeth create a lot of valleys, nooks, and hidden surfaces where the teeth overlap. These areas are difficult to clean properly, so food debris and plaque stow away and are protected by these overlapping walls. This leads to a high risk of decay, cavities, plaque and eventual tartar build-up, and an increased risk of gum disease. 

How clear braces addresses all of these bite issues

Clear braces isn’t just the creator of straight smiles, but it addresses all of the bite issues detailed above. It does this by being entirely customised to your teeth. When we begin your clear aligners treatment journey, we take impressions of your teeth to create your bespoke aligners. As you progress, you gradually swap your aligners for a different pair every few weeks until your teeth have been ushered into a new position. This kind of treatment provides gentle pressure, guiding your teeth into a better position and therefore your bite issues.

Do invisible braces suit your fancy? Get In Touch Now!

If you’d like to find out more about clear aligners in Stockport, Manchester, contact Heaton Mersey Orthodontic Centre in Stockport today on 0161 947 9900 or simply enquire online!