Can Invisalign Fix Jaw Alignment?: A Comprehensive Review in 2024

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. It is often used to correct common dental issues such as crooked teeth, overcrowding, and bite problems. By moving the position of teeth, it has been shown that Invisalign can also influence the vertical height¹ and hence jaw's position. Invisalign has gained popularity as a modern alternative to traditional braces for straightening teeth. But can it also address jaw alignment issues? Let's delve into this question.

What are the common types of dental malocclusions?

1. Crossbite refers to when the top and bottom jaws do not meet up properly due to a lateral misalignment of the upper and lower arches. It is characterised by some of the top teeth sitting inside the lower teeth.
2. Open bite refers to when your upper teeth do not touch the lower teeth when your mouth is closed. As the name suggests, "open bite" makes the mouth look slightly open.
3. Overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend beyond your lower front teeth. However, about 1-3mm of dental overbite is considered normal.
4. Underbite is the opposite of overbite and it refers to when your lower front teeth is protruding in front of and extending beyond your upper front teeth.

Can Invisalign treatment move my teeth?

Yes, Invisalign can move teeth! The Invisalign treatment comprises a series of upper and lower sets of clear plastic aligners which is worn for no less than 22 hours a day. They are usually only removed by the patient during meals and brushing.

The aligners work by applying gentle pressure to teeth, hence gradually shifting them into their desired position. Every one to two weeks, you switch to a new set of aligners which continue to move your teeth little by little. By doing so, the aligners provide the ability to treat a series of dental issues such as crowding, rotation, closure of gaps and intrusion of teeth.

Can Invisalign treatment move my jaw?

The short answer is yes! In certain situations, as the aligners progressively shift the teeth, bite interferences that were initially preventing the jaws from aligning properly may be eliminated. Consequently, this will allow the jaws to adjust or move into a more favorable position. The aligners themselves, however, do not affect the jaws directly. 

For more complicated jaw misalignment cases, a combination of Invisalign and surgical intervention may be required. In these scenarios, Invisalign may be employed before surgery to place the teeth in the proper position and prepare the bite for surgical correction. This combined approach can therefore lead to optimal results regarding both function and aesthetics.

In complex cases where significant jaw misalignment is present, orthodontic treatment with traditional braces or even orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) may be recommended by an orthodontist or oral surgeon. 

How long will the Invisalign treatment take to fix jaw misalignment?

The length of Invisalign treatment depends on the complexity of your case but for minor cases, treatments may be completed in 6 months. Most Invisalign patients also start seeing results in a matter of weeks! 

However, the treatment duration will indeed be longer for more complex cases, especially if a surgical intervention is indicated. For complex cases without surgery whereby the bite and jaw position is planned to change, treatment time may be about 2 years. It is always recommended to consult with your dentist first for a treatment plan that best suits your needs.

It's important to have a consultation with an experienced doctor or orthodontist who can assess your specific situation and determine if Invisalign is the right treatment option for you. They can provide a detailed examination and recommend the best course of action for your orthodontic needs.

It should be noted that aligners are only used for adults. This is because it is impossible to predict the exact course of therapy and the use of a set of aligners for children whose jaws are growing. Aligners are employed in cases of orthodontic relapse after treatment and are also utilised for addressing various dental issues such as crowded teeth, deep malocclusion, crossbite, and open bites.

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References

1. Khosravi R, Cohanim B, Hujoel P, Daher S, Neal M, Liu W, Huang G. Management of overbite with the Invisalign appliance. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2017 Apr;151(4):691-699.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2016.09.022. PMID: 28364892.
2. Chen X, Shi Y, Yuan J, Li Y, Chen W. Factors influencing the efficacy of invisalign in molar distalization and tooth movement. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2023 Oct 25;11:1215169. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1215169. PMID: 37954021; PMCID: PMC10634526.