Jun 06, 2025

What Can Invisalign Fix? A Look at Common Alignment Issues?

Straight teeth aren’t just about having a great smile—they also keep your mouth healthy. Crooked teeth can make brushing tough, wear down enamel, and even cause jaw pain. That’s where Invisalign comes in. These clear aligners have become one of the most trusted ways to gently move teeth into better positions without metal brackets or wires.

If you’re wondering what Invisalign can actually fix, you’re in the right place. Let’s look at the most common alignment problems Invisalign can treat—and how it can work for you.

Overbite: When Top Teeth Overlap Too Much

An overbite happens when your top front teeth stick out far beyond your bottom ones. It might look like a small issue, but it can cause serious wear and even gum damage over time.

How Invisalign helps:

The aligners gradually pull the top teeth back while guiding the lower ones forward. It does this in tiny steps, usually over 12 to 18 months, depending on your case.

Why it matters:

Fixing an overbite helps prevent speech problems and keeps your bite healthy and balanced.

Underbite: When Lower Teeth Sit in Front?

Think of an underbite as the opposite of an overbite. It’s when the lower jaw pushes forward, and your bottom teeth overlap your top ones. This can make chewing tricky and may even lead to jaw pain.

What Invisalign can do:

  • Gently shifts the lower teeth back into position.
  • Often used with other tools (like elastics) to correct jaw position.

Real talk:

Fixing this isn’t just cosmetic—it can improve how you speak and eat daily.

Crossbite: A Misaligned Bite That Causes Trouble

A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth instead of in front. This can happen in the front of your mouth or the back.

Why it’s a problem:

  • Causes teeth to chip or wear down unevenly.
  • It can lead to gum issues or even bone loss.

Invisalign’s fix:

The custom trays apply targeted pressure to shift the misaligned teeth where they belong. With time, this can fix both aesthetic and functional issues.

Gaps Between Teeth

Some people naturally have space between their teeth, while others get gaps from gum disease or missing teeth. Either way, those little spaces can become food traps and plaque magnets.

Invisalign’s solution:

  • Closes the gaps by nudging teeth closer together.
  • Helps stop future dental problems like cavities and gum inflammation.

A quick example:

A patient had small gaps in her front teeth. After just 9 months with Invisalign, the spaces were gone, and her flossing got way easier.

Crowded Teeth

Too many teeth and too little room? That’s dental crowding. It can make your smile look uneven and make it hard to keep your teeth clean.

Clear braces treatment, like Invisalign, is excellent for this:

  • It spaces out crowded teeth without pulling any.
  • Often completes the process in about a year.

Did you know?

Crowded teeth increase your risk of plaque build-up and gum problems. Aligning them can boost your oral health big time.

Open Bite: When Teeth Don’t Meet

In an open bite, your top and bottom teeth don’t come close to each other when your mouth is closed. This can mess with how you chew and even cause lisps or other speech problems.

What Invisalign does:

  • Guides your front and back teeth into a meeting point.
  • Often works faster than traditional braces for this condition.

Why this matters:

You deserve to chew comfortably and speak clearly. Fixing an open bite makes both possible.

Baby and Adult Teeth Mix (For Teens)

Teens often deal with alignment issues when some adult teeth are in, and others are still coming. Invisalign’s teen version has been built to accommodate these changes.

Perks for teens:

  • Flexible for growing mouths.
  • Includes blue indicators that show if they’re wearing the trays enough.

A parent’s note:

Many parents love Invisalign because it’s nearly invisible, and teens don’t feel self-conscious wearing them.

Mild Jaw Pain or TMJ Issues

Sometimes, misaligned teeth can throw off your jaw’s alignment, too, leading to discomfort or even clicking sounds when you chew or yawn.

How Invisalign helps:

  • Repositions teeth to reduce uneven jaw pressure.
  • Can help ease minor TMJ symptoms.

Important:

Invisalign may not fix severe TMJ problems, but it’s great for those caused by bite misalignment.

Working With the Right Expert Matters

For the best results, you need an experienced provider who understands how Invisalign works across different alignment issues. Family Dental Care, your trusted dentist in Crestwood, will walk you through every step. From your first scan to your final aligner, you’ll feel supported the whole way.

Conclusion

Invisalign isn’t just about looking better—it’s about feeling better, eating better, and living more confidently. Whether you have a small gap, crowded teeth, or a bite issue, Invisalign has the tools to help straighten things out.

Schedule a consultation with Family Dental Care today. We’ll assess your smile, answer all your questions, and design a clear path forward using clear braces treatment that fits your life. No pressure—just honest advice and expert care.

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