Can Aligners Correct Jaw Alignment?
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Can Clear Aligners Help with Jaw Alignment?
Clear aligners like Invisalign are a popular option for straightening teeth and improving overall bite alignment. But many patients wonder: Can aligners help with jaw alignment problems? Yes, aligners can help with minor jaw alignment issues—particularly when the problem is related to the position of the teeth rather than the underlying structure of the jaw. However, for more significant jaw discrepancies, additional orthodontic or surgical interventions may be needed.
Understanding Jaw Alignment Problems
Jaw misalignment, or malocclusion, refers to how the upper and lower jaws fit together when the mouth is closed. Common jaw alignment issues include:
Overbite (upper jaw extends too far over the lower jaw)
Underbite (lower jaw protrudes past the upper jaw)
Crossbite (upper and lower teeth don’t align properly side to side)
Open bite (front teeth don’t touch when back teeth are closed)
These conditions can be caused by either tooth position or skeletal discrepancies in the jawbone. Knowing the root cause is essential for choosing the right treatment.
What Aligners Can and Cannot Do
✅ What Aligners Can Do
Aligners are highly effective at correcting:
Mild to moderate bite issues caused by misaligned teeth
Dental overbites and underbites that are not caused by jaw bone irregularities
Crossbites and open bites due to tooth positioning
Spacing or crowding that affects jaw function
By adjusting the position of the teeth, aligners can indirectly improve how the upper and lower jaws come together.
❌ What Aligners Cannot Do
Aligners are limited in cases where:
The jaw misalignment is skeletal in nature
There is a significant discrepancy in jaw size or position
The patient has complex TMJ dysfunction related to the bones, not just the bite
In these situations, treatment may require braces with elastics, orthopedic appliances, or jaw (orthognathic) surgery to correct the skeletal imbalance.
Signs You May Need More Than Aligners
You may require a more comprehensive approach if you experience:
A visibly protruding or recessed jaw
Chronic jaw pain, clicking, or locking
Difficulty chewing or speaking clearly
A bite that doesn’t improve after wearing aligners
Facial asymmetry or a noticeable imbalance in jaw size
Your dentist or orthodontist will use 3D imaging and a clinical exam to assess whether your case is dental or skeletal—and which treatment path is best for you.
Dr. Bak’s Approach: Tailored Treatment for Every Bite
With over 25 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Bak Nguyen specializes in diagnosing both dental and skeletal jaw concerns. If aligners are appropriate for your case, he will create a customized plan using digital modeling and progressive alignment techniques. If additional care is needed, he collaborates with specialists to ensure a comprehensive and effective solution.
Book a free virtual consultation to learn more about your case, its treatment time and cost with Dr Bak Nguyen (the real one).
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