Can Aligners Fix a Canted Bite?
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Can Clear Aligners Correct a Canted Bite?
A canted bite refers to a situation where the bite plane is uneven—meaning one side of the upper or lower teeth appears higher than the other. This condition is often noticeable when smiling, as the teeth may appear slanted or asymmetrical in relation to the lips and facial features. Yes, clear aligners can help treat a canted bite, especially when the imbalance is caused by dental factors rather than skeletal structure. However, the success of the treatment depends on the severity and origin of the cant.
What Causes a Canted Bite?
A canted bite (also called a dental cant or occlusal cant) can be caused by:
Uneven tooth eruption or alignment
Asymmetrical jaw growth (skeletal discrepancy)
Improper bite development during childhood
Missing teeth or premature tooth loss
Previous dental work that created an imbalance
Muscle dysfunction or habits such as chewing on one side only
Identifying the root cause—dental vs. skeletal—is essential for selecting the right treatment approach.
How Aligners Work to Correct a Canted Bite
Clear aligners like Invisalign function by applying controlled, progressive pressure to move teeth into better alignment. In cases of dental canting, aligners may:
Raise or lower specific teeth to level the bite plane
Improve the symmetry of the smile
Correct tooth angulation and vertical positioning
Address contributing bite issues such as crowding, spacing, or rotations
Aligner treatment is digitally planned using 3D scans, allowing for precise customization of tooth movement on each side of the mouth.
When Aligners Alone May Not Be Enough
If your canted bite is due to jawbone asymmetry (skeletal cant), aligners alone may be limited in their ability to fully correct the problem. Additional treatments may include:
Orthognathic (jaw) surgery to reposition the upper or lower jaw
Elastics or auxiliary orthodontic appliances to support vertical tooth movement
Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) for complex vertical adjustments
Cosmetic procedures such as gum contouring to improve smile line symmetry
A multidisciplinary approach may be required, especially in moderate to severe cases involving facial asymmetry or functional bite problems.
What to Expect During Treatment
Mild to moderate cants may be improved in 12–18 months with aligners
You’ll need to wear aligners 20–22 hours per day for optimal results
Attachments may be used to help move individual teeth vertically
Regular check-ins will track changes in both alignment and symmetry
Retainers will be needed after treatment to preserve the results
Dr. Bak’s Expert Approach to Bite Symmetry
With over 25 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Bak Nguyen uses advanced 3D digital modeling to evaluate canted bites and plan effective aligner-based solutions. When needed, he partners with oral surgeons or cosmetic specialists to create a comprehensive treatment plan that focuses on both function and aesthetics.
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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