Elevated Orthodontics explains which bite problems can be treated with clear aligners and when other orthodontic options may be recommended.
"Can Invisalign really fix my bite, or just straighten my teeth?" We hear this question at almost every consultation. Many people have been told that clear aligners only work for small touch-ups.
That idea is out of date. With today's technology and an experienced orthodontist, Invisalign can correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites, often in cases that once called for braces. Dr. Montano has practiced orthodontics exclusively since 1987, and Elevated Orthodontics is an Invisalign Diamond Apex provider.
Here is how Invisalign treats each of these bite problems, and why the orthodontist behind your plan matters so much.
Why the Right Orthodontist Matters More Than the Aligners
Every Invisalign aligner is made from a digital plan. That plan decides how far each tooth moves, in what order, and with what help. The aligners simply carry it out.
An experienced orthodontist knows how teeth really respond to aligners. They know when to add small tooth-colored bumps called attachments, when to use rubber bands, and when to plan a little extra movement so the final bite lands exactly where it should.
Research backs this up. A 2026 review of 119 aligner studies found that the computer plan alone does not guarantee the result, and that skilled planning and extra correction built in from the start are what close the gap. That is expert work, and it is where an experienced provider shines.
Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite?
Yes. The word "overbite" usually describes one of two things, and Invisalign can treat both.
Deep bite. The upper front teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth. In some cases, the lower teeth bite into the gums behind the upper teeth.
Upper teeth that stick out. Orthodontists call this overjet. The upper front teeth sit too far forward of the lower teeth.
How an Invisalign overbite plan works
For a deep bite, the aligners gently guide the front teeth into place while leveling the back teeth, opening the bite a little at a time. Attachments give the aligners something to grip for these precise movements.
For upper teeth that stick out, rubber bands connected to the aligners help move the upper and lower teeth into a better fit. For growing kids and teens, there are aligner designs that help guide the lower jaw forward while it is still growing.
Many patients also have a refinement round, a short set of new aligners near the end to fine-tune the bite. It is a normal part of expert Invisalign treatment, not a setback.
Can Invisalign Fix an Underbite?
Yes. An underbite means the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) explains that untreated underbites can make chewing harder and put extra stress on the jaw joints, so fixing one helps far more than your smile.
How an Invisalign underbite plan works
Aligners can move the upper front teeth forward and the lower front teeth back, and rubber bands help bring the two arches together.
Some people who seem to have an underbite are really sliding the lower jaw forward to avoid one tooth that hits too early. Once aligners move that tooth, the jaw can settle back where it belongs. This is one of the first things we check.
When the jaw itself needs help
In rare adult cases where the jaws are very different sizes, the best result comes from pairing orthodontics with jaw surgery. Even then, Invisalign can often be part of the plan. Dr. Kwon served as a visiting research scientist at Yale School of Medicine, where he studied surgery outcomes in patients treated with Invisalign.
Can Invisalign Fix a Crossbite?
Yes. A crossbite happens when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside them. The AAO's crossbite guide notes that untreated crossbites can lead to uneven jaw growth, worn enamel, and trouble chewing.
How an Invisalign crossbite plan works
Front crossbite. When one or two front teeth are tucked behind the lower teeth, the aligner acts like a thin bite pad. It keeps the teeth apart just enough for the tooth to move out into place.
Back crossbite. Aligners can widen the upper arch step by step, giving the back teeth room to fit correctly over the lower teeth. An experienced provider plans that widening with care so the bite stays stable.
For younger children with a narrow upper jaw, we may start with a palate expander and move to aligners afterward. Our guide to choosing the right orthodontic appliance explains how these tools work together.
Invisalign and Braces: Two Great Tools, One Custom Plan
We offer both Invisalign and braces in Bakersfield because each one has real advantages. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we look at your bite, your goals, and your lifestyle, then recommend the option that will best fit your needs.
| Bite problem |
How Invisalign corrects it |
What an experienced provider adds |
|---|---|---|
| Deep overbite |
Guides front teeth into place and levels the bite |
Attachments, planned extra correction, and a refinement round |
| Upper teeth that stick out |
Rubber bands move upper and lower teeth into a better fit |
Jaw-guiding aligner designs for growing teens |
| Underbite |
Moves upper teeth forward and lower teeth back |
Checks for a jaw that slides forward, and coordinates surgery in rare cases |
| Front crossbite |
Aligner acts as a bite pad while the tooth moves out |
Precise planning so the tooth clears the bite smoothly |
| Back crossbite |
Widens the upper arch step by step |
Expander timing for young children and a plan built for stability |
Some patients prefer braces for their own reasons, and braces are a powerful tool too. Because we offer Invisalign at the same price as braces, the choice can come down to what best fits your life and your smile.
Tips for Getting the Best Bite Correction Results
Invisalign treatment is a team effort. Your orthodontist builds the plan, and a few simple habits help you finish on time.
- Wear your aligners about 22 hours a day. Take them out only to eat, drink anything besides water, and brush.
- Wear your rubber bands as directed. For many bite corrections, they do much of the work between the upper and lower teeth.
- Keep your attachments. If one comes off, call us so we can replace it quickly.
- Stay on track with check-ins. We use Dental Monitoring to follow your progress between visits.
- Wear your retainer afterward. It protects your new bite for the long run, as we explain in why retainers matter.
It Is Never Too Early or Too Late to Check Your Bite
We like to see children around age 7 so we can spot overbites, crossbites, and crowding early. An early visit does not always mean early treatment. Often we simply watch growth and step in at the right time.
For teens and adults, Invisalign can correct many bite problems at any age. It is never too late to ask what your options are.
Why Families Across Kern County Choose Elevated Ortho
Families from Bakersfield, Delano, Tehachapi, Taft, Shafter, Wasco, Arvin, and Lamont trust our team with their smiles. Here is why.
- Invisalign Diamond Apex provider. Deep experience planning Invisalign treatment for simple and complex bites alike.
- Orthodontic specialists only. Dr. Montano has practiced orthodontics exclusively since 1987 and has cared for Bakersfield families since 1988.
- Invisalign recognition. Dr. Montano received Invisalign's Every Day Hero Award in 2012 for his contributions to charity and education.
- Research-minded doctors. Dr. Kwon studied surgery outcomes with Invisalign at Yale School of Medicine and teaches as adjunct faculty at the University of Connecticut.
- Invisalign at the same price as braces. As our new patient page explains, with flexible payment options to fit your budget.
- A community track record. More than 15,000 smiles elevated and more than 1,100 five-star Google reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Invisalign fix an overbite without braces?
Yes. Invisalign can correct both deep bites and upper teeth that stick out, using attachments, rubber bands, and careful planning. Many patients also have a short refinement round near the end. An experienced Invisalign provider can treat many overbites that were once thought to need braces.
Can Invisalign fix an underbite in adults?
Yes, in many cases. Aligners and rubber bands can move the upper teeth forward and the lower teeth back. In rare cases where the jaws are very different sizes, the best result comes from pairing orthodontics with jaw surgery, and Invisalign can often still be part of that plan.
Is Invisalign only for mild cases?
No. That was true years ago, but today's aligners and planning tools treat far more complex cases. The results depend heavily on the orthodontist's experience. As an Invisalign Diamond Apex provider, Elevated Ortho treats nearly every type of case with Invisalign.
Will I need rubber bands with Invisalign for my bite?
Many bite corrections use rubber bands, also called elastics. They attach to small buttons or cutouts on the aligners and gently guide the upper and lower teeth into a better fit. Wearing them as directed is one of the best ways to finish on time.
How long does Invisalign take to fix a bite problem?
Invisalign treatment typically takes 12 to 18 months, though bite corrections can vary based on the problem and how consistently you wear your aligners and rubber bands. We will give you a personal time estimate at your free consultation.
Why does the orthodontist matter so much with Invisalign?
Every aligner is made from a digital plan your orthodontist designs. An experienced provider knows how teeth respond to aligners and builds in the right attachments, rubber bands, and extra correction. That skill is what turns a good plan into a great result.
Sources
American Association of Orthodontists. 7 Common Types of Bite Problems and Their Orthodontic Solutions. aaoinfo.org/
American Association of Orthodontists. Understanding Crossbites: What Are They and How Are They Treated? aaoinfo.org/
Borzabadi-Farahani, A. (2026). Clear aligner therapy: a scoping review of treatment prediction, clinical effectiveness, and limitations. Frontiers in Dental Medicine, 7, 1864529. https:/
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an in-person orthodontic exam. Every bite is different. Please schedule a consultation with a licensed orthodontist before making treatment decisions.
