Can plastic fix a bad bite? Yes. We explain how "bite ramps" and elastics work with aligners to fix functional jaw issues.
Many patients think aligners just straighten the "social 6" front teeth. While that was true for early versions, modern ProAligners can fix complex bite issues that cause jaw pain and tooth wear.
The Deep Bite (Overbite)
This is when your top teeth cover your bottom teeth too much. It causes wear on the lower teeth and can damage the gums behind the upper teeth.
The Fix: Precision Bite Ramps.
These are small bumps built into the back of the upper aligners. When you bite down, your lower front teeth hit these bumps. This prevents your back teeth from touching.
Over time, this allows the back teeth to "erupt" (grow taller) and pushes the front teeth into the gum, leveling the bite. It is pure physics.
The Open Bite
When your front teeth don't touch. This makes eating sandwiches or pizza difficult.
The Fix: Intrusion.
Aligners are actually better than braces for this. The plastic covers the biting surfaces of the back teeth, creating a "posterior intrusion" effect (pushing back teeth slightly into the jaw). This naturally swings the lower jaw closed, bringing the front teeth together.
Dr Yasha Shirazi on Elastics:
"For tougher bites, we use elastics (rubber bands), just like with metal braces. We bond tiny buttons to your teeth or cut slits in the aligners. You wear the bands connecting top and bottom jaws. It gives us that extra power to correct the jaw relationship."
Why Bite Correction Matters
It's not just aesthetic. A bad bite leads to:
- TMJ (Jaw Joint) Pain
- Headaches
- Cracked teeth from uneven pressure
Fixing the bite extends the lifespan of your natural teeth.
Written by Pro Aligners Team
Medically reviewed by Dr Yasha Shirazi • GDC: 195843