Malocclusion is a medical term used to describe the misalignment of the upper (maxilla) and the lower (mandible) arches of the teeth. Often times, it is referred to as bite misalignment. This condition could lead to tooth sensitivity, breaking or shifting of the tooth, headaches, snoring and even temporomandibular joint problems.

It is very important to manage malocclusion. Its main goal of treatment is the correction of misaligned bite to prevent the complication that goes along with this condition. Treatment of malocclusion often includes the use of braces and retainers. Usually, braces are made of metal wires and brackets. These deliver the force needed to align the bite properly. However, not everyone with malocclusion is amiable to using dental braces. Some are hesitant because they do not want to be called “metal mouth.”

Dental technology has develop into more of the state-of-the-art these days. People who wanted to straighten their teeth without the use of braces can opt for the use of Invisalign. Invisalign is a set of custom-fitted clear aligners used to correct misaligned teeth. They are smooth, easy to use and are made of clear plastic, which makes them hardly visible to the eyes. The use of these aligners will gradually and mildly move your teeth into place as planned.

Other ways of how to straighten teeth without braces include the use of retainers, dental appliances such as Herbst appliance and headgears, and palatal expanders. You need to discuss with your dentists what best option to choose in correcting your malocclusion before resulting to any bite alignment treatments.