What Orthodontic Issues Can Clear Braces Treat?

Jul 01, 2025

Clear braces have become a popular choice for both teens and adults who want straighter teeth without the visibility of traditional metal braces. But they’re more than just a cosmetic upgrade. These discreet aligners can handle a surprising range of orthodontic problems, from minor tweaks to more complex bite adjustments. At Smile Scarsdale, we’ve seen firsthand how effective clear braces can be—and we’re here to walk you through what they can treat.

Let’s break it down simply and clearly.

Crowding and Gaps

Dental crowding is when you don’t have enough space, so they twist, overlap, or get pushed out of the line-up. This can make brushing hard and flossing feel like a wrestling match with your own mouth.

Clear braces are a game-changer here.

Why it works:

They apply gentle, steady pressure.
Each aligner shift creates more room over time.
Your teeth gradually slide into their correct positions.

The process might take several months, depending on how crowded your teeth are, but what are the results? Worth the wait.

On the flip side, some people have the opposite issue—gaps. This means too much space between the teeth. Whether it’s a genetic trait or caused by missing teeth, those gaps can make you self-conscious or lead to gum problems.

Clear braces also shine here:

They pull their teeth closer together.
They close gaps gradually without causing discomfort.
They help create a more uniform, confident smile.

If you’ve been putting off orthodontic care because of metal braces, now is a great time to ask a pediatric dentist near you about clear aligners for your child or teen.

Overbites and Underbites

These might sound like small issues, but they can cause big problems—jaw pain, speech issues, and even difficulty chewing. The good news? Clear braces can help fix both.

Overbites

With an overbite, your upper teeth stick out too far over your lower ones. This can make it hard to bite into foods or cause wear on your teeth over time. Some people develop headaches or even TMJ pain because of their bite alignment.

Here’s how clear braces help:

They gently move the upper teeth back and the lower teeth forward.
With time, the jaw begins to align properly.
Pressure is balanced across your bite, relieving strain.

It’s like adjusting the lid on a jar that doesn’t screw on right—one small twist at a time gets it lined up.

Underbites

An underbite is just the reverse. Your lower teeth remain in front of your upper ones. This often leads to jaw discomfort or uneven wear on your molars.

Clear aligners tackle underbites by:

Nudging the lower teeth back slightly.
Encouraging the upper teeth to move forward when possible.
Making subtle shifts that reduce jaw stress and create a better bite fit.

While severe underbites may require surgery or more specialized care, many mild to moderate cases respond well to clear aligners. It’s always best to talk with an orthodontist to find out what’s possible.

And if you’re searching for clear braces in Scarsdale, NY, we can help guide you through the options and create a plan that fits your smile goals.

Complex Bite Corrections

Most people think clear braces are only for simple fixes. That’s not true anymore. Thanks to evolving technology, aligners can now handle much more than minor gaps or crowding.

Here are a few more advanced cases that clear braces can treat:

Crossbites

One or more upper teeth remain behind the lower teeth.
It can cause uneven wear, gum disease, and even jaw shifting.
Clear braces reposition teeth to prevent long-term issues.

Open Bites

When the upper and lower front teeth don’t come close, even when the back teeth do.
This can affect how you chew or speak.
Aligners gradually bring the teeth down into proper contact.

Rotated Teeth

Some teeth twist in place instead of growing straight.
Clear braces apply targeted pressure to rotate them back.

Whether your bite needs a full correction or just a little fine-tuning, we’re here to help. And we make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.

What Makes Clear Braces Ideal?

Let’s be honest—no one really wants braces. However, clear aligners make the process easier, more comfortable, and much less visible. That’s a win in our book.

Here’s why families love them:

Discreet: They’re nearly invisible, making them ideal for work, school, and special events.
Removable: Take them out to eat, brush, or for the occasional photo op.
Comfortable: No poking wires or painful adjustments.
Customized: Each tray is designed just for you.

Because you can take them out, it’s also easier to maintain your daily dental hygiene. That means fewer cavities and less risk of gum issues during treatment.

And for parents juggling multiple appointments, we get it. We make scheduling simple and treatment plans efficient.

Conclusion

Clear braces aren’t just about aesthetics. They’re about function, health, and confidence. Whether you’re dealing with crowded teeth, noticeable gaps, or a complicated bite issue, these modern aligners can help get things back on track. And they do it with less hassle than ever before.

If you’re seeking family orthodontics in Scarsdale, Smile Scarsdale is your local go-to. We take the time to understand your needs and create a plan that actually works. Whether you’re a teen starting your orthodontic journey or an adult ready to make a change, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

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