Underbites, where the lower teeth stick out beyond the upper teeth, can pose various challenges, affecting both dental function and aesthetics. Invisalign treatment has emerged as a popular option for correcting underbites, offering patients a discreet and effective solution.
Unlike traditional braces, which use metal brackets and wires to realign teeth, Invisalign clear aligners gradually shift misaligned teeth into their ideal positions. This makes underbite correction more comfortable and barely noticeable, especially for adults or individuals concerned about the appearance of traditional braces.
An underbite is a dental condition characterised by the misalignment of the upper and lower front teeth. Due to the way an underbite presents itself (lower teeth stick out in front of the upper front teeth), it can greatly impact the self-esteem of patients depending on the severity. Some cases are mild and barely noticeable, while others are so severe the lower and upper teeth protrude out by quite a fair degree.
An underbite is also more than just a cosmetic issue; if you have an underbite, you may find that you experience oral health problems such as:
Underbites affect between 5-10% of the population and in most cases, they are inherited. If at least one person in your family has it, then you are more likely to get an underbite too. This is because genetics play a huge role in a person’s jaw, facial structure, tooth shape and size.
Injury or trauma to the face can cause permanent damage to the jawbones and misalignment of the jaw. While it’s possible to repair broken jawbones through surgery, they may not necessarily fit together properly, causing an underbite.
The problems associated with an underbite can affect both mental and physical health. Here are some common issues faced-
Yes, Invisalign aligners can fix certain types of underbites! Contrary to popular belief, surgery and jaw expanders are not the only ways to fix underbites. However, severe underbites might require surgery to correct the position of the jaw protruding before undergoing Invisalign dental treatment.
Invisalign clear aligners work by applying gentle pressure on the teeth to encourage movement over time. At Dental Designs, our dentists will first conduct an in-depth examination of your mouth. This includes using a 3D scanner to take images and videos of your teeth from all angles. If you are a successful candidate for Invisalign, we will create a 3D mold of your teeth and get your clear aligners designed.
Treatment duration highly depends on the severity of your condition, level of misalignment and level of discipline. Regardless of your teeth condition, all Invisalign patients are required to wear their aligners for at least 22 hours daily. It is this adherence that will determine whether the Invisalign process will be successful or not.
Generally, for minor cases, the correction would take about 6 months, while moderately severe cases could take 12-18 months or longer. Regardless, the time taken is still shorter than the time it takes to fix underbites with traditional braces or metal braces.
Although Invisalign can effectively fix many cases of underbites, severe cases may still require surgical intervention or additional orthodontic treatments. However, for mild to moderate underbites, Invisalign offers a non-invasive and convenient orthodontic treatment option with minimal discomfort.
With proper treatment compliance and follow-up care, patients can achieve a confident smile and improved dental function, free from the challenges posed by underbites and other orthodontic issues.
If you have any questions, feel free to direct them to our team and we will try our best to help. Learn More on Invisalign.