Underbite and Invisalign: Can Invisalign Fix Underbite?

Underbites, where the lower teeth stick outside of the upper teeth, can pose various challenges, affecting both dental function and aesthetics. Now the question is, can Invisalign treat underbite? Well, this 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, these 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. This blog outlines everything about underbite and how to manage it using Invisalign.  

What is an underbite?

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 affect daily oral activities. 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:

• Difficulty chewing and biting
• Mouth and/or face pain due to jaw misalignment
• Speech problems due to jaw misalignment
  

Several factors can cause an underbite, including:

• Genetics

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

Injury or trauma to the face can cause 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.

What are the different types of underbites?

There are four types of underbite based on its origin.

1) Skeletal Underbite: The lower jaw protrudes or the upper jaw is underdeveloped, causing a pronounced chin and jaw misalignment.

2) Dental Underbite: The teeth are misaligned even though the jawbones are normal, so the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth.

3) Functional Underbite: The jaw closes in a way that the lower teeth sit ahead of the upper teeth due to bite habits or mechanics.

4) Combination Underbite: Both jawbone structure and teeth alignment contribute, resulting in a more severe underbite that often requires multiple treatment approaches. 

Why should I fix my underbite?

The problems associated with an underbite can affect both mental and physical health. Here are some common issues faced:

• Appearance - Apart from minor discomfort from having misaligned upper and lower teeth, patients with overbites also tend to have protruding chins, which may greatly affect self-esteem, especially in children. These issues can be fixed with the correct treatment plan.

• Speech issues - To make certain sounds like “s” and “f”, your bottom and upper teeth must be aligned properly. If they don’t align as with an underbite, enunciating words with those letters can be difficult.

• Tooth decay - It can be harder to clean your teeth with an underbite. This bite condition can also cause problems with oral hygiene and health such as rapid tooth wear, resulting in enamel damage.

• Difficulty chewing - When teeth are misaligned, a simple activity like chewing can become difficult. Patients with severe underbites are at a higher risk of choking as they cannot chew their food properly before swallowing.

• Jaw pain - Your jaw is constantly working to align your teeth. But when teeth do not align back, it can lead to headaches and jaw pain. Patients with severe underbites are at risk of a painful joint condition known as Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder, where the jaw feels ‘locked’ and can result in considerable pain in the jaw, popping sensations, toothaches and earaches.

Related Articles

• Can Invisalign Fix Jaw Alignment?: A Comprehensive Review in 2024
• Can Invisalign Fix Overbite - What Problems Can Invisalign Treat?
  

Can Invisalign fix underbite?

Yes, Invisalign aligners can fix certain types of underbites, such as dental underbites! However, severe underbites and those associated with skeletal underbites might require surgery to correct the position of the jaw protruding before undergoing this dental treatment.

Invisalign clear aligners work by applying gradual 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.

What to expect during Invisalign treatment at Dental Designs Clinic?

At Dental Designs Clinic, Invisalign treatment begins with a detailed consultation where our dentists assess your teeth, bite, and overall oral health. We use 3D scans, digital photographs and x-rays to create a personalised treatment plan. You’ll receive a series of clear aligners that gradually move your teeth which you change every one to two weeks.

Orthodontic auxiliaries such as Invisalign attachments and rubber bands may also be used during the treatment. They help to move your teeth forward or your lower teeth backward based on your specific dental requirement. It is important to go for follow-up checkups so that your dentist can check if the aligners are working as they are expected to.

How much time does Invisalign take to fix my underbite?

Treatment duration broadly depends on the severity of your condition, level of misalignment and discipline. Regardless of your teeth condition, all patients are required to wear their aligners for at least 22 hours daily. It is this adherence that will determine whether this 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.

Conclusion

As an answer to "Can Invisalign fix underbite?", it can effectively fix many cases of underbites, whereas severe cases may still require surgical intervention or additional orthodontic treatments. However, for mild to moderate underbites, it 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 about this treatment.

References

1. Cakan, D. G., Ulkur, F., & Taner, T. U. (2012). The genetic basis of facial skeletal characteristics and its relation with orthodontics. European journal of dentistry, 6(3), 340–345. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3420844/
2. Amodeo, G., Meuli, S., Carboni, A., Brugnami, F., Marrocco, S., Orsini, R., & Scopelliti, D. (2020). Surgery First and Invisalign System: Combined Digital Approach. The Journal of craniofacial surgery, 31(6), 1681–1686. https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000006392