Can Invisalign Treat an Underbite?

The Invisalign® transparent aligner system uses advanced orthodontic technology and materials to straighten smiles without the expected discomfort, food restrictions, and other negative aspects of traditional braces.  

Our team at Healthy Smile Dental in Woodridge, Illinois, led by Dr. Hannah Baek, offers comprehensive dentistry services customized to fit kids, teens, and adults.

Read more about Invisalign and why our team often favors this innovative system for correcting complex misalignment issues, including underbite.

Understanding underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper front teeth. This condition can result from genetics (most common), long-term pacifier use, childhood habits like thumb sucking, or jaw injuries.

Underbites can range from mild to severe, sometimes changing face shape and affecting the aesthetics of a person's smile.

An underbite can also cause:

• Problems speaking
• Difficulty chewing
• Face or jaw pain
• Headaches
• Increased risk of cracked or broken teeth
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders
• Tooth decay and gum disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Most underbites develop in childhood, but not every underbite requires correction. You may not even notice a mild underbite.

However, moderate-to-severe underbites are best treated as early as possible (ideally age 7-10) to avoid their long-term effects on dental health.  

Routine dental visits allow Dr. Baek to diagnose and monitor the progression of an underbite, offering the advantages of early treatment. However, adolescents and adults also benefit from underbite treatment with Invisalign.

How Invisalign works

Invisalign utilizes a series of clear, custom-made aligners to shift teeth into the desired position gradually. These nearly invisible and removable aligners offer a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces.

Dr. Baek first obtains a precise 3D scan of your current smile and uses advanced computer technology to create a template for a series of corrective aligners. 

Most patients wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before replacing them with the next in the series, each set gradually moving the teeth closer to their ideal alignment.

Can Invisalign treat severe underbite?

Although Invisalign is highly effective in treating many types of malocclusions, its suitability for correcting underbites may depend on the severity of the condition.

Mild-to-moderate underbites are often successfully treated with Invisalign. However, severe underbites may require a combination of surgery and Invisalign for optimal results.

Benefits of Invisalign for underbites versus traditional braces

The benefits of Invisalign include:

Aesthetics

Traditional braces are conspicuous and may cause you to feel self-conscious, but Invisalign aligners are practically invisible to others, which allows you to maintain your confidence throughout treatment.

Comfort

The smooth, custom-made aligners are designed for maximum comfort, minimizing irritation to the cheeks and gums commonly associated with braces.

Convenience

Invisalign aligners are removable, making it much easier to maintain good oral hygiene and continue to enjoy your favorite foods without the restrictions that are required with traditional braces.

Predictable results

The advanced technology available with the Invisalign system allows Dr. Baek to predict your new smile’s appearance accurately. If you carefully follow use and care instructions (i.e., wear aligners for 20-22 hours daily), you can be confident in the predictability of Invisalign.

Schedule a visit at Healthy Smile Dental today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.