Can Invisalign Fix An Underbite?

Invisalign® is a versatile orthodontic system that can treat minor to moderate issues, including underbites caused by tooth alignment. More complex cases may require surgery.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign uses a graduated series of clear, medical-grade plastic aligners designed by your dentist to gradually shift your teeth into ideal positions. Every one to two weeks, you will change to the next aligner and progress in your treatment. At the end of treatment, you will have a well-aligned smile with no underbite.

What Is an Underbite?

An underbite means that the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth. This condition may make you feel self-conscious about their smiles. In addition, you could suffer from related disorders, including chronic bad breath, obstructive sleep apnea, and poor chewing ability.

How Invisalign Treats Underbite

The Invisalign system can correct minor to moderate underbites caused by tooth alignment issues. Dentists often use rubber bands with aligners to treat an underbite. The rubber bands attach to discreet composite buttons that blend in with the natural tooth surface.

During treatment, the rubber bands connect the lower canines to the top molars in the back. These bands bring the teeth into better positions, allowing the jaw to work normally.

Preventing Underbite in Children

If thumb-sucking or pacifier use is continued past age 3, it may cause an underbite. Address these issues with your young child as much as possible to protect their future oral health.

Advantages of Invisalign

Discreet

Adults and teens often ask about Invisalign treatment because they do not want to deal with the unwanted attention accompanying braces. Invisalign trays are clear and fit smoothly against the teeth for a discreet treatment.

Comfortable

Invisalign has no sharp edges, brackets, or wires to irritate your cheeks and gums.

Faster Than Braces

Braces usually take one to three years, while Invisalign takes six to 18 months. Underbite treatment may take closer to 18 months.

No Food Restrictions

Invisalign comes out when you eat, allowing you to enjoy a full and varied diet. If you keep your teeth and aligners clean, you can continue eating hard, chewy, crunchy, or sticky foods.

Better Oral Health Outcomes

Researchers find that Invisalign patients have improved gum health compared to braces patients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?

Most adult and teen patients can benefit from Invisalign. Successful patients share these characteristics:

• Excellent oral hygiene
• No missing teeth
• All permanent teeth erupted
• Jaws that have finished growing
• Healthy gums
• No untreated tooth decay

Do you wear Invisalign when you sleep?

You must wear your aligners 20-22 hours daily, including sleep, for successful treatment.

Call College Street Smiles

If you have an underbite, braces are not your only solution. Invisalign can treat minor to moderate underbites with comfort and discretion. If you have an underbite or other tooth alignment issues, please call our Dickson, TN, office at 615-446-7878 to schedule an Invisalign consultation today.