Should I Get Invisalign for My Underbite?

Invisalign can work to correct certain underbites, but it depends on the severity of the issue.

Invisalign & Other Aligner Choices for Underbites

While traditional braces used to be the preferred treatment for an underbite, today’s dental technology offers modern choices when it comes to orthodontic treatment.

Your dentist may have talked to you about Invisalign braces as a treatment option. Invisalign-brand aligner treatment offers some advantages over braces.

For example, Invisalign aligners are clear and may work more quickly than traditional braces. But there may be more convenient and affordable options on the market today.

Clear at-home removable aligners may be able to treat an underbite for a more affordable price than braces or Invisalign-brand products. Because they’re removable and some aligner providers offer a start-to-finish virtual experience with no in-office visits needed, clear aligners can offer the ultimate in teeth-straightening convenience.

All About Underbites

Your upper palate should be slightly longer and wider than your lower palate. When you close your mouth, your upper teeth should go over and cover your bottom teeth. When that doesn't happen and your lower teeth push forward instead, this is an underbite.

Dentists use the term malocclusion to describe a less-than-ideal jaw placement, like an underbite. These issues are relatively common. For example, in some studies, about 31 percent of people have a malocclusion. 

Just because they're somewhat common doesn't mean an underbite isn't harmful. Leave the issue alone, and you could deal with the following problems:

• Chipped teeth: Your lower teeth could hit your upper teeth too often, and damage results.

• Pain: If your muscles are stretched too far and work too hard, it can cause discomfort.

• Difficulty: You might find it hard to eat without spitting or talk without lisping.

Keeping your teeth clean is tough when you have an underbite too. Researchers say that the impact on oral health by an untreated underbite is significant. You could deal with cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and more.

How Aligners Fix an Underbite

Impressions of your teeth, or an in-office tooth scan or impression, starts the process of correcting an underbite. The orthodontic specialist guiding your aligner treatment will be able to examine the impression or image of your teeth and understand why your lower jaw juts forward to create an underbite.

Your underbite could be caused by the following:

• Tooth placement. Your teeth could lean forward or backward, forcing your jaw to do the same.

• Crowding. If you have too many teeth too close together, your jaw could push forward in response.

• Jaw length or width. If your lower jaw is too long or your upper arch is too narrow, an underbite could result.

With an understanding of your tooth problem, your dentist or aligner provider uses software to create a step-by-step smile revision plan. You'll get a series of plastic trays that slide over your teeth. Each tray is different and represents a step on your journey to better oral health and an improved smile.

If you’re using an in-office Invisalign provider, regular in-office visits will be part of your treatment. You may receive all of your aligners at the start of treatment, or they’ll be given to you throughout the process.

If you’re using at-home clear aligners, you’ll check in virtually with the orthodontist who is overseeing your treatment to ensure that your smile is perfectly on track. For example, Byte offers a user-friendly app and access to clinical support every day of the week.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Clear aligners can be used to treat some cases of underbite. Whether you are a candidate depends on the severity of your underbite.

For example, if your lower jaw is too long, teeth aligners may be unable to help. Aligner devices can move teeth, but they can't remove bone or change jaw shape. Only surgery can do that.

Similarly, if your teeth are significantly rotated, aligners may not be ideal. Trays can push teeth forward and back, but adjusting rotation could require a more involved treatment plan. 

Before starting your treatment, top aligner providers will ensure that you’re a candidate for aligners. Byte offers a full refund on our at-home impression kit if it’s determined that clear aligners won’t work for your needs.

Potential Drawbacks of Invisalign for Underbite Correction

Invisalign was one of the first popular alternatives to braces, which has made them a well-known name in orthodontic options. However, Invisalign products aren’t the only braces alternatives anymore, and they’re not ideal for everyone, especially those who are concerned about the following:

Alternative Therapies to Fix an Underbite

Invisalign-brand products can help some cases of underbite, but you have plenty of other options, including these:

• Traditional metal braces

• Ceramic braces (sometimes called invisible braces)

• Lingual braces

• At-home clear aligners

• Cosmetic dentistry

Depending on the severity of your underbite, and your treatment preferences, one of these alternate therapies may be ideal for your situation:

Invisalign for an Underbite Frequently Asked Questions