For adults and adolescents who want straighter teeth, Invisalign has become a popular alternative to traditional braces. This orthodontic treatment has proven successful for patients whose teeth are misaligned or have gaps between them.
A person is said to have an underbite if their lower jaw extends further out than their upper jaw, which results in a lower jaw that is disproportionately prominent and projects forward. There is a wide variety of degrees of misalignment, from those that are hardly evident to those that are severe.
In this article, we’ll answer a common question of “can Invisalign fix underbite?”.
In the ideal jaw and tooth position, the upper teeth will protrude slightly over the lower teeth. In addition, the ideal facial profile does not have a lower jaw that protrudes more than the rest of the face.
What is Invisalign, and How Does it Work?
Clear aligners, often known as Invisalign, are orthodontic devices that are utilized in the process of tooth straightening. Aligners made of clear plastic are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. The Invisalign clear aligner system was initially developed in 1997, and since then, it has been used to treat over 9 million different patients.
Clear Invisalign aligners are constructed of a flexible plastic material. Molds of your mouth are taken both physically and digitally to construct them in 3D. Aligners from Invisalign have been given FDA approval and do not include BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten in their composition. Because they are translucent, ultra-thin, and precisely contoured to fit over your teeth, these aligners are much less obvious than traditional braces.
When you get Invisalign, your dentist and their team will take imprints of your mouth and use a computer to generate images that will be used to create clear aligners. These aligners will be used to shift the position of your teeth. Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces, which pull the teeth into alignment by making use of fixed wires. Instead, Invisalign aligns the teeth by using a series of customized molds that slowly move your teeth into their new position over time.
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What is an Underbite?
When you close your mouth, you may see that your bottom teeth protrude in front of your upper teeth, which is a sign that your teeth are positioned incorrectly. This condition is known as an underbite. The lower jaw is shifted and is positioned in an abnormally forward position.
When this occurs, the lower teeth typically overlap the upper teeth, resulting in a crossbite. The upper teeth should be able to cover the lower teeth like a lid on a box when the bite is said to be ideal. This pattern is inverted in individuals who have a class III malocclusion.
In addition to the way the teeth are arranged relative to one another, the look of the face is altered by a class III malocclusion. Because of the concave aspect of the profile, it is frequently possible to recognize an underbite even when the lips are closed. The central section of the face appears to have receded, which results in the lower jaw appearing to project too far outward. The majority of the time, the lower jaw appears to be normal, but the upper jaw, which is located in the middle of the face, is abnormally small. Because of the concave form of the upper jaw in the profile and the comparatively tiny size of the upper jaw, the lower jaw appears to be much larger than it actually is.
If you have an underbite, it will be difficult for you to bite and correctly chew food. It is also possible that it will lead you to have a speech impediment, which may require speech treatment, and it will hasten the wear and tear on your teeth.
How to Tell If You Have Underbite
It can be excruciatingly uncomfortable for some people who have an underbite. Teeth in both the upper and lower jaws can wear down, leading to cavities or misalignment, which can cause jaw discomfort. A patient suffering from an underbite may struggle with their ability to eat and speak properly. Last but not least, having an underbite might make it difficult to get a good night’s rest, which can lead to snoring and other breathing problems throughout the night.
How Invisalign Fix Underbite
The Invisalign doctor will develop a treatment plan if treatment is approved to attain the desired results.
The aligners used in the Invisalign procedure can correct certain types of underbites. Extreme cases of underbite may call for additional treatment options, including jaw surgery, in order to rectify the alignment of the teeth and jaws. When used in conjunction with other treatment procedures, Invisalign may also be effective for treating class 3 underbites.
A total of only two weeks will be spent using each set of aligners made of clear plastic. After that, you will switch them out for another pair. You must keep the aligners in your mouth for up to 22 hours per day. There will be enough time for you to take them out before you clean your teeth or eat. Your teeth will be gently pushed into the correct position with each new pair of transparent braces that you wear.
However, a patient with a severe underbite may need a combination of orthodontic and surgical treatment.
Read More: A Helpful Guide on How to Fix Underbites
How Long Will Invisalign Take to Fix Underbite?
The length of treatment is strongly influenced by the severity of the patient’s ailment and the patient’s level of misalignment and discipline. Patients who have Invisalign treatment are obliged to wear their aligners for a minimum of 22 hours each day, regardless of the condition of their teeth. This adherence is the most important factor in determining whether or not the Invisalign treatment will succeed.
In most circumstances, the correction would take approximately three to four months, but it may take up to twelve months or even a little more for somewhat severe cases. Regardless, the amount of time required is still significantly less than that required to correct underbites with traditional braces.
Related: Do Invisalign Braces Take Longer?
Consult Kumra Orthodontics to learn more about can Invisalign fix an underbite
If you are struggling with an underbite, consult an orthodontist in Washington, DC and Stafford VA like Kumra Orthodontics. Invisalign is a great option for fixing underbites, and we can help you get started on the path to a straighter smile. We understand that having an underbite can impact your self-esteem, and we want to help you feel confident about your smile. Don’t suffer in silence – see us today!
