Does Invisalign Fix Alignment Issues Such as Underbites?

It’s still Children’s Dental Health Month, and we’re offering more dental wisdom. Since we discussed braces in our last post, we decided to switch things up and focus on clear aligners. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a popular alternative to braces, and many choose them because of their almost invisible appearance. They are as standard practice as braces in this day and age. However, clear aligners are not for everybody because they cannot fix every orthodontic issue. A common question is, do they work for alignment issues such as underbites? Let’s find out!

How They Work

Just like braces, clear aligners gradually reposition your teeth into their desired positions. Using custom, clear aligners, your orthodontist supervises your treatment every step of the way to ensure everything is going to plan, and as your teeth move, you’ll get new clear aligners until your teeth are perfectly aligned and ready to catch some eyes. Clear aligners work just as effectively as braces in many cases.

What They Fix

Clear aligners are great for minor to moderate alignment issues. They may not be the best option for severe alignment issues, but they can correct many conditions, such as:

• Overbites

An overbite is when your top front teeth extend beyond your bottom front teeth, often causing the top front teeth to protrude out. In a majority of cases, overbites are genetic. But other things may cause an overbite as well, such as abnormal growth of baby teeth or excessive thumb or pacifier sucking.

Invisalign works effectively for mild to moderate overbites. For severe cases of overbite or if other complex dental issues are present, your orthodontist may suggest braces as a more appropriate treatment option.

• Underbites

An underbite is when the lower front teeth go in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. Sometimes, they are genetic, and sometimes, a childhood behavior causes it, such as prolonged pacifier use or thumb-sucking. But have no fear because clear aligners can correct the underbite in mild to moderate cases.

However, in severe underbite cases where the bottom teeth protrude a lot, your orthodontist may suggest a different treatment plan, including surgery in some instances.

• Crossbites

A crossbite is when some upper teeth sit inside or directly on top of your lower teeth when the mouth is closed. Your upper teeth should ideally rest just slightly before your lower teeth.

Crossbites can be genetic, or they could be a result of unhealthy childhood habits such as thumb or pacifier sucking beyond age three or breathing through the mouth. Invisalign can treat many mild to moderate cases of crossbite and is a great option.

• Gaps

Invisalign can certainly fix gaps in the teeth. The treatment process and length will vary depending on the gap’s size, cause, and location.

• Overcrowding

Overcrowded teeth cause misaligned and crooked teeth. Crowded teeth are usually genetic, so thank your great-grandma for passing them down! Although, other habits could lead to overcrowded teeth as well, such as thumb or pacifier sucking beyond age three, injuries or trauma to the mouth, a cleft palate, early loss of baby teeth, gum disease, abnormally-shaped teeth, or poorly fitted dental crowns.

Invisalign works great for mild to moderate cases of crowded teeth. Just ask your orthodontist if you’re a good candidate.

How Long Does It Take to Treat An Underbite with Invisalign?

Treatment time varies from case to case and patient to patient. Make sure you have a trusted and experienced orthodontist specialist to guide you through your smile journey and inform you throughout the process. While every case is different, it typically takes between 12 and 18 months to fix an underbite with clear aligners, give or take. Your orthodontist will be able to provide you with a much better estimate after assessing your specific case. Remember, Invisalign clear aligners are an excellent option for teeth straightening; however, if specific alignment issues are too complex, your best bet is braces. Many seek Invisalign after braces, meaning they once had braces but have since had some shifting in their teeth and would like to straighten them again with a more discrete option. Clear aligners are an excellent choice for those with a few shifted teeth that bug them but can’t stomach the thought of looking at themselves in the mirror with braces ever again. After your Invisalign treatment, you’ll get an Invisalign retainer that looks just like the clear aligners you wore during your treatment. And as you probably already learned from your first mistake, wearing your retainer after your treatment is complete is crucial. You’ve already had braces and Invisalign; you don’t want to return for round three! Invisalign clear aligners might be a perfect option if you’re seeking orthodontic care for yourself or a child with an overbite, underbite, crossbite, gap, or crowded mouth. Speak to your Utah orthodontist to start the process and discover if Invisalign can help you achieve that show-stopping pearly white smile you want.