Having a smile you feel confident about is so important in life. Unfortunately, those with underbites often feel self-conscious and discouraged which prompts them to seek treatment from their dentist.
Any patient dealing with this type of misaligned bite wants a solution that will not draw more attention to their mouth - which makes the nearly invisible Invisalign a great option.
But can Invisalign fix an underbite? Let’s find out.
Do You Have an Underbite?
Simply put, a patient has an underbite when their lower jaw extends out past their upper jaw. While it is not always the case, some patients have an underbite that is very noticeable.
Having any misaligned bite like an underbite can lead to some issues that may or may not be disruptive to your life, including:
- Difficult eating/chewing
- Speech issues
- Excessive wear
- Self-esteem/confidence issues
Underbites may be caused by genetics, but a lot of times there are contributing factors that can be prevented, such as thumb-sucking and mouth breathing.
How is an Underbite Treated
For many patients, underbites can be treated easily. This often involves the use of traditional braces, crowns, or veneers. And, much like braces, Invisalign has also proven itself to be a great option for treatment when it comes to correcting misalignments.
With the help of these treatments, underbites can often be corrected quickly and surgery can be avoided.
Invisalign Treatment for Underbites
Even though its primary purpose is to straighten teeth, Invisalign can transform smiles and is an effective treatment for all types of misaligned bites, gaps, and crooked teeth - including underbites.
Using clear aligners that are custom-made for you, the teeth will slowly begin to move into a position that will correct the underbite. It is really an easy, removable form of treatment.
Depending on the severity, it may take Invisalign several weeks - or several months - of applying pressure to the teeth to get them where they need to go. The important part is that you wear them as much as possible, about 20 to 22 hours every single day - the more the better.
It should be noted that Invisalign treatment for underbites will not work for everyone. For underbites that are severe sometimes alternative treatments are required.
Leaving an Underbite Untreated
Many patients seek treatment for underbites due to the way in which it impacts their appearance. And while this can truly take a toll on the patient’s level of self-confidence, an underbite requires treatment for more than just aesthetic purposes.
Leaving an underbite untreated could result in quite a few complications. For instance, it may lead to toothaches, chronic pain, bad breath, TMJ disorders, earaches, sleep apnea, cavities, and more.
Underbite Treatment with Invisalign
If you are interested in Invisalign treatment for your underbite, then the dental team at Smiles on the Upper West Side can help.
Remember that not every underbite can be treated with Invisalign. Contact us today at 212-222-5225 to schedule an appointment.
We are here to transform your smile using the best treatment available.