If you’ve caught a glimpse of your teeth in the mirror and noticed that your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth, you may have something called an underbite. Our team at Orthodontic Smile Studio understands it can affect everything from your confidence to how you enjoy a meal. It can even cause uneven wear on your teeth over time.
If you have been wondering about ways to correct it, you may be curious if clear aligners could work. For many people with mild to moderate underbites, Invisalign® treatment can be an effective way to guide teeth into a healthier alignment.
What Is an Underbite and Why Correct It?
When you close your mouth, your upper teeth should rest slightly in front of your lower teeth. An underbite is the opposite: Your lower front teeth go past your upper front teeth. This jaw and tooth misalignment, different from an overbite, can create challenges you may not even connect to how your teeth sit at first.
Some common issues associated with an underbite include:
- Changes in how you chew or speak
- Your teeth wearing down unevenly
- Strain on your jaw joints
Common Signs of an Underbite
Beyond the look of your smile, you might notice other signs. Your lower jaw might appear to stick out, which can alter your facial appearance. You may also find it tricky to bite into certain foods, like a sandwich or an apple, because your front teeth don’t meet up quite right.
How Invisalign® Works for an Underbite
Invisalign® treatment uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners that fit snugly over your teeth. Each aligner makes small, carefully planned adjustments, gradually shifting your teeth toward their preplanned positions. You simply switch to a new set of aligners every 1–2 weeks, as directed by your dental team.
For an underbite, the treatment may also include small, tooth-coloured attachments placed on your teeth. These give the aligners extra grip to help with more complex movements. In some cases, small elastics are used to help improve how your upper and lower teeth fit together.
Your Treatment Journey & What to Expect
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation. During these initial orthodontic office visits, the team creates a precise 3D model of your mouth using a digital scanner. This helps create a personalized treatment plan that maps out every tooth movement, so you can see a preview of what your new smile could look like before you even start.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Every smile is unique, so treatment timelines vary. For many younger patients, treatment often takes around 12 to 18 months. Adult treatment can sometimes take a bit longer, as adult teeth and jaws are more settled. Your specific needs determine the exact timeline for your smile transformation.
Is Invisalign® the Right Choice for Your Underbite?
Clear aligners are a great option for many mild to moderate underbites, especially those where the issue is mostly the position of the teeth. If the underbite is related to the teeth and not the jaw structure itself, Invisalign® can often correct the alignment effectively.
A digital scan and a thorough examination help our dental team determine what might be contributing to your underbite. This information helps us recommend a treatment approach that is right for your smile goals.
When a Different Approach May Be Needed
For more severe underbites, like in cases where the jaw structure itself is the main issue, a different approach, like surgical orthodontics, may be more suitable. If the jaw needs to be repositioned, other orthodontic options might be reviewed. Our dental team can walk you through all available options during your consultation.
Life with & After Your Treatment
Adjusting to Invisalign® is typically straightforward. You wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. Because they are removable, you can continue to enjoy your favourite foods and clean your aligners with ease.
After you complete your treatment, retainers become very important. Wearing a retainer as instructed helps keep your teeth in their new positions, protecting the results of your hard work and preserving your healthy new smile.
Your Invisalign® Plan & Care
Throughout your treatment, you can have regular check-ups to monitor your progress and receive your next set of aligners. Our team can show you exactly how to care for your aligners to keep them clean and clear. Orthodontic care is an investment in your smile: It helps keep your whole mouth and jaw happy and healthy for years to come.
Find Out if Invisalign® Is Right for You
If you think Invisalign® could be the right path for correcting your underbite, our team at Orthodontic Smile Studio is here to help. Schedule a consultation to explore your options and take the first step toward a more confident and comfortable smile.
