Invisalign Forest Hill & Dulwich
What is an underbite and how to fix an underbite
If you have an underbite, there’s plenty you can do to bring out a better smile while improving your overall health. Some underbites don’t cause problems. But if your case is severe, underbite correction with a treatment process such as Invisalign clear aligners could help you move forward with confidence.
So, what is an underbite, what causes an underbite, and what are the complications of having one? We take a closer look at this orthodontic problem so you can find out how to fix an underbite with the proper treatment for you.
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What is an underbite?
An underbite is when you close your mouth, and the lower jaw protrudes forward. This causes the lower jaw and teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth. An underbite is a type of malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth). Other types of malocclusions include overbites, crossbites, gap teeth (diastema), crooked teeth, teeth crowding, and overlapping teeth.
How to fix an Underbite
Regardless of type or severity, underbites don’t reverse on their own, so you will need to consider how to fix an underbite by seeking professional treatment. There are many underbite correction treatment options available for children, teens, and adults. We recommend you find a doctor who can examine your case and explain the underbite correction options and treatment process to you.
If you’ve identified an underbite in your child and you’re concerned about symptoms, consider early orthodontic screening to discuss how to fix an underbite in the least evasive way.
Available underbite correction treatment methods for younger children
Reverse-pull face mask: this underbite headgear wraps around the head and pulls the upper jaw forward using metal bands fixed to the back upper teeth. Chin cap: wraps from the chin to the crown of the head and restrains the growth of the lower jaw.
How to fix an underbite without surgery
A majority of the underbite correction treatments outlined above are non-surgical methods. However, in severe underbite cases, you may need to combine surgery with Invisalign treatment. We recommend you always refer to your treating doctor for treatment, diagnosis, and discussion.
Available underbite treatment methods for teens and adults
The Invisalign system – uses a series of clear, removable plastic trays (aligners) that fit over the teeth. The aligners are custom-made and changed approximately every two weeks to move teeth into the desired position during the treatment process.
Traditional braces – metal or ceramic brackets and wire use the force of pressure to move underbite teeth over time.
Tooth extraction – can help relieve the pressure of overcrowding in dental underbite correction cases.
Jaw surgery – used in severe underbite cases where the cause is skeletal. Surgery repositions the jaw by either pushing the lower jaw back or pulling the upper jaw forward.
Can Invisalign clear aligners fix an underbite?
Yes, Invisalign clear aligners can fix some underbite teeth. It all depends on what’s causing your underbite, and that’s something an experienced Invisalign dentist in Forest Hill and Dulwich can help you uncover. If, for example, your underbite is a dental issue caused by overcrowding, then Invisalign braces and aligners could fix your problem effectively.
Benefits of correcting an underbite using braces versus Invisalign treatment
If you’re considering braces versus Invisalign treatment to correct an underbite in adults or teens, you could benefit from the Invisalign system’s many advantages:
- virtually invisible when compared to traditional braces
- cost a similar amount to braces at some practices
- freedom to enjoy the foods you love without restrictions
- effective gradual teeth movement with less pain
- flexibility to easily remove your aligners
- fewer doctor visits compared to braces
- individually mapped digital treatment plan, indicating the duration of your treatment
- better maintenance of oral health because you can withdraw your aligners to brush and floss properly.