If you’ve been told you have an underbite (or suspect you may have one), you might be wondering, “Can Invisalign fix an underbite or are braces or surgery my only options?”
The good news is that Invisalign can fix many underbites, particularly when the problem is caused by the position of the teeth rather than the jaw itself. However, not all underbites are the same, which is why an accurate diagnosis is key.
In this post, our Vancouver Invisalign providers explain what an underbite is, whether we can successfully use Invisalign for underbite correction, and how we determine the right treatment for each patient.
What is an Underbite?
Let’s start with the basics. What is an underbite?
An underbite is a type of malocclusion (bad bite) where your lower front teeth sit in front of your upper front teeth when your mouth is closed. In many cases, it’s due to a lower jaw that’s positioned too far forward.
Underbites generally fall into two categories:
- Dental underbite: The underbite is caused mainly by the position of the teeth.
- Skeletal underbite: The upper and lower jaws are misaligned because of differences in jaw size or growth.
Some patients have a combination of both.
Determining the underlying cause is one of the most important parts of planning any type of underbite correction.
Can Invisalign Fix an Underbite?
The short answer is yes, Invisalign can fix many mild to moderate underbites.
When an underbite is caused entirely or mostly by tooth positioning, Invisalign aligners can gradually move your teeth into healthier positions and improve how your upper and lower teeth fit together.
Depending on your bite, treatment may also include:
- Invisalign attachments (tooth-coloured buttons that are bonded to certain teeth to give your aligners more leverage)
- Elastics (rubber bands) to provide the connective force needed to fix the bite
- Other bite-correcting techniques
These auxiliaries help us facilitate more complex tooth movements than aligners alone.
However, if your underbite is caused by a significant jaw discrepancy, Invisalign by itself may not be enough. In those cases, treatment could involve collaboration with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Can Invisalign Fix an Underbite in Adults?
Absolutely. Many adults assume they’ve missed their opportunity for orthodontic treatment, but that’s rarely the case.
If the problem is dental, Invisalign can fix an underbite in adults just as successfully as it can in younger patients.
If the issue is related to jaw structure, treatment may involve:
- Invisalign before surgery to align the teeth
- Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery)
- Invisalign afterward to fine-tune the bite
The good news is that jaw surgery is reserved for the most severe skeletal cases. Many adults will see big improvements without surgical intervention.
How Does Invisalign Help With an Underbite?
At Nest Dental, treatment begins with a scan taken using our iTero Lumina™ Digital Scanner. Instead of messy impressions, we create a highly accurate, photorealistic 3D model of your teeth and bite.
Using this technology, we can:
- Evaluate your bite from every angle
- Determine whether Invisalign is appropriate
- Digitally plan each individual tooth movement
- Troubleshoot potential issues in advance
- Show you a preview of your expected Invisalign outcome
Your customized treatment plan is then sent to the Invisalign lab, where your aligners are fabricated according to your Nest dentist’s prescribed tooth movements.
As you progress through your series of aligners, each tray gently moves your teeth closer to their ideal positions, while gradually improving your bite.
How to Fix an Underbite
If you’ve Googled, “how to fix an underbite,” hoping there’s a quick exercise or home remedy, believe us, you’re not the only one.
Unfortunately, once an underbite has developed, there isn’t a way to reposition your teeth or jaws naturally. The right treatment depends on what’s causing the underbite.
Options might include:
Invisalign
Many mild to moderate dental underbites respond very well to Invisalign treatment, especially when the aligners are paired with attachments and elastics.
Traditional Braces
Braces are another option to treat an underbite. The fixed appliance uses brackets and wires to straighten the teeth and improve the bite.
Early Intervention
An emerging skeletal underbite in a growing patient could require a referral to an orthodontist. They can use certain appliances to guide jaw development and eliminate or minimize the underbite.
Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery
Patients with severe skeletal underbites who are done growing may require corrective jaw surgery combined with orthodontic treatment.
The only way to know which option is right for you is to have a thorough professional evaluation.
Invisalign vs. Braces for an Underbite
Thanks to advances in materials and technology, most cases that can be treated with braces can be addressed with Invisalign.
Many patients prefer Invisalign vs. braces because clear aligners are:
- Virtually invisible
- Comfortable and smooth
- Removable for eating and brushing
- Free of food restrictions
- Easy to fit into everyday life
At Nest Dental, we also use digital treatment planning to show you what your smile could look like before treatment even begins, so you know what to expect and feel confident in your decision.
Why Choose Nest Dental for Invisalign in Vancouver?
Choosing an experienced Invisalign provider is important, even more so when it comes to fixing an underbite.
At Nest Dental, Dr. Sonia Sahi, Dr. Ming Jin, and Dr. Nafisa Pirbhai combine personalized care with advanced digital technology to create healthy, functional smiles.
When you choose us for Vancouver Invisalign treatment, you’ll benefit from:
- Comprehensive evaluations of your teeth, bite, and jaw function
- The latest iTero Lumina digital scanner for highly accurate 3D treatment planning
- Digital smile previews before treatment begins
- Comfortable, removable clear aligners
- Transparent pricing and flexible financing
- A beautiful, modern Fraser Street dental studio designed to feel like a spa day for your smile
Can Invisalign Fix an Underbite? The Bottom Line
So, can Invisalign fix an underbite? In many cases, yes.
Invisalign can often treat mild to moderate underbites while offering a discreet, comfortable alternative to traditional braces. However, the first step is understanding what’s causing the problem.
At Nest Dental, our Vancouver dentists can determine if Invisalign is the right solution for your smile.
Book an Invisalign Consultation in Vancouver
Whether you’re interested in Invisalign for underbite correction or simply a cosmetic touch-up, the Nest Dental team is here to help.
Book a consultation at our cozy dental studio today. One of our Invisalign dentists will evaluate your bite, explain your treatment options, and create a customized plan to help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Invisalign help with an underbite without surgery?
Oftentimes it can. Many patients achieve excellent results with Invisalign combined with auxiliaries like rubber bands and attachments. Surgery is typically reserved for severe jaw discrepancies in patients whose jaw growth is complete.
Can Invisalign fix an underbite in adults?
Yes. Adults can be excellent candidates for Invisalign, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the underbite.
How long does underbite correction with Invisalign take?
Treatment varies depending on your bite, but Invisalign treatment typically lasts between six and 18 months. More complex cases may take longer.
Is Invisalign better than braces for an underbite?
When it comes to how to fix an underbite, neither treatment is universally better. Both Invisalign and braces are great options for many mild to moderate cases.
That said, a lot of patients prefer the convenience and appearance of clear aligners. Your dentist will recommend the approach that’s best for your individual smile.
How much does Invisalign cost for underbite correction?
The cost of Invisalign for underbite correction depends on the complexity of your case. At your consultation, we’ll provide you with a breakdown of the fees and go over our flexible financing options.
