Invisalign truly revolutionized the way orthodontists can treat misaligned teeth.
Misaligned teeth can be both a cosmetic problem and can also cause problems with the proper functioning of your teeth and how your bite is aligned.
One issue at the root of these problems may be an underbite, a common condition that causes a misalignment between the top and bottom teeth.
Below, we'll look into the various types of underbites and whether Invisalign can be a solution to this common dental problem.
What Is An Underbite?
An underbite is when the lower teeth are positioned further out than the front teeth. This creates an appearance as though the lower jaw is jutting outwards.
Underbites can range from mild to severe and each case can be different in how it needs to be treated.
More severe cases may require interventions beyond just braces or similar alternatives. This may include certain headgear options to pull areas of the jaw back into the proper bite position.
For very severe cases, especially in adult patients, surgery may be needed in addition to braces or other methods to completely fix the problem and restore a proper bite.
Symptoms If An Underbite Is Left Untreated
Very mild cases of underbite may be hardly noticeable. But they can still have an impact on your bite function and the overall health and longevity of your teeth.
More moderate to severe underbites can lead to headaches, tooth decay from wear, and even TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). It can also impair speech along with being a cosmetic issue for some patients.
Because of the possible problems an underbite can cause, it's important to speak with a professional to find a treatment option that addresses the issue.
Can Invisalign Be Used To Fix An Underbite?
Invisalign can fix many of the dental problems that traditional metal braces fix. This includes mild to moderate underbites.
Every underbite is different so only a professional with experience can decide if Invisalign can correct your underbite.
However, Invisalign has been used to fix alignment problems since 1998 and recently has been used for a growing number of complex alignment problems, including underbites.
Generally speaking, if traditional metal braces can be used to correct your underbite or alignment issue, then Invisalign can be used as well.
Also, Invisalign tends to be faster than traditional braces for most mild alignment issues and patients often find the treatment much more comfortable and tolerable.
Even if you have a moderate or more serious underbite, Invisialign may still be used in conjunction with other methods to align the jaw. This allows you to avoid traditional metal braces which some patients find less cosmetically pleasing while being worn.
More Information On Underbites And Invisalign
If you or a family member has an underbite and want to learn more about your treatment options, the professionals at the Smile Architects can help.
Our staff is dedicated to making sure our patients understand all the options available to them to treat their cosmetic or dental issues.
Contact The Smile Architects today and learn if Invisalign is the right option to treat your underbite.