Can Invisalign Fix an Underbite or Overbite?

Getting a straighter smile is a great benefit of completing orthodontic treatment, but it’s far from being the only reason to improve your smile. If you have an overbite or an underbite, you’ll need orthodontic treatment if you’re going to improve your bite and enjoy better dental health. Thankfully, you have more options than ever to choose from if you want to fix problems like an underbite or overbite, including Invisalign.

What Is an Underbite?

To understand what an underbite is, it helps to get a clear idea of what a healthy bite is like. Ideally, your upper jaw should neatly rest over your lower jaw with your front teeth fitting slightly in front of your lower teeth.

But in some cases, patients have a jaw where the lower jaw rests in front of the upper jaw. This condition is known as an underbite. Beyond contributing to an irregular looking smile, underbites also cause problems when it comes to eating and speaking and can often lead to accelerated tooth wear. Underbites can also be uncomfortable or contribute to jaw pain.

What Is an Overbite?

While everyone should technically have somewhat of an overbite, the upper teeth should still allow part of the lower front teeth to be visible when you bite down. When the upper jaw is positioned too far forward, it results in the lower teeth not being visible. In some severe cases, an overbite is called a “deep bite.”

Can Invisalign Fix an Underbite or Overbite?

Invisalign is more advanced than ever, and you can use this convenient, clear orthodontic treatment to tackle a wider range of problems than before. To fix most underbites and overbites, your orthodontist will plan your treatment with a combination of tooth movement and jaw movement.

Some underbites and overbites can simply be fixed by straightening out the teeth, allowing you to bite down correctly and have a better-looking smile. For these cases, the typical Invisalign treatment will be effective.

Other times, additional appliances may need to be added to the conventional set of clear plastic aligners. To complete the jaw movement necessary to fix some underbites and overbites, you may need to use interarch bands, which are small elastics that apply pressure to the jaw to promote movement. These can be added to Invisalign by attaching small hooks directly to the teeth or cutting hooks in the aligners themselves.

To complete your treatment on time and to fully fix issues with your bite, be sure to wear your aligners at least 22 hours per day and replace your elastic bands after each meal. As you go about your day, your teeth will straighten up and your jaw will move into the right position to get rid of your underbite or overbite. And at the end of your treatment, you’ll find that eating and speaking may be easier and that you enjoy more comfort throughout the day.

Contact Milnor Orthodontics today to schedule your free consultation and to see if Invisalign can fix your overbite or underbite.