Causes of Underbite: When Invisalign Can Help?

Although mild underbite is okay, more serious cases lead to severe issues. They include mouth pain, chewing, biting, and speech difficulties. Thankfully orthodontic treatment is available to address the underbite without any surgery. If the dentist or the orthodontist finds the misalignment of the tooth due to tooth alignment, Invisalign near you is a perfect solution.

But aligners can shift teeth only. They cannot eliminate jawbone or alter jaw shape. Only getting surgery is the solution. In the same way, if your teeth are rotated, clear aligners might not be a good choice.

What is an Underbite?

An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend farther than the upper teeth.

Types of Underbites

Underbites differ in severity. Below are the common types:

Mild Underbite

When teeth are aligned edge to edge, it results in a mild underbite.

Severe Underbite

Severe underbite occurs when the space is wide enough that the front teeth fail to meet.

Dental Underbite

Teeth alignment problems cause a dental underbite.

Skeletal Underbite

Skeletal underbite occurs when the misalignment originates from the underlying jaw structure. The soft material of plastic trays does not cause bruises or cuts on the lips or inside the mouth.

What Causes Underbite in Adults?

An underbite problem can occur due to the following reasons:

Childhood Habits

A few childhood habits like biting nails, long-term bottle feeding, thumb sucking, and using a pacifier above age 3 can cause an underbite.

Genetics

Genetics plays a vital role in deciding the shape of the jaw and teeth. It can cause an underbite. Due to this, few kids are born with teeth that fail to grow properly, have an overjet, impaction, or other similar issues.

Injury

Another cause behind an underbite might be severe injuries to the jawbone. As you know, face injuries damage jawbones. Although surgical treatment addresses face injuries, jaws do not fix properly.

Tumors

Tumors of the jawbone or mouth affect jaw growth or alignment. It results in an underbite.

When Invisalign Helps with an Underbite?

Invisalign clear aligners are the best way for those looking to fix their underbite issue without getting noticed. The device puts pressure on particular parts of the teeth to shift them slowly into their appropriate place. How Invisalign in Surrey, BC help typically depends on the cause of your underbite.

For example, if the dentist finds this issue due to the improper positioning of the teeth, he/she will most likely recommend Invisalign aligners. However, if the issue is due to an excessively large lower jaw, the professional suggests a surgical option along with the orthodontics near you. If you need clarification about which treatment option is best for you, call an expert at King George Dental Centre today.

Invisalign aligner trays are manufactured using a flexible plastic material that fits snuggly over the teeth. Since they are invisible, they fix alignment issues much better than conventional braces. Additionally, Invisalign aligner trays are easy to remove for flossing, eating, and brushing on special occasions.

As the orthodontic treatment progresses, patients move onto a different tray set. The professional may review your progress throughout the procedure and adapt the treatment plan as required. Correcting an underbite with an Invisalign will improve your self-confidence and prevent future dental issues.

Correction of an underbite with an orthodontic treatment should begin in childhood. It’s the time when the jawbones of a person are malleable and can be aligned correctly. Early diagnosis with a specialist orthodontist near you will give you the most appropriate data and tips to manage your underbite problem.

How Long Does Invisalign Take to Address Underbite?

The timeline for the Invisalign treatment will rely on the misalignment level, severity, and your willingness to wear clear braces for the recommended time. Generally, for minor underbite cases, it takes 3 to 4 months. However, moderate and severe underbites take 12 months.

When is Invisalign Not a Good Option for Underbite Cases?

Invisalign is not a suitable choice in the following situations:

• When an individual has unrated gum disease or decay.
• When an individual has temporomandibular joint disorder.
• When an individual has complicated malocclusions that need extractions.

Alternative Options to Fix an Underbite

Although Invisalign can help with some underbite cases, you can also choose other options. They include:

• Ceramic braces.
• Cosmetic dentistry.
• Metal braces.
• Lingual braces.
• At-home clear aligners.