An underbite is when the lower jaw sticks out further than the upper jaw, causing the front lower teeth to protrude beyond the front upper teeth.
A few things can cause an underbite, like genetics (it can run in families), abnormal jaw growth, thumb sucking, and even mouth breathing.
A normal bite is when the upper and lower teeth meet evenly, with the front upper teeth slightly overlapping the front lower teeth. This can be achieved with orthodontics. Reach out to Northern Virginia Orthodontics to schedule your FREE Invisalign consultation and see how you can fix your or your child’s underbite.
Invisalign Treatable Cases: Underbite
Underbites can cause some issues if untreated. For example, they can make it tough to chew food properly or say certain sounds, leading to speech problems. Underbites can even cause a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which can cause pain, clicking, and popping in the jaw.
Additionally, some adults, teens, and children with underbites might feel self-conscious about their appearance, affecting their self-esteem.
What Problems Can An Underbite Cause
Taking care of underbites is important because they can sometimes lead to more serious issues if left untreated. For example, gum disease. This can affect the gums and the bones that support the teeth and can even lead to tooth loss.
Additionally, an untreated underbite can cause jawbone loss, making it tough to wear dentures or other dental appliances in the future. There’s also a risk of developing sleep apnea, a condition that can cause someone to stop breathing for short periods during sleep and can result in fatigue, headaches, and other health problems.
Can Invisalign Fix An Underbite
Yes, Invisalign can help fix an underbite. Invisalign is a clear aligner system that uses a series of custom-made aligners to gradually move the teeth. Invisalign and Invisalign For Kids can be used to treat a variety of orthodontic problems, including underbites.
Invisalign treatment for underbites typically takes 12-18 months, but the exact time will vary depending on the severity of the underbite. During treatment, aligners should be worn for 22 hours a day and removed only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
To treat an underbite with Invisalign, our NVO orthodontists will create a treatment plan that outlines the steps involved in treatment. This plan will consider the severity of the underbite, the position of the teeth, and the individual needs.
The first step in treating an underbite with Invisalign is to make a mold of the teeth. This mold will be used to create a series of custom-made aligners. Each aligner is slightly different from the one before it, and they are designed to gradually move the teeth into their correct positions.
Wear each aligner for about two weeks before moving on to the next one. During this time, the teeth will slowly move into their new positions. It is important to wear the aligners as directed by an orthodontist to ensure the success of treatment.
Book Your FREE Invisalign Consultation
Are you curious about whether Invisalign is a good option for your or your child’s orthodontic needs?
At Northern Virginia Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves a smile they can be proud of. We’re excited to offer a FREE virtual Invisalign consultation for kids, teens, and adults alike!
Booking your consultation is easy — you can simply visit our website or call us, and our friendly scheduling specialists will help you find an appointment time that works for your busy schedule. Let’s team up to give you the confident smile you deserve!