There are a myriad of orthodontic problems that require intervention to ensure that you can maintain proper function of your teeth and mouth. One of the most common issues that require orthodontic care is an underbite. If you are planning to get Invisalign to fix underbite, it is important to know if this is the best approach.
Find out what treatment options are available to fix an underbite and if Invisalign is the right choice.
What is an Underbite?
An underbite is a condition wherein the lower front teeth is positioned in front of the upper front teeth (the normal position) when the mouth is closed. This is a condition that can happen as a result of various behaviors that can be traced back to one’s childhood, such as extended use of pacifier, thumb sucking, and tongue thrusting. In most cases, though, people are born with an underbite.
Can Invisalign Fix Underbite?
Invisalign is a popular brand of clear aligners that is designed to straighten teeth. It is a common alternative to metal braces for repositioning teeth and fixing orthodontic issues such as underbite.
Invisalign is made with flexible plastic material that has been molded to achieve custom fit for your teeth. It is a safe material that is free from latex, BPA, and other toxic chemicals. Therefore, it is considered a safe and effective way to fix underbite and other issues with misalignment of teeth. The goal is to apply adequate pressure to manipulate movement of the teeth to achieve natural position.
The clear aligners are replaced every several weeks in order to adjust to the new alignment of the teeth. This is designed to allow the aligners to adjust to any shift in the position of the teeth. This is why Invisalign treatment is highly considered for underbite. It actively moves the teeth to achieve the right position.
As long as the wearer follows the recommended hours of use (at least 22 hours daily), then it should be able to fix underbite issues. Wearing clear aligners can be used for treating mild cases of underbite. Severe cases of underbite are attributed to the position of the jaw that is far forward than normal, in which case must be treated using advanced orthodontic solutions along with surgery.
Invisalign vs Traditional Metal Braces for Underbite
There are two common treatment options considered when it comes to underbite correction: Invisalign and metal braces. So, which one is more effective in correcting underbite?
There are studies that show no significant difference between invisalign and metal braces for underbite correction. Since both treatments are effective, the decision on which treatment option to use will be based on preference. For this reason, Invisalign treatment is more popular because it is more discreet than metal braces. It is not only invisible but also more comfortable and easy to maintain and clean.
How Long Does Underbite Treatment with Invisalign Take?
One of the advantages that you can get for wearing aligners to fix an underbite is the shorter treatment duration. However, there are various factors to be taken into account when determining the length of treatment using Invisalign. The complexity of the underbite case is one of the significant considerations when developing a treatment plan.
On average, treatment of underbite with Invisalign takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months. Most patients can see an improvement to their underbite within a matter of weeks, though.
Benefits of Invisalign for Underbite
Patients who are considering Invisalign aligners as treatment for underbite will enjoy lots of benefits with this orthodontic treatment plan.
Here are some of the benefits you can get with using Invisalign instead of braces:
• It is made of clear plastic so it is nearly invisible when worn.
• It can be easily removed when eating or drinking.
• It has a shorter treatment period than traditional metal braces.
• It does not require frequent dental visit.
• It promotes teeth movement in a gradual manner so it does not cause major discomfort.
Cost of Using Invisalign for Underbite
Can Invisalign fix underbite? Yes. It is clear that this is an Invisalign fix is a valid treatment plan for those suffering from underbite.
However, Invisalign is not an inexpensive treatment. How much does it cost? And can you afford it?
There are several factors that determine the cost of Invisalign aligners to fix an underbite. The complexity of the underbite problem is one of the major factors that orthodontists look into. The location of the dental office and the presence of insurance (or lack thereof) are other factors that will impact the cost of having Invisalign aligners.
To give you an idea, Invisalign will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. If you have dental insurance, you may use it to cover for your treatment (although you have to make sure that it is included in your policy coverage).
There are plenty of advantages offered by this treatment plan that makes the cost worthwhile. To help you make the most of the cost of having Invisalign, you need to consult with your dentist first. You want to be able to rule out other treatment options for your underbite.
What Can Invisalign Fix and Not Fix
Invisalign is considered as one of the best orthodontic appliances out there as it can address a multitude of dental issues. Underbite is one of those, along with problems associated with misaligned teeth. However, it is not an all-encompassing solution for your dental problems.
To give you an idea, you can use Invisalign treatment to fix the following issues:
• Underbite
• Overbite
• Crowded teeth
• Misaligned teeth
• Crossbite
• Gap tooth
Meanwhile, Invisalign is unable to fix the following issues:
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• TMJ disorder
• Complex cases of malocclusions
If you want to have fix underbite with Invisalign, it is important to consult your orthodontist first. They can assess the extent of your underbite problem and determine if the use of clear aligners can be of help. If Invisalign is not a viable solution, they can recommend the best treatment option to fix your orthodontic problems.