An underbite is more than a cosmetic concern. When your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth, it affects how you chew, speak, and even breathe. You might experience jaw pain, uneven tooth wear, or feel self-conscious about your smile.
If you’re exploring treatment options, you’ve probably wondered: Can Invisalign fix an underbite? The answer depends on what’s causing your underbite and how severe it is. Clear aligners have transformed orthodontic care, making discreet treatment possible for many bite problems that once required metal braces.
Understanding whether Invisalign can correct your specific underbite helps you make the right choice for your oral health and confidence.
What Causes an Underbite?
An underbite (also called Class III malocclusion) happens when the lower jaw extends forward beyond the upper jaw. When you bite down, your bottom front teeth overlap your top front teeth instead of sitting behind them.
This misalignment ranges from barely noticeable to quite pronounced. Some people have a slight overlap, while others show significant jaw protrusion that changes their facial profile.
Genetics plays the biggest role in underbite development. If your parents or siblings have an underbite, you’re more likely to develop one too. Certain ethnic backgrounds also show higher rates of Class III malocclusion.
Childhood habits can sometimes contribute. Prolonged thumb sucking, extended pacifier use, or tongue thrusting may influence jaw development in growing children.
Jaw injuries can shift alignment over time, though this is less common than genetic factors.
Dental vs Skeletal Underbites: Why It Matters
Not all underbites are the same. The treatment approach depends on whether your underbite is dental or skeletal in nature.
Dental Underbite
A dental underbite occurs when your jaw bones are positioned correctly, but your teeth have erupted at incorrect angles. The lower teeth tilt forward, or the upper teeth tilt backward, creating an underbite appearance.
Think of this as a tooth problem, not a jaw problem. The foundation is fine, but the positioning needs correction.
Invisalign for underbite correction works exceptionally well in these cases. The aligners apply controlled pressure to shift teeth into proper alignment gradually.
Skeletal Underbite
A skeletal underbite involves the jaw bones themselves. Your lower jaw may be too large, your upper jaw may be underdeveloped, or both jaws may be positioned incorrectly relative to each other.
This is a structural issue. The foundation itself needs adjustment, not just the teeth.
Mild skeletal underbites can sometimes be treated with Invisalign when combined with attachments and elastics. Severe skeletal underbites typically require orthognathic surgery combined with orthodontic treatment.
Can Invisalign Correct Underbite Issues?
Yes, Invisalign can effectively correct certain underbites. The key is matching the right treatment to the right problem.
When Invisalign Works Best for Underbites
Invisalign excels at correcting dental underbites. The clear aligners gradually move your lower teeth backward and your upper teeth forward, creating the proper bite relationship.
Each aligner in your series is slightly different from the last, applying precise forces to guide your teeth into their ideal positions. You wear each set for one to two weeks before switching to the next.
Invisalign for mild underbite cases can address minor skeletal discrepancies when combined with strategic attachments and elastics. Small tooth-colored bumps bonded to specific teeth give the aligners extra leverage. Elastics help shift the relationship between your upper and lower jaws.
Moderate underbites may respond to Invisalign depending on your age, facial structure, and specific bite pattern. An orthodontist evaluates whether clear aligners can achieve the necessary movements given your jaw relationship.
When Surgery Becomes Necessary
Severe skeletal underbites require a different approach. When your lower jaw is significantly larger or positioned much farther forward than your upper jaw, tooth movement alone won’t correct the underlying problem.
These cases need surgical orthodontics. An orthodontist aligns the teeth within each jaw first, then an oral surgeon repositions the jaw bones during a procedure called orthognathic surgery. After surgery, orthodontic treatment continues to fine-tune your bite.
This sounds intensive, but it’s the only way to achieve proper function and facial balance when a significant jaw discrepancy exists.
An experienced orthodontist will be completely honest about whether underbite Invisalign treatment can address your case or if surgery is the better path forward.
How Invisalign Corrects Underbites
The Invisalign process begins with a comprehensive evaluation. An orthodontist takes digital scans, X-rays, and photographs to analyze your bite from every angle.
Using specialized software, they map out the exact movements needed to correct your underbite. You’ll see a digital preview of how your teeth will shift throughout treatment before you even begin.
Once your custom aligners arrive, your orthodontist places small attachments on certain teeth. These tooth-colored bumps help the aligners grip more effectively and apply force in precise directions.
You wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. Every one to two weeks, you switch to the next set of aligners in your series.
Most patients visit their orthodontist every six to eight weeks for progress checks. The orthodontist ensures your teeth are moving according to plan and provides your next set of aligners.
Some pressure and tightness are normal when you start a new aligner set. This sensation confirms your teeth are moving. The discomfort typically fades within a day or two as your teeth adjust.
Treatment Timeline for Underbite Correction
How long does Invisalign take to fix an underbite? The timeline varies based on your starting point and the complexity of movements required.
Mild dental underbites often respond within 6 to 12 months. These cases involve straightforward tooth repositioning without complicated bite adjustments.
Moderate underbites typically require 12 to 18 months of treatment. More time is needed to achieve the necessary tooth movements and bite changes.
Your compliance directly impacts your timeline. Invisalign only works when you wear the aligners as directed. Removing them for more than two to four hours daily extends your treatment duration.
Some cases need refinement of ligaments at the end of treatment. These additional sets fine-tune your bite and ensure optimal results. Refinements are included in the treatment plan when needed.
Invisalign vs Braces for Underbite Treatment
Both Invisalign and traditional braces can correct underbites successfully. Each approach has distinct advantages.
Invisalign Advantages
Clear aligners are nearly invisible. Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them unless they look closely. This matters to adults and teens who want discreet treatment.
Invisalign aligners are removable. You take them out to eat, so no food restrictions apply. You can also brush and floss normally, making oral hygiene easier than with braces.
The smooth plastic causes less irritation to your cheeks and lips compared to metal brackets and wires.
When Braces Make More Sense
Traditional braces provide more control in complex cases. An orthodontist can make immediate adjustments at each appointment and apply forces that aren’t always possible with removable aligners.
Braces work well for patients who might struggle with aligner compliance. Since you can’t remove braces, treatment stays on track regardless of patient discipline.
Some moderate to severe underbites respond more predictably to braces than clear aligners.
An orthodontist recommends the approach that gives you the best chance of achieving excellent results based on your specific bite problem.
Who Makes a Good Candidate?
Several factors determine whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign treatment for an underbite.
You typically need a dental underbite or a mild skeletal underbite. The problem should stem primarily from tooth positioning rather than severe jaw size discrepancy.
Your teeth and gums must be healthy. Gum disease or active tooth decay needs treatment before starting orthodontics.
You need to commit to wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours daily. If you can’t maintain this compliance, traditional braces might serve you better.
Age isn’t usually a limiting factor. Both teenagers and adults can benefit from Invisalign correct underbite treatment. Invisalign Teen includes features designed for younger patients, like eruption tabs for teeth that haven’t fully come in yet.
An orthodontist evaluates your specific situation during a consultation. They’ll tell you honestly whether Invisalign can achieve your goals or if you need a different treatment approach.
What Results Should You Expect?
For appropriate candidates, Invisalign produces excellent bite correction results.
Your lower teeth will move back into proper alignment. Your upper teeth will shift forward. The relationship between your upper and lower jaws will improve, creating a functional, healthy bite.
Beyond appearance, you’ll notice functional improvements. Chewing becomes more efficient and comfortable. Speech may become clearer if your underbite is affecting pronunciation. Jaw strain often decreases once your bite aligns properly.
Proper bite alignment also protects your teeth long-term. When your bite is correct, you avoid uneven wear patterns that can damage teeth over decades.
Photos of Invisalign underbite results show both smile improvements and subtle changes to facial profile. The lower jaw appears less prominent once the bite is corrected.
Maintaining Your Results
Completing treatment is just the beginning. Maintaining your results requires commitment to retention.
After your last aligner, you’ll transition to retainers. These devices prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back toward their original positions.
Most patients wear retainers full-time for the first three to six months after treatment. This allows your bite to stabilize in its new position.
After the initial period, you’ll typically switch to nighttime-only wear. Many orthodontists recommend wearing retainers at night indefinitely to protect your investment.
Following your orthodontist’s retention plan is essential. Skipping retainer wear can allow unwanted tooth movement, which can compromise your results.
Common Questions About Invisalign and Underbites
Is Invisalign worth it for an underbite?
Yes, for dental underbites and mild skeletal underbites. The treatment is discreet, comfortable, and effective for appropriate candidates. You avoid the appearance and irritation of metal braces while achieving excellent results.
How long does it take Invisalign to fix an underbite?
Treatment typically takes 6 to 18 months, depending on severity. Mild cases may correct in 6 to 12 months. Moderate underbites usually require 12 to 18 months. Your specific timeline depends on how much movement is needed.
Can Invisalign fix a severe underbite?
No, Invisalign alone cannot fix severe skeletal underbites. These cases require orthognathic surgery combined with orthodontic treatment. When a significant jaw discrepancy exists, tooth movement alone won’t create proper function and facial balance.
Can kids use Invisalign for underbite?
Teenagers can use Invisalign Teen for underbite correction. The system includes features designed for growing patients. Younger children typically need early intervention with other appliances before transitioning to clear aligners.
Are aligners better than braces for foan overbite underbite?
Both work effectively for appropriate cases. Invisalign offers aesthetic and comfort advantages for dental underbites and mild cases. Braces provide more control for complex underbites. An orthodontist recommends the option most likely to achieve your desired outcome.
Start Your Journey to Better Bite Alignment
Can Invisalign fix underbite in your specific case? A professional evaluation gives you the definitive answer.
An experienced orthodontist assesses the type and severity of your underbite, examines your facial structure, and determines which treatment approach offers the best results. Whether you’re a candidate for Invisalign or need traditional braces or surgery, addressing your underbite improves your oral health, function, and confidence.
If you’re looking for expert orthodontic care in Markham, Oasis Orthodontics offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment planning in a boutique-style practice. With private treatment rooms and flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, you’ll receive focused attention throughout your treatment journey. Schedule your consultation today to discover the best path forward for your smile.