Here at RVOrthodontics, we see many patients with underbites. Underbites occur when lower teeth extend outward farther than upper front teeth. While an underbite can make you feel insecure, it can also lead to serious health problems. It can cause facial pain and make it a challenge for you to chew and speak.
Sadly, underbites won’t go away over time. You must seek treatment to get rid of your underbite and improve your confidence and health. We often recommend Invisalign to resolve an underbite because it is a comfortable, discreet treatment that is preferred over traditional metal braces. Since Invisalign aligners are clear and virtually invisible to the naked eye, it won’t be obvious you are undergoing treatment. This is great news if you lead a busy personal or professional life.
Invisalign aligners are also completely removable so you can take them out any time you eat, drink, brush, or floss. You can continue to eat your favorite foods and maintain excellent oral health. As long as you wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day, your teeth will slowly but surely shift into their proper positions and resolve your underbite.
After you complete your Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions. If you fail to do so, you may find that your teeth shift back into their original positions and create an underbite once again.
Dr. Bibona of RVOrthodontics will be happy to evaluate your underbite and help you determine whether Invisalign is a good option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Underbites
What is an underbite?
An underbite arises when your lower teeth close over the top of your upper teeth. It is often caused by jaw misalignment and appears early on in life.
Do genetics play a role in underbites?
Yes! If your parent, grandparent, or sibling had an underbite, it’s highly likely that you will have one too.
Are there any environmental factors that can cause underbites?
Tongue thrusting, childhood habits like sucking your thumb, and mouth breathing are all examples of environmental factors that can lead to underbites.
How common are underbites?
While underbites are less common than overbites, they do occur. They affect 5 to 10 percent of the population.
Can I help my child avoid an underbite?
Early intervention may help a child avoid an underbite. Limiting pacifier and bottle use and treating mouth breathing can both help.
What are the main problems with underbites?
Underbites can be problematic because they can make chewing and eating difficult. They can also lead to joint and jaw disorders and excessive growth of the bottom jaw. In addition, they can deter from the beauty of your smile and take away from your self-confidence.
When should underbites be corrected?
We recommend resolving your underbite as soon as you find out you have one. Doing so will prevent other problems from popping up as well as a great deal of expenses and headaches down the road.
What is the most common treatment for an underbite?
Braces, Invisalign or traditional metal braces are the most common treatment for an underbite. They can adjust the position of the teeth and improve jaw alignment. Retainers, expanders, and headgear can help as well. Typically, surgery is only performed as a last resort in the most serious cases.
Schedule an Appointment at RVOrthodontics
If you would like to correct an underbite with Invisalign, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our top-notch office. Contact us today to make an appointment with Dr. Bibona. We look forward to hearing from you!
