Invisalign® - Woodland Hills, CA

Correct Underbites with Invisalign®

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Find Out if Invisalign Treatment Can Fix Your Underbite

For over 30 years, Dr. Chaves, a trusted dentist in Woodland Hills, CA, has helped countless patients achieve their dream smiles. If you’re one of the many people with an underbite, you might be wondering if there’s a comfortable and discreet orthodontic treatment that can correct this misalignment. The answer is yes! Invisalign clear aligners offer a modern alternative to traditional braces for treating underbites

Dr. Chaves offers personalized treatment plans that cater to your unique dental needs and help you achieve the beautiful, confident smile you deserve. Ready to get started? Contact our dental office today by calling 818-491-7294 to set up your consultation.

Invisalign offers an alternative that can help straighten even the most severely misaligned teeth.

What Is an Underbite?

An underbite, also known as prognathism, occurs when your lower jaw protrudes forward, causing your lower front teeth to sit in front of your upper front teeth. This misalignment can not only affect your smile’s aesthetics but also lead to various oral health problems, including:

  • Difficulty chewing and speaking
  • Increased wear and tear on teeth
  • Jaw pain and discomfort
    Sleep apnea

 

It’s best to address this issue as early as possible, as treatment of severe underbite in children or teenagers can be easier due to their ongoing growth and development.

cosmetic dentistry patient smiling in exam chair

What Causes an Underbite?

An underbite is primarily caused by an imbalance in the size or position of the upper jaw and lower jaw. The main factors that can contribute to an underbite include:

  • Genetics: This is the most common cause of an underbite. If a person’s parents or close relatives have an underbite, it’s more likely that they will develop one too.
  • Childhood Habits: Prolonged habits like thumb sucking, pacifier use beyond infancy, and tongue thrusting can put pressure on the developing jaw and teeth, potentially causing them to shift and create an underbite.
  • Tumors or growths: Abnormal growths or tumors in the jaw can lead to an underbite.
  • Cleft palate or lip: These conditions can alter the structure of the mouth and jaw, leading to an underbite.
  • Injuries: Trauma to the face, especially at a young age, can affect the growth and development of the jaw, potentially leading to an underbite.
  • Poor dental health: Missing or extra teeth, or other dental problems, can impact the alignment of the teeth and jaw.

How Does Invisalign Fix an Underbite?

Invisalign can effectively treat mild to moderate underbites caused by tooth misalignment. The clear, custom-made aligners gently move your teeth into the correct position over time. However, severe underbites caused by jawbone discrepancies might require a combination of Invisalign and jaw surgery for optimal correction.

If Dr. Chaves recommends Invisalign for underbite correction, you can expect the following treatment process:

  1. Consultation: Dr. Chaves will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and jaw to determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for your underbite.
  2. Digital Scans: 3D digital scans will be taken to create a personalized treatment plan.
  3. Custom Aligners: A series of clear aligners will be crafted specifically for your teeth.
  4. Wearing Schedule: You’ll wear each aligner set for approximately two weeks before switching to the next set in the series.
  5. Regular Monitoring: Dr. Chaves will schedule regular appointments to monitor your progress and ensure the aligners are working effectively.

 

For an underbite, special devices known as “precision cuts” may be incorporated with the aligners. These tiny slits in the aligner can accommodate elastics that help exert the necessary pressure to correct the underbite, providing extra assistance in moving the lower jaw back and the upper jaw forward.

Dr. John M. Chaves, DDS

Benefits of Correcting Underbites

When you fix an underbite, you experience several benefits, including:

sedation patient

Invisalign vs. Traditional Metal Braces for Underbite Correction

One of the main benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces for treating an underbite is that Invisalign clear aligners are removable, allowing for better oral hygiene maintenance. This feature also makes it more comfortable for the wearer, as they can eat and drink without the hardware in their mouth.

Another significant advantage is the aesthetic appeal. Invisalign’s clear aligners are almost invisible, making them an attractive option for teenagers and adults who are self-conscious about wearing conventional metal braces.

However, certain cases of underbites may require braces or even corrective jaw surgery. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Chaves today to determine if Invisalign aligners or braces are the best treatment option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, an underbite can cause health problems such as difficulty chewing, biting, and speaking properly. It can also cause jaw pain and increase your risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Yes, an underbite can be hereditary. If one or both parents have an underbite, their child may be more likely to develop the condition.

Yes, an underbite can often be corrected without surgery through orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign or metal braces. However, in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the misalignment of the bottom teeth.

In some cases, an underbite may be hereditary and can’t be prevented. However, some habits can contribute to the development of an underbite, such as thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use in childhood. Discouraging these habits in children may help prevent an underbite.

Say Goodbye to Misaligned Teeth!

If you have an underbite, you know how it can affect your confidence and overall quality of life. With treatments like Invisalign, Dr. Chaves can help you achieve a straighter, more confident smile. Don't wait any longer to take control of your dental health and happiness. Contact our top-rated dentist in Woodland Hills at 818-491-7294 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, more beautiful smile.
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