Can Aligners Be Used for Underbite?
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Can Clear Aligners Fix an Underbite? It Depends on the Root Cause
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. While this condition can affect chewing, speaking, and appearance, the good news is that clear aligners can often help—depending on the cause and severity. If your underbite is due to tooth misalignment, aligners may be a highly effective and discreet solution. However, if the problem is skeletal (related to jawbone structure), aligners alone may not be enough. Let’s take a closer look at how aligners treat underbites—and when other treatments might be necessary.
What Causes an Underbite?
Underbites generally fall into two categories:
Dental underbite (tooth-based)
Caused by teeth growing in the wrong position
Often mild to moderate in severity
Aligners can reposition the teeth for a better bite
Skeletal underbite (jaw-based)
Caused by the lower jaw being too far forward
Often genetic and more severe
Typically requires additional intervention (braces, elastics, or surgery)
Identifying the cause is the first step in choosing the right treatment.
How Aligners Treat Tooth-Based Underbites
In dental underbites, clear aligners like Invisalign apply gentle, consistent pressure to move the teeth into better alignment. This can include:
Moving lower front teeth back
Shifting upper front teeth forward
Rotating or angling teeth for better contact
Expanding the upper arch to improve alignment
Benefits of using aligners:
✅ Nearly invisible
✅ Removable and easy to clean
✅ Digitally planned for precision
✅ Comfortable and non-invasive
With regular wear (20–22 hours a day), many patients see significant improvement in 6 to 18 months, depending on the severity of the case.
When Aligners Alone Aren’t Enough
If your underbite is caused by skeletal discrepancies, aligners may help improve aesthetics or dental positioning—but cannot reposition the jawbone. In these cases, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend:
Elastics combined with aligners or braces
Functional appliances (especially in children or teens)
Tooth extractions in severe crowding cases
Orthognathic surgery to correct jaw position in adults
Every underbite is unique, so a personalized evaluation is key.
Why Correcting an Underbite Matters
Even if your underbite seems mild, leaving it untreated can cause:
Tooth wear and chipping
Speech difficulties
Trouble biting or chewing
Jaw joint pain (TMJ dysfunction)
Aesthetic concerns or lowered confidence
Correcting an underbite improves both function and facial harmony.
Dr. Bak’s Approach: Conservative When Possible, Comprehensive When Needed
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Bak Nguyen begins every case with a full digital scan and bite analysis. If aligners alone can fix your underbite, he’ll create a custom plan that maximizes comfort and results. If a more complex approach is needed, he’ll coordinate additional treatment to ensure you get the most effective—and lasting—solution.
Book a free virtual consultation to learn more about your case, its treatment time and cost with Dr Bak Nguyen (the real one).
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