85 North Park Avenue Rockville Centre, NY 11570
(516) 763-4500
85 North Park Avenue Rockville Centre, NY 11570
(516) 763-4500
Often Invisalign clear aligners can correct an underbite, depending on its severity. Treatment will work best to correct mild underbites.
More severe cases of an underbite might require surgery and Invisalign treatment. We can refer you to our experienced oral maxillofacial surgeon, who we trust to take care of you if this is the case. They will assess your bite and can discuss all possible options, including surgery, with you in more detail.
An underbite is a common orthodontic problem in which your lower front teeth are in front of your upper front teeth when you close your mouth. This type of malocclusion often results from your lower jaw being too far forward and can vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe. In some cases, only a slight misalignment is present, while in others, the lower teeth may significantly protrude in front of the upper ones. This misalignment can affect both the appearance and functionality of your jaw and teeth, often warranting customized treatment from a qualified orthodontist or oral surgeon to avoid complications such as mouth breathing, speech problems, and tooth decay.
Sometimes an underbite is genetic, so if your parents or siblings have an underbite, there is a chance you will too.
An underbite can be caused by an injury or childhood habits. Children with an excessive thumb sucking habit or who used a pacifier after age three are more likely to develop an underbite. An oral habit called tongue thrusting, where people push their tongue against their front teeth, can cause jaw problems. Severe injury can damage the jawbone, causing teeth to become misaligned, so the lower jaw protrudes.
Best dental experience ever. Professional and very clean office. Everyone from the receptionist to the hygienist to the dentist are amazing. So friendly and patient. You can even watch TV while getting work done on your teeth!
It can be harder to chew your food properly if you have an underbite.
Speaking clearly can also become an issue. When your teeth are misaligned, they can be harder to keep clean. Additionally, any form of malocclusion where your teeth do not bite together properly can cause teeth to wear down more quickly.
Poor oral hygiene and excessive wear and tear on your teeth can cause problems such as tooth decay. Your teeth need to bite together correctly to prevent a jaw joint disorder called temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD.
When teeth are misaligned, it places pressure on the jaw joints so they can become inflamed and painful.
The duration of Invisalign treatment for fixing an underbite can range from several months to a couple of years, based on the severity of your problem and individual factors.
Typical timeframes for underbite treatment with Invisalign based on its severity include:
Your orthodontist will assess your specific underbite condition during the initial consultation and provide an estimate of the treatment duration. Consistency in wearing the aligners as prescribed (usually 20-22 hours per day) and attending regular check-ups will contribute to achieving the desired outcome within the estimated timeframe.
An underbite is not just a cosmetic issue.
Left untreated, it can also lead to many health problems, such as:
It is important to consult a dental professional to assess the severity of the underbite and explore suitable treatment options. Correcting an underbite can help prevent these potential complications and improve both oral health and overall well-being.
Dr. Adam Shoukry, DDS, is a cosmetic dentist who strives to provide each of his patients with personalized care and educate them on the state of their dental health so that they can make informed decisions. Dr. Shoukry really enjoys his work and is committed to continued education, having attended several accredited courses in every aspect of dentistry.
Dr. Shoukry graduated from NYU College of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and then completed his general practice residency at Nassau University Medical Center. Being a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Shoukry strives to provide comprehensive dental examinations, a full range of cosmetic treatments, and the best restorative oral health care available.