You may have heard people who have used an “Invisalign” to help fix their underbites, and you’ve become curious about it. While this is a possible option, it does not work for everyone and needs certain circumstances to use as a treatment for underbite. To learn more about this, keep reading below.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an aligner that is clear, hence the name. The main purpose of Invisalign is to straighten teeth. However, Invisalign can also fix other alignment issues in your jaw and mouth, just like braces.
Can It Fix My Underbite?
An underbite is when the bottom teeth protrude more than the top teeth due to alignment issues. While for some, this may not be too much of a problem, there are those who have speaking and eating difficulties due to this.
So, can Invisalign fix your underbite? The answer depends on the cause of your underbite. If the reason is that your teeth are misaligned, then yes it can. Just like how braces straighten the teeth, Invisalign does the same. Once your teeth are moved to the spots where they are meant to be, your underbite should also slowly start to fix itself.
However, if the cause of your underbite is an issue with your jaw, then Invisalign can not do much about it. Instead, you may have to visit a specialist who deals with disorders in the jaw.
How Long Do I Have to Keep My Aligners On?
It is recommended that you keep your Invisalign on for at least 20 hours a day. You may take it off while eating but if possible, we encourage that it is kept on and to take it off only when it’s time to clean it.
You also need to wear it every day for the treatment to be effective. If you wear it less than what is recommended, then no changes may be made, or it will take a longer time for you to see any results.
How Are They Different from Braces?
At this point, some may wonder why they don’t just get braces instead. The main difference between Invisalign and braces is comfort and convenience. The truth is, braces hurt way more than Invisalign. At most, the latter will make you slightly uncomfortable.
Even when you do get used to the braces, you may still feel slight discomfort from wearing them. In addition to this, you will have to deal with wires and brackets when it comes to braces. Invisalign does not have any of this and you can easily take it off.
The best part for some people is that Invisalign is clear, and you do not have to worry about them being visible. This is perfect for those who want to get their teeth fixed but do not want the whole treatment to be visible as it could impact self-confidence negatively.
Conclusion
If you are someone who is looking for a treatment option for your underbite, then Invisalign may help you. However, it is best to consult the professionals first to know if this option would be effective for you. You should also find out what you can expect from using this treatment and how long you may need to use it at a time.
If you need a dentist in Alexandria, Virginia, you can visit Galleria Dental of Alexandria. We treat patients of all ages, delivering the high-quality dental care that you need. Book an appointment with us today.