Correct Your Underbite and Transform Your Smile With Invisalign®
Do you experience difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking properly? You could have an underbite, a common condition that can negatively affect your smile and overall oral health. Fortunately, Invisalign® is a modern, discreet, and effective orthodontic treatment that can correct underbites and provide a healthier, more attractive smile.
Dr. Dawson, a skilled and experienced dentist in Wasilla, can offer personalized treatment plans that cater to your unique dental needs and help you achieve the beautiful, confident smile you deserve.
What Is an Underbite?
An underbite is a prevalent dental condition that occurs when the mandible (lower jaw) extends beyond the maxilla (upper jaw), resulting in the lower front teeth overlapping the upper front teeth. This misalignment can lead to several problems, including difficulty in biting and chewing, jaw pain, and even breathing difficulties in severe cases.
Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several effective treatments for underbites, including Invisalign. If you live in Wasilla and are seeking a solution for your underbite, Dr. Dawson can help.
Benefits of Correcting Underbites
Correcting an underbite has several benefits, including:
- Improved facial appearance
- Improved speech
- Better oral function
- Reduced risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Prevention of future oral health problems
- Improved quality of life
- Reduced pain and discomfort
How Does Invisalign Fix Underbites?
Though severe underbites often necessitate surgery due to the jawbone’s involvement, moderate and mild underbites can be effectively treated using Invisalign. The custom-made aligners gradually move the lower teeth back and the upper teeth forward to address the misalignment, aiming to align the upper and lower jaws over time.
The Invisalign process begins with a consultation with Dr. Dawson, who will evaluate your bite and create a custom treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals. He’ll create your custom plan by taking a 3D digital scan of your mouth.
Once your treatment plan is in place, you’ll receive a series of clear aligners that you’ll wear for about two weeks each. Each set of aligners will gently shift your teeth into the desired position, and you’ll return to Dr. Dawson’s office every few weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
For underbites, 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.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces for Underbites
One of the main benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces for treating underbites is that Invisalign 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 traditional metal braces.
However, certain cases of underbites may require braces. Your dentist will evaluate your condition and make the best treatment recommendation.
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) disorder.
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, underbites can often be corrected without surgery through orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign. However, in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the misalignment.
In some cases, an underbite may be hereditary and cannot 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 underbite.
Straighten Your Smile and Boost Your Confidence
If you’re living with an underbite, you know how it can affect your confidence and overall quality of life. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. Dr. Dawson is here to help. With treatments like Invisalign, we 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 Wasilla dental team at (907) 373-2440 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, more beautiful smile.