Curious on what is underbite and if clear aligners can fix it? Underbite is a type of malocclusion (improper bite) where your lower front teeth protrude beyond your upper front teeth. While a mild underbite may not cause any teething issues (pun intended), it may affect your oral health. Let's dive in to learn more about underbites and what we can do to treat this teeth condition!
Clear aligners are often a good option for mild to moderate underbites that are mainly due to tooth positioning (rather than a major jaw mismatch). With the help of attachments, elastics, or bite ramps, many people can see meaningful bite improvements within around 4–6 months, especially in cases without significant skeletal differences.
For more pronounced underbites driven by jaw structure, such as a noticeably forward lower jaw or a retrusive upper jaw, aligners may have more limited ability to correct the bite on their own. In these situations, orthodontists often recommend a combined approach, which can include braces and, when needed, jaw surgery, to achieve the most stable and predictable result. Certain vertical bite patterns (like deep bites or open bites) can also require more individualized planning to optimize outcomes.
Underbites come in different forms, with their severity varying from mild to more pronounced cases. The primary cause is a misalignment of the upper and lower jaws, where the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth. Left untreated, underbites can lead to various complications, affecting not only oral health but also your overall well-being. While mild cases may not cause significant problems, severe underbite can often lead to various functional and aesthetic concerns. That's why early intervention is important to prevent it from getting worse.
The way that the teeth overlap determines whether an underbite or an overbite. When the mouth is closed, the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth due to an underbite, which is caused by the lower jaw projecting forward. On the other hand, an overbite occurs when the lower front teeth are partially or completely covered when the mouth is closed due to the upper front teeth overlapping them vertically. Want to know about your current teeth condition? Let's keep reading.
It is essential to recognize the symptoms of an underbite to facilitate timely intervention. Identifying these signs encourages individuals to seek professional assessment and intervention in order to address the root cause. Several indicators that may aid in identifying an underbite include:
Neglected underbites may give rise to various complications impacting both oral health and overall well-being. Correcting underbite at an early stage can help prevent effects such as:
Understanding these complications underscores the importance of early intervention and corrective measures like underbite braces to prevent the progression of these issues.
In orthodontic care, clear aligners are typically designed as a series of trays worn in sequence (“staging”). Each stage is planned by a dental professional to apply small, controlled tooth movements over time. Treatment length varies based on individual diagnosis, bite condition, and wear compliance.
When needed, tooth-coloured attachments can be placed by a dentist to help the aligners grip specific teeth and improve movement control. Some treatment plans may also include elastics (rubber bands) prescribed and monitored by a dentist to support bite alignment.
Zenyum Invisible braces is an orthodontic method used by dental experts to help align teeth for a better smile. It features a set of fully customized invisible braces that are crafted with the aid of dental experts to snugly fit into your teeth. Based on the severity of the underbite condition, Zenyum invisible braces can be used to correct teeth alignment. Through gradual application of pressure, Zenyum invisible braces enable teeth movement over a period of time based on the severity of the teeth condition.
Zenyum focuses on connecting you with our partnered dentists for assessment and treatment planning. Any attachments, elastics, and clinical decisions are provided and overseen by the dentist, based on your individual suitability.
Align your teeth today for a better smile tomorrow!
Answer a few questions, and take four teeth pictures. It only takes a few minutes!
Receive a call from us to schedule your dentist appointment
You’ll have 3D scans and X-rays taken of your teeth by your dentist
Give the green light for your Zenyum aligners to go into production after approved by your dentist.
