Products
Teeth Straightening
Teeth Whitening
Updated on November 9, 2023
5 min read

Can Invisalign Fix Underbite?

NewMouth is reader supported. We may earn a commission if you purchase something using one of our links. Advertising Disclosure.

Invisalign is one of the most popular brands of clear aligners. They're an orthodontic treatment that serves as an alternative to metal braces. Clear aligners can straighten teeth and help improve your smile.

Wearing Invisalign can fix mild to severe malocclusions, such as:

Invisalign Product Shot

Can Invisalign Fix an Underbite?

Yes, Invisalign can fix many simple underbite cases. However, you may need braces or surgery if your underbite is more severe.

Invisalign aligners are designed to gently move teeth into a more ideal position. While Invisalign can help with mild to moderate misalignment issues, it may not provide the level of correction needed for more complex cases.

ZocDoc

Find a Local Dentist for an Invisalign Consultation

ZocDoc can help you find a dentist in your area that:

  • Takes your insurance
  • Can schedule an appointment ASAP
  • Is close to your home
  • Is top-rated by actual customers
Local Dentist Insurance

How Does Invisalign Fix Underbite?

Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible plastic that fits snugly over your teeth. The aligners put pressure on specific parts of the teeth to slowly move them into a better position.

Invisalign aligner trays are replaced every one to three weeks. Each replacement tray will feel different because they are designed to continue to shift and move your teeth.

People must wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours daily to see results. However, Invisalign can be easily removed for eating, brushing, flossing, or special occasions.

Underbite Cases Invisalign Can’t Fix

Invisalign can be a good alternative to conventional orthodontic therapy in correcting mild to severe malocclusions. However, there are some cases where Invisalign is not a good treatment option.

Invisalign can't fix the following cases:

If you are considering Invisalign, consult your dentist for their professional opinion.

Cost of Invisalign Treatment for Underbites

The average cost of Invisalign is $3,000 to $8,000. Depending on your insurance plan, you may qualify for up to $3,000 in help from your insurance company.

Several factors contribute to the cost of Invisalign. These factors include:

  • A person's specific oral health needs
  • Location
  • The dentist’s time for labor
  • A person's insurance plan

For comparison, traditional metal braces usually cost $3,000 to $7,000.

Payment Options for Invisalign

Payment options for Invisalign include:

  • Using insurance coverage
  • Paying with pre-tax dollars from a health savings account (HSA)
  • Paying with funds from a flexible spending account (FSA)
  • Arranging a monthly payment plan
  • Receiving treatment from a dental school, which offers discounted rates
  • Medicaid and children’s health insurance programs (CHIP) may cover the cost of braces or Invisalign for kids and teens whose need for orthodontics is affecting their overall health

Interested in straightening your teeth at home? Here are the best clear aligner companies.

Pros and Cons of Invisalign for an Underbite

People considering Invisalign treatment for an underbite should review the pros and cons.

Using Invisalign for underbite correction offers the following benefits:

  • Nearly invisible and not noticeable when smiling
  • Easy to remove when eating or cleaning teeth
  • Similar or shorter treatment duration compared to traditional metal braces
  • Requires fewer visits to the dentist’s office
  • Moves teeth more gradually than conventional metal braces, which may lead to less discomfort

The cons of Invisalign for an underbite include:

  • Can be more expensive than braces
  • Can be lost or broken, resulting in more money and time spent on treatment
  • May cause mouth discomfort
  • May not achieve acceptable results
  • May also require surgery 

Braces vs. Invisalign for Underbite Correction

Studies show that there is no significant difference between braces and Invisalign in orthodontic effectiveness. Both clear aligners and braces effectively treat malocclusions, including underbite.

When given a choice, people prefer clear aligners over traditional metal braces because of their superior comfort, aesthetic, and ease of oral hygiene. People also choose Invisalign because they tend to have a shorter treatment duration than braces.

What Is an UnderBite?

An underbite is when the lower front teeth are positioned in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed.

3D render illustration of an underbite

Simple cases mean it's just your teeth that are misaligned. These are the cases Invisalign can usually fix.

Severe cases can mean that your jaw is out of alignment. These are the cases that may require surgery. You may also need to visit a specialist to fix these conditions.

How Long Does it Take to Fix an Underbite with Invisalign?

On average, Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 18 months. However, some people can start seeing results in a matter of two weeks.

The length of Invisalign treatment for an underbite depends on multiple factors, including the case's complexity. A dentist can determine approximately how long the treatment will be by evaluating a person's individual needs.

ZocDoc

Find a Local Dentist for an Invisalign Consultation

ZocDoc can help you find a dentist in your area that:

  • Takes your insurance
  • Can schedule an appointment ASAP
  • Is close to your home
  • Is top-rated by actual customers
Local Dentist Insurance

How to Find the Right Invisalign Doctor Near You

When choosing an Invisalign doctor, people should consider the following:

  • Experience in specific cases – A doctor's specialty can help you receive better treatment. If you have a specific case you want treatment for, you should choose a doctor specializing in that.
  • Cost of services – An Invisalign doctor's cost of services will vary depending on the complexity of your case and other factors. You should research the cost of your treatment before you choose a doctor.
  • Location – You can find Invisalign doctors all over the world. Choose one that's closer to you so that it's more convenient to receive treatment.
  • Reviews – Customer reviews also matter when choosing an Invisalign doctor. Doctors who provide good services are more likely to have better reviews.

Many doctors offer free consultations for people considering Invisalign. These consultations can help you decide which clinic and doctor you're comfortable moving forward with.

Summary

  • Invisalign can fix mild to severe cases of teeth misalignment, which includes underbites
  • Invisalign may not be a suitable option if your teeth misalignment involves the placement of your jaw bone
  • Some insurance plans can cover part of the cost of Invisalign
  • Invisalign treatment averages between $3,000 and $8,000
  • Traditional braces and Invisalign can effectively treat an underbite

Last updated on November 9, 2023
8 Sources Cited
Last updated on November 9, 2023
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
  1. Braces Have Changed, From Metal to Tooth-Colored to Clear.U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2017.
  2. Collins, A. “9 Things You Should Definitely Know If You're Considering Invisalign.Women's Health, 2019.
  3. FAQ.Invisalign.
  4. Galan-Lopez et al. "A systematic review of the accuracy and efficiency of dental movements with Invisalign." Korean J Orthod, 2019.
  5. Ke et al. “A comparison of treatment effectiveness between clear aligner and fixed appliance therapies.” BMC oral health, 2019.
  6. Papadimitriou et al. “Clinical effectiveness of Invisalign® orthodontic treatment: a systematic review.” Progress in orthodontics, 2018.
  7. Weir, T. “Clear Aligners in Orthodontic Treatment.Wiley Online Library, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2017.
  8. "Why Choose Invisalign® Treatment?" Invisalign.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram