Invisalign is an advanced orthodontic treatment that combines comfort with discretion. While your child uses Invisalign to straighten their teeth, their friends and teachers may not notice.
Invisalign is excellent for cosmetic issues and minor to moderate dental bite difficulties. Invisalign can correct underbites and other orthodontic problems.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign works by creating a graduated series of clear plastic aligners that apply gentle, constant pressure to move teeth. Every few weeks, the aligners change to move the teeth into optimal positions gradually.
Your child must wear the aligners at least 22 hours daily for them to be effective. Instruct your child to take the aligners out only to eat, drink, brush their teeth, and floss.
What Is an Underbite?
An underbite describes the condition where the lower teeth extend forward, creating the appearance that the jaw pushes outward from the mouth. An underbite can have many undesirable effects, both cosmetic and in terms of oral health:
- Eating and chewing difficulties
- Bad breath
- Sleep apnea
- Mouth breathing
- Tooth decay
- Headaches
Invisalign and Underbites
Invisalign can correct mild to moderate underbites up to Class 3. If your child's underbite comes from tooth misalignment, Invisalign should be able to fix it. If a jaw problem causes it, a combination of surgery and traditional braces may be the best option.
Advantages of Invisalign
Discretion
Many teens would rather not wear traditional braces for social reasons. Invisalign enables these teens to enjoy orthodontic correction without dealing with unwanted attention.
Faster Than Braces
On the whole, Invisalign treatment works faster than braces. Invisalign may take as little as 12 months to correct an underbite.
Better Oral Health
Since the child can remove the clear aligners every time they need to brush or floss, it is much easier for kids to care for their teeth. Kids with braces can develop more decay or gum disease due to poor oral hygiene, but Invisalign patients generally do not.
Kids Eat What They Want
Many teens balk at wearing braces because they will have to give up their favorite foods. Invisalign aligners come out when the patient eats or drinks, so within reason, they can eat anything they want. Their menu can include foods forbidden to braces patients, like popcorn, sticky candy, and corn on the cob.
Caring for Invisalign
Caring for clear aligners is easy. Clean them with the Invisalign branded solution or clear, unscented liquid soap. Brush gently, and do not use toothpaste or denture cleaner, as these can be abrasive enough to damage the aligners.
Call Tender Smiles 4 Kids
Contact us today at one of our convenient New Jersey offices to learn more about Invisalign and how it can help your child's underbite. Our orthodontic specialists will evaluate your child and help you make a treatment decision.