Do your upper teeth stick out, or does your lower jaw sit forward? These two situations are commonly called an overbite and an underbite. In Turkish you may also come across terms such as deep bite, a forward upper jaw or a forward lower jaw. Invisalign works for some of these cases and on its own is not enough for others. This page explains what is targeted in the plan and where the limit begins.
Let us tell the two apart
An overbite is when, with your mouth closed, the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much. The lower teeth are almost hidden. An underbite is the opposite: the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. The lower jaw points forward.
The same appearance can come from two different causes. In one, the problem is in the position of the teeth. In the other, the length or position of the jawbones is different. An examination and X-ray make this distinction. You can find the general framework on the Class 1, 2, 3 bite page.
If you would like to read about the same topic from a general clear aligner angle, see the article on jaw mismatch.
How is the goal shown in ClinCheck?
Your teeth are scanned with iTero, and then the ClinCheck plan is prepared. On the plan screen you follow the bite relationship of the upper and lower teeth from start to finish. In a deep bite you can see the amount of overlap between the lower and upper front teeth decrease step by step. Where the lower jaw sits forward, the position of the front teeth and the bite of the back teeth are followed together.
Your doctor shows you the goal like this: the starting and ending bite side by side, and the steps in between like a film. This screen is a plan, not a promise. If the teeth do not move as expected, the plan is updated during treatment.
What do aligners do in a deep bite?
In most people a deep bite occurs because the front teeth are long enough to cover the bite, or because the back teeth have not erupted sufficiently. In this case the plan may aim to press the front teeth in and balance the height of the back teeth. This movement is supported on the biting surface of the aligners and with attachments. The deep bite treatment page gives more detail on this.
Mild and moderate dental deep bites can often be handled with aligners. The decision is made according to your doctor's assessment.
What if the lower jaw sits forward?
In a mild underbite of dental origin, the front teeth can be adjusted backward and forward with aligners. In skeletal cases where the length of the jawbone makes the difference, however, moving the teeth alone may not be enough. In that situation your doctor discusses additional methods. In teens who are still growing, an additional appliance is sometimes used. In adults with a marked skeletal difference, jaw surgery may be considered. This is not a preference but an option that comes out of the examination, and it is not needed for every patient.
What to expect in which situation?
| Situation | Likelihood of being handled with aligners | What the doctor will assess |
|---|---|---|
| Mild dental deep bite | Can be corrected with aligners in most people | Length of front teeth, height of back teeth |
| Pronounced deep bite | Planned with aligners, attachments and supporting methods if needed | Jaw relationship, gum line |
| Dental underbite | Can be handled with aligners in some people | Angle of the front teeth, bite lock |
| Skeletal underbite | Aligners alone may not be enough | X-ray, jaw size, growth status |
What is mandibular advancement?
In Class 2 type situations, where the lower jaw is set back relative to the upper jaw, the Invisalign mandibular advancement option may come into play. There are small ridges on both sides of the aligner that guide the lower jaw forward. This is explained on a separate page: Invisalign mandibular advancement. It is not needed for every deep bite.
When are additional methods needed?
- If the difference between the jawbones is clearly visible in your facial profile
- If the front teeth have already reached their limit and cannot move further forward or backward
- If jaw growth is still continuing in a teen, an approach aimed at growth may be considered first
- If you have chewing problems or jaw joint complaints
None of these rules you out. Your doctor builds the plan accordingly and, if needed, suggests that you consult another specialist.
At what age and for whom is it more suitable?
In adults the jaw has finished growing, so the goal is mostly to rearrange the position of the teeth. In teens, while growth continues, the doctor also takes jaw development into account. That is why the same bite problem can be solved in different ways in two people. For young patients, take a look at the Invisalign Teen page. If you have a previous X-ray, bring it with you to your appointment; it makes the doctor's work easier.
Let us talk about expectations from the start
Clear aligners change the positions of teeth. They do not change the bony structure of the jaw on their own. This sentence is very short but answers many questions. Sometimes the goal is to ease the bite, sometimes to improve the aesthetic appearance. Sometimes the bite and the facial profile are considered together. Your doctor will tell you at the examination which result is realistic. Discipline in wearing the aligners also affects the result; the usage guide explains the daily routine.
The first step is an orthodontic examination. Your bite is checked and the necessary records are taken. For the process, you can take a look at the orthodontic examination page.
This information is general; the treatment that suits you is decided after an examination.