Invisalign can correct some overbites and underbites by moving teeth into better positions. However, aligners alone cannot correct every bite problem, particularly when the main cause is the size or position of the jawbones. A dental assessment determines whether clear aligners, another orthodontic approach or specialist advice is appropriate. For adults considering Invisalign in London, the key question is what needs to change: the teeth, the jaws or both. This guide explains the differences, how treatment is planned and what daily care involves, so you can approach your consultation with realistic expectations.
What is the difference between an overbite and an underbite?
An overbite describes how much the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth vertically. Some overlap is normal. An excessive overlap is often called a deep bite. An underbite describes lower front teeth sitting ahead of the upper front teeth when the mouth closes.
Is an overbite the same as an overjet?
No. Overjet measures the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth. People sometimes say “overbite” when they mean upper teeth that project forwards. You can have an increased overjet, a deep bite or both, and the treatment plan should identify each concern separately.
Bite concern | What it describes | What assessment needs to establish |
Deep overbite | Excessive vertical overlap of the front teeth | Whether tooth positions or jaw relationships contribute |
Increased overjet | Upper front teeth projecting ahead of lower teeth | How much movement is appropriate and where space is needed |
Underbite | Lower front teeth sitting ahead of upper teeth | Whether the cause is mainly dental, skeletal or a combination |
These descriptions explain the terminology; they do not establish a diagnosis from a mirror or photograph. Invisalign’s treatment information identifies overbites and underbites among the concerns that aligners can address in suitable cases.
Can Invisalign correct an overbite in adults?
Invisalign may help when planned tooth movements can reduce an excessive overlap and improve the way the teeth meet. The clinician assesses the whole bite, including the back teeth, rather than simply straightening the visible front teeth.
An adult with a substantial difference between upper and lower jaw positions may need a different approach. Moving teeth can sometimes improve their relationship without correcting the underlying jaw discrepancy. Your clinician should explain that distinction before you agree to treatment.
Fitzroy Dental Practice offers orthodontic treatment, with assessment of tooth position, bite and oral health before recommending an approach. Ask what changes are realistically achievable and whether any part of the bite will remain a compromise.
Can Invisalign correct an underbite without jaw surgery?
Some underbites can be managed by moving the teeth, but others involve a mismatch between the jawbones. These are described as skeletal problems: the supporting jaw structures contribute to the bite, rather than tooth position alone.
When might specialist assessment be needed?
A pronounced jaw discrepancy or complex tooth movements may require an orthodontic specialist’s opinion. Aligners should not be presented as a guaranteed alternative to surgery. Equally, having an underbite does not automatically mean you need an operation.
The British Orthodontic Society’s jaw surgery guidance explains how surgery can change the bite and facial profile. Where relevant, an orthodontist and jaw surgeon assess the options together. Ask whether a proposed plan corrects the cause or mainly adjusts the teeth to compensate for it.
How will your dentist decide whether Invisalign is suitable?
A dental examination assesses your teeth, gums and bite. Explain any chewing difficulties, tooth wear, gum irritation, previous braces or changes in how your teeth meet. Bring questions about appearance and function; both matter when agreeing treatment goals.
Photographs, impressions or digital scans can help with planning. X-rays may be recommended where clinically justified, rather than automatically for every concern. The Oral Health Foundation describes orthodontic assessment as the starting point for discussing options, likely duration and costs.
Untreated decay or active gum problems may need attention first. If a tooth needs a dental filling, the dentist can explain how that fits into your treatment sequence.
Will you need teeth removed?
Not necessarily. Some plans require space creation; others do not. A tooth extraction should only be recommended for an individual clinical reason, with alternatives explained. The British Orthodontic Society’s aligner guidance notes that extraction cases and complex movements may require additional techniques.
How do attachments and elastics help bite correction?
Attachments are small tooth-coloured shapes bonded to selected teeth. They give aligners surfaces against which to apply planned forces. Invisalign explains attachments as features that help guide particular tooth movements. They are not needed in the same number or positions for everyone.
Some plans also use elastics, small orthodontic rubber bands, to assist bite correction. Their positions and wear instructions are prescribed for your individual plan. Do not copy the arrangement shown in someone else’s photographs or change the pattern yourself.
Before leaving an appointment, ask for a demonstration of anything you must fit at home. If an attachment comes off or you cannot manage your elastics, contact the treating clinician for instructions rather than improvising.
How long does Invisalign take, and will braces work better?
Treatment length depends on the movements needed, the complexity of the bite and how treatment progresses. A personalised estimate is more useful than a timeline attached to the label “overbite”. Ask whether the estimate includes additional aligners if further adjustments become necessary.
Fixed braces may be suitable when particular movements need a different form of control. Clear aligners offer removability, but that also creates a daily responsibility to wear them as prescribed. Neither option is automatically better for every patient.
Ask your clinician to compare the likely bite correction, practical demands and limitations of each suitable option. Use our fee guide as a starting point for cost discussions, then request an individual written quotation explaining reviews, additional aligners and retainers.
What daily care and aftercare will you need?
Aligners are designed for consistent wear, with removal for eating and cleaning according to your clinician’s instructions. Fit meals and oral hygiene into a routine you can maintain. Do not move ahead to another tray simply to try to finish sooner.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth. Dental hygiene appointments can support cleaning advice, whilst preventive dental care helps you manage decay and gum health during treatment. Continue routine check-ups alongside aligner reviews.
Will you need retainers afterwards?
Yes. Retainers hold teeth in their corrected positions after active treatment. Follow your individual wear schedule and report a lost, broken or poorly fitting retainer promptly. The NHS guidance on braces and retention explains why retention is part of ongoing care. Completing the final aligner does not remove that responsibility.
When should you see a dentist?
Arrange a routine assessment if you are concerned about your bite, have difficulty chewing or notice wear or repeated gum trauma. Jaw pain and headaches can have several causes; they do not prove that an overbite or underbite is responsible. Invisalign should not be promised as a cure for those symptoms.
During treatment, contact your clinician about persistent pain, an aligner that does not fit or a new problem with your bite. Mild pressure can occur with tooth movement, but do not assume every symptom is expected.
Seek urgent dental assessment for significant toothache, swelling or suspected infection. Contact NHS 111 if you cannot obtain urgent dental help. Follow NHS emergency guidance and call 999 or attend A&E for difficulty breathing or swallowing, or substantial swelling inside your mouth.
To discuss your bite, contact Fitzroy Dental Practice at 14 Fitzroy Square, London. You can request a callback online or telephone the practice to arrange an assessment and explore suitable options.
If you are worried about healing after an extraction, Fitzroy Dental Practice can assess your symptoms and explain the next steps. Contact the team with your extraction date and current concerns so they can advise on an appropriate appointment.
Common Questions Asked About Invisalign
Can Invisalign move my jaw forwards?
In adults, aligners primarily move teeth; they do not reliably reposition the jawbones. Growing patients have different treatment possibilities. Your clinician must assess age, growth and jaw relationships before recommending an approach.
Will I definitely need elastics for an overbite?
No. Some treatment plans use elastics and others do not. Your clinician selects them according to the movements needed. Ask for clear fitting instructions if elastics form part of your plan.
Should I change my elastics if my bite looks overcorrected?
Do not change prescribed elastic positions or wear time yourself. Contact your treating clinician and describe what you have noticed. They can assess whether the change is planned or needs attention.
Can Invisalign treat a severe underbite without surgery?
Some patients can achieve improvement through tooth movement, but a substantial jaw discrepancy may need specialist assessment. A non-surgical plan may involve compromises. Ask what it can and cannot correct before deciding.
Will retainers stop my overbite coming back?
Retainers help maintain corrected tooth positions, but they do not guarantee an unchanged bite indefinitely. Follow the prescribed schedule and attend any recommended reviews. Report changes or a retainer that no longer fits.
Can I have Invisalign if I had braces before?
Previous braces do not automatically rule out Invisalign. A fresh assessment checks tooth movement, gum health and your current bite. Bring previous treatment information and explain whether you still wear retainers.
