If you have an underbite and are considering Invisalign – but don’t know if Invisalign will be able to correct it – we can help. At Whites Dental, servicing both Waterloo (SE1) and Marble Arch (W2) in Central London, we treat many patients seeking a sleek, modern alternative to metal braces. In this guide, we’ll explore how Invisalign approaches underbites, who’s eligible, how long treatment takes and why our clinics are ideal locations for your orthodontic care — all designed to support your treatment for an underbite with Invisalign aligners in London.
What Is An Underbite?
An underbite is a type of dental misalignment where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. This occurs when the lower jaw (mandible) protrudes further forward than the upper jaw, causing the teeth and bite to overlap incorrectly. Underbites can range from mild—where the lower teeth slightly overlap—to more severe cases that affect facial appearance, speech, and chewing function.
Common causes:
- Jaw growth discrepancies
- Genetic predisposition
- Early tooth loss or childhood habits.
There are two main causes of underbites: skeletal and dental. Skeletal underbites result from differences in jaw size or positioning, often due to genetics, while dental underbites occur when the teeth themselves are misaligned rather than the jaw. Other contributing factors may include prolonged thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or early loss of baby teeth.
Potential impacts:
- Jaw strain or TMJ disorders
- Uneven wear of teeth.
- Difficulty biting or speaking
- Cosmetic concerns like a recessed chin
An untreated underbite can lead to jaw pain, uneven tooth wear and difficulty biting or speaking clearly. It can also affect confidence due to the imbalance it creates in facial structure. The good news is that modern orthodontic treatments like Invisalign can often correct underbites without traditional braces or surgery, depending on the severity.
Invisalign For Underbite: How It Works
Yes — Invisalign can certainly fix mild to moderate underbite cases. It does that by shifting the patients teeth into the desired positions. In some cases, it can also support jaw alignment with the help of attachments and elastics.
How the Invisalign process works for fixing an underbite:
- Consultation & 3D scan
We use the iTero scanner at our Waterloo and Marble Arch locations to capture detailed digital impressions—no messy moulds. - Custom treatment plan
Through ClinCheck software, our Invisalign-certified dentists map the step-by-step movement of teeth (and sometimes jaw position) to achieve proper bite alignment. - Clear aligners & attachments 🦷
Your dentist will give you tailor-made plastic aligners that you will need to wear for 1–2 weeks each. Attachments—small clear bumps on specific teeth—and elastics may be used to correct jaw guidance. - Regular progress checks
Appointments every 6–8 weeks at our Waterloo (172 Blackfriars Rd, SE1 8ER) or Marble Arch (52B Kendal St, W2 2BP) clinics ensure your treatment is on track. - Retention for long-term results
After active treatment, you’ll wear a custom retainer to preserve your improved bite and smile alignment.
Who Makes A Good Candidate?
Not each and every underbite case is suitable for Invisalign treatment. Especially those cases that are severe skeletal in nature. A patient can be a good candidate for Invisalign if:
- You suffer from a dental underbite – that has a mild to moderate discrepancy in the bite
- Your oral health is stable (no active gum disease or tooth decay)
- You are able to commit to wearing your aligners for 20–22 hours every day
- You are okay with using attachments or elastics if needed
💡 Severe jaw misalignment may require a combined approach—such as Invisalign plus traditional braces or surgery. Our expert team at Whites Dental’s Waterloo and Marble Arch clinics can guide you through your best options.
Invisalign Treatment Duration For Underbite
The duration of Invisalign treatment for an underbite depends largely on the severity of the bite and how consistently you wear your aligners. On average, most patients can expect treatment to last between 12 to 24 months. Mild underbites may be corrected in as little as 6 to 12 months, while more complex cases involving significant jaw misalignment can take longer.
Wearing your aligners for the recommended 20–22 hours per day is crucial for achieving results within the expected timeline. Patients who remove aligners frequently or skip wear time may experience slower progress. With consistent use and regular dental supervision, Invisalign offers an effective, comfortable and discreet way to correct underbites — often in less time than traditional braces.
Treatment timelines vary based on case severity and compliance:
| Severity of Underbite | Treatment Duration via Invisalign |
|---|---|
| Mild (dental-only) | 6–9 months |
| Moderate (with attachments) | 9–15 months |
| Complex (includes elastics) | Up to 18+ months |
💡 Your dentist will give a more accurate timeline after evaluating your case with digital scans at either of our London locations.
Advantages Of Invisalign For Underbite Cases
| Feature | Benefit for Underbite Treatment |
|---|---|
| Nearly Invisible | Discreet and subtle, ideal for teens and adults |
| Removable Aligners | Eat, drink and maintain oral hygiene without obstruction |
| Smooth, Comfortable Fit | Fewer mouth ulcers or irritation compared to metal braces |
| Fewer Appointments | Check-ins every 6–8 weeks — great for busy London schedules |
| Flexible 0% Finance | Spread costs affordably—available at both Waterloo and Marble Arch clinics |
Local Invisalign Provider: Waterloo SE1 & Marble Arch W2
- 📍 Whites Dental Waterloo
172 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8ER — minutes from Waterloo Station, serving patients from Waterloo bridge, South Bank and Borough. - 📍 Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)
52B Kendal St, London W2 2BP — conveniently located near Marble Arch and Central Park areas, serving Kensington and Mayfair communities.
Patient Story: Underbite Success With Invisalign
“I had an underbite since childhood. At 32, I didn’t want braces or surgery. Invisalign at Whites Dental was discreet and easy. After 14 months, not only is my bite corrected—but I smile with confidence too!”
— Amanda, from near Waterloo
Invisalign Cost & Finance At Whites Dental In London
Invisalign cost for underbite correction typically ranges from £3,495 to £5,500, depending on severity. We offer:
- 0% interest plans (up to 12 months)
- Low-cost monthly payments (from £45/month).
- Quick credit assessment—not dependent on perfect credit history
Flexible financing for Invisalign at both London clinics removes barriers to accessing treatment, helping position our listing favourably in organic and local search results.
FAQs: Invisalign & Underbite Treatment
Q: Can Invisalign fix a severe underbite?
A: Mild to moderate dental underbites are suitable. Severe skeletal underbites may require surgical input or a hybrid treatment.
Q: Are attachments or elastics uncomfortable?
A: They may feel slightly firm initially but become comfortable within days and are effectively invisible.
Q: Will treatment hurt?
A: Mild pressure or soreness when switching trays is normal and subsides quickly. Over-the-counter pain relievers help if needed.
Q: What if I break an aligner or lose it?
A: Contact our team—either clinic—to assess whether to move to the next set or order a replacement.
Q. How long does Invisalign take to fix an underbite?
Treatment duration depends on the severity of the underbite, but most patients complete Invisalign in 12 to 24 months with consistent wear of 20–22 hours per day.
Q. Will my underbite return after Invisalign treatment?
Wearing retainers after treatment is crucial to maintaining results. Your dentist will provide custom retainers and advise how often to wear them to keep your new bite alignment stable.
Q. Can Invisalign help improve my jaw alignment with an underbite?
Yes, Invisalign can help reposition the jaw by aligning the teeth and improving how the upper and lower jaws fit together. For more complex jaw issues, elastics or attachments may be used to enhance results.
Q. How often do I need to visit the dentist during Invisalign underbite treatment?
Most patients visit their Invisalign provider every 6–8 weeks for progress checks, aligner adjustments, and to ensure the treatment is moving as planned.
Q. Is Invisalign more comfortable than braces for underbite correction?
Yes — Invisalign aligners are smooth, removable, and comfortable, making them a gentler and more discreet option compared to metal braces, with far less irritation to the gums and cheeks.
Q. Can I eat normally with Invisalign during underbite treatment?
Absolutely. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you can eat and drink as usual — just take them out during meals and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
Next Steps For Your Underbite Treatment With Invisalign
If you are suffering from underbite condition that affects your bite function, your comfort and confidence, Invisalign could be a good treatment for you. With expert care available in Central London at Waterloo and Marble Arch, Whites Dental offers:
- Free consultations and 3D scans
- Two convenient locations (SE1 & W2)
- 0% finance options
- Supportive, experienced clinicians
👉 Book your free Invisalign consultation in London today
Choose Waterloo or Marble Arch — whichever suits you best.