Invisalign® with Mandibular Advancement

How Does Invisalign With Mandibular Advancement Work?

Invisalign with Mandibular Advancement is an innovative clear-aligner treatment designed to correct Class II malocclusions, a condition typically characterized by excessive incisor overjet, protruding upper incisors, and/or a lower jaw that is positioned too far back.

Historically, orthodontists have treated Class II malocclusions with treatments such as premolar extractions, headgear, elastics, Herbst appliances, and other bulky orthodontic appliances. Today, growing patients can often address these bite problems with clear aligners.

Invisalign with Mandibular Advancement aligners are made from the same BPA-free plastic used for standard Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and Invisalign First. However, they also feature precision wings made from patented SmartTrack® material. These wings are positioned between the premolars and first molars.

When the patient bites down, the wings engage and guide the lower jaw, or mandible, forward. This helps reduce excessive overjet and improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. In growing patients, the appliance is designed to help guide lower-jaw growth forward while limiting additional forward development of the upper jaw, helping to correct the bite.

While the precision wings position the lower jaw forward, the aligners themselves gradually straighten and align the teeth. This allows both the bite and tooth alignment to be addressed as part of the same treatment.

Why is Compliance Important?

One of the biggest challenges with Invisalign with Mandibular Advancement is that the aligners are removable. For treatment to be successful, teen patients must be highly compliant and wear their aligners for approximately 22 hours per day, removing them primarily for eating, drinking anything other than water, and oral hygiene.

Treatment typically lasts 19–24 months, although the exact length depends on the patient's individual bite, growth, and treatment goals.

Patients who frequently flip their aligners in and out of their mouths or intentionally grind on the aligners may distort the advancement wings. When the wings become distorted, they may not function as intended and can make treatment less effective.

For this reason, Invisalign with Mandibular Advancement is best suited for highly motivated, compliant patients who can consistently wear their aligners as directed and take care of them properly.