Understanding Your Underbite
What is an underbite?
An underbite is when your lower jaw is larger than your upper jaw. What that means is that when your teeth are properly set and the sizes of the jaws are in the correct proportions, the upper teeth will slightly overlap the lower teeth. However, when your lower jaw is larger or bigger than your upper jaw, the bottom teeth will go in front of the upper jaw, causing an underbite.
What is the difference between an underbite and an overbite?
An underbite, as we just explained, is when your lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth. An overbite is when your upper teeth are over by quite a significant amount on your lower teeth. A person with an overbite will often look like this: their chin will be much smaller, and the upper teeth will project forward.
What causes an underbite?
What causes an underbite is an uneven growth or proportion growth rate between the lower jaw and the upper jaw, where your lower jaw is growing faster than your upper jaw, causing your bottom teeth to stick out like this.
What are the risks of leaving an underbite untreated?
If not caught early, they do get worse over time. The risks include developing jaw pain because your jaw is way forward, creating some strain. Also, you can have an inability to bite your food properly, and sometimes it can cause speech and breathing difficulties.
What are the treatment options for an underbite?
The treatment options include braces. When you catch it early, you can intercept it in a young child. If they're really young, you can correct and catch the growth of the jaws at a good time so that the upper jaw can catch up with the lower jaw and also restrict the growth of the lower jaw.
Basically, if the orthodontist catches this situation in a child, they may use orthodontic gear to hold off the growth of the lower jaw so that the upper jaw can catch up and grow into its proper proportion.
Can Invisalign fix an underbite or are braces a better option?
Invisalign consists of the white clear trays that many people use. They are not very effective for underbites, except in very mild cases. Usually, braces are the better option. So, for underbites, traditional braces are generally the best choice.
What are treatment options for mild versus severe underbite?
If you catch a young child and they're just beginning to develop an underbite, interceptive orthodontics or braces can help the upper jaw catch up and grow into the proper proportion. If it is not caught in time, then you may require braces, surgery, and a touchup with braces.
How does an underbite correction with braces work?
Braces work by applying pressure to the teeth, sometimes with the help of headgear, allowing the upper jaw to catch up with the lower jaw. There are no natural ways to fix underbites without braces or surgery. It's important to have a child checked every six months for bite analysis to ensure proper growth proportions between the upper and lower jaw.
When is underbite corrective surgery necessary?
Underbite corrective surgery is necessary when it is not caught on time. For teenagers or adults with an underbite, the only way to correct it is through traditional braces, surgery, and then braces again for a final touchup.
How long does it take to fix an underbite with orthodontic treatment?
The process takes between a year and a half to three years. After surgery, you need to be prepared, as your mouth is usually wired shut for about a month. You'll follow an ortho diet, often losing quite a bit of weight, and be restricted to eating mostly liquid foods.
What is the effect of treating an underbite?
The change can be significant. Sometimes it's hard to recognize a person post-treatment. From what I've seen over the years, it's usually a change for the better. I had a young lady who had her surgery before starting college. When she walked into the office, I didn't even recognize her. She looked great.
Be prepared for the psychological change. It's usually easier for teenagers and young adults because their physical appearances are still changing. The result is better aesthetics and function, and overall, you look better.
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (925) 272-2698 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.