An underbite can impact more than just your smile—it can affect your confidence, chewing, and even speech. Fortunately, advances in orthodontics provide several solutions to correct this common dental issue. Whether you’re seeking care for a child or an adult, Brewer Dental Center (BDC) in Billings, MT, offers expert orthodontic services to help you achieve a healthier, more aligned smile.
What is an Underbite?
An underbite, a class III malocclusion, occurs when the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth. In a normal bite, the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth, which helps protect the teeth and jaw from excessive wear and tear. However, with an underbite, this alignment is reversed, often leading to functional problems such as difficulty chewing, speech issues, and jaw discomfort.
The severity of an underbite can vary from mild to more pronounced cases where the lower jaw significantly juts out. In addition to dental issues, severe underbites can even cause facial asymmetry. Early detection and treatment of an underbite are important, especially for children, as their jaws are still growing and more receptive to corrective treatments. At BDC, we recommend that children have an orthodontic evaluation near the age of seven; it’s the best time for an orthodontist to examine their bite and provide treatment before permanent teeth arrive.
Overbite vs Underbite
Both overbites and underbites are types of dental malocclusions, but they involve opposite jaw alignment problems. In an overbite, the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth, whereas, in an underbite, the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth.
Overbites are more common than underbites and are typically associated with problems like tooth wear and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Underbites, on the other hand, can cause more significant issues with jaw function, including speech difficulties, uneven tooth wear, and an increased risk of tooth decay due to misaligned teeth.
Understanding the difference between an overbite and an underbite can help determine the best course of orthodontic treatment. Both issues require correction to improve dental health and function, but underbites often demand more comprehensive treatment strategies.
Can an Underbite Be Corrected?
Yes, an underbite can be corrected, and it is important to address this issue sooner rather than later. Treatment for underbites can vary depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the condition, and other factors such as jaw development.
Early intervention can help correct or at least minimize the extent of an underbite in children. However, adults with underbites may also find successful treatment options. Addressing an underbite can prevent future complications such as:
- Tooth decay due to misalignment, making cleaning difficult.
- Jaw pain or TMJ issues.
- Speech difficulties due to improper positioning of the jaw.
- Facial asymmetry caused by an imbalanced bite.
What Causes an Underbite?
Several factors can contribute to the development of an underbite, including:
Genetics: Underbites often run in families. If your parents or grandparents had an underbite, you or your children might inherit this trait.
Jaw size: Some individuals naturally have larger lower jaws and smaller upper jaws, leading to an underbite.
Childhood habits: Prolonged thumb sucking, using a pacifier, or bottle-feeding beyond the recommended age can contribute to the development of an underbite.
Injury: Trauma to the jawbone can also cause an underbite if the bones heal improperly.
Understanding the underlying cause of an underbite is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment approach.
Underbite Correction Methods
Braces
Traditional braces are one of the most common treatments for underbites, especially in children and adolescents. Braces work by gradually shifting the teeth into their proper position. For moderate underbites, braces are often combined with other orthodontic appliances to help reposition the jaw and teeth over time, such as elastic bands.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an excellent alternative to braces. Clear aligners are custom-made to gradually move the teeth into alignment. While Invisalign may not be suitable for severe underbites, it can effectively treat mild to moderate cases.
Palate Expanders
This method is typically used for children whose upper jaw needs to be widened. A palate expander is an orthodontic device that fits over the upper teeth and gradually widens the upper jaw, improving alignment and reducing the severity of an underbite.
Jaw Surgery
For severe underbites, especially in adults, orthodontic treatment alone may not be sufficient. In these cases, jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) may be necessary. This procedure involves reshaping and repositioning the jaw bones to create a balanced bite. While more invasive, surgery can provide a permanent solution for severe underbites.
Tooth Extraction
In cases where the teeth are overcrowded, or there isn’t enough room in the jaw for proper alignment, tooth extraction may be required. Removing certain teeth can allow the remaining teeth to shift into better alignment, reducing the prominence of the underbite.
Schedule an Orthodontics Consultation in Billings, MT!
If you or your child has an underbite, Brewer Dental Center in Billings, MT, offers comprehensive orthodontic services to help you achieve a healthy and aligned smile. Our Pediatric Orthodontics team specializes in early interventions for children, making it easier to address underbite issues before they worsen. For adults, our Adult Orthodontics services include options like Invisalign and braces.
Don’t wait—early treatment is key to preventing more serious dental issues. Schedule a free consultation with Brewer Dental Center today and take the first step toward correcting your underbite and improving your oral health!