Underbite Correction
An underbite, clinically known as a Class III malocclusion, is a common misalignment where the lower teeth and jaw sit in front of the upper teeth. In simple terms, it creates a "bulldog" appearance of the bite.
If you are wondering what is an underbite, it is an issue that goes far beyond aesthetics. An uncorrected underbite can lead to a host of functional problems:
- Difficulty Chewing and Speaking:The misalignment prevents the upper and lower teeth from meeting correctly.
- Uneven Wear on Underbite Teeth:Certain teeth take all the pressure, leading to excessive and premature wear.
- Chronic Pain:It is a major cause of underbite jaw pain as the joint (TMJ) is constantly strained.
Fortunately, modern dentistry offers effective solutions for underbite correction at any age. The right treatment path, whether it addresses a mild underbite or a severe underbite, depends heavily on the cause (dental vs. skeletal) and your age.
Understanding the Need for Underbite Correction
The key to knowing how do you fix an underbite is determining its severity. An orthodontist uses X-rays to assess whether the issue is primarily dental (just the teeth are misaligned) or skeletal (the jawbones themselves are the wrong size or position).
- Mild Underbite: Usually dental-based and easier to fix with orthodontics alone.
- Severe Underbite: Often skeletal, meaning the lower jaw is genuinely too far forward relative to the upper jaw. These cases usually require more comprehensive intervention.
Read More: Orthodontic Problems
The 3 Primary Paths to Underbite Correction
The correction process falls into 3 main categories, ranging from non-invasive to surgical.
1. Early Intervention (Growth Modification)
This path is reserved for children and young teenagers whose jaws are still developing. Orthopedic appliances are used to modify jaw growth and can often prevent the need for more drastic measures later in life.
- Reverse-Pull Headgear (Facemask): This appliance gently pulls the upper jaw forward, encouraging it to catch up with the lower jaw's growth.
- Palatal Expander: Often used in conjunction with a facemask, this device gradually widens the upper jaw, creating space for proper alignment.
Read More: Orthodontic for Kids
2. Orthodontic Correction (Underbite Braces and Aligners)
For many cases of mild underbite and in conjunction with other treatments for more complex issues, standard orthodontics are essential. This is the most common answer to how do you fix an underbite when the skeletal component is minor or non-existent.
- Underbite Braces: Traditional metal or clear braces are highly effective. They are often coupled with elastic bands (rubber bands) to apply specific force that pulls the upper teeth forward or pushes the lower teeth back.
- Clear Aligners (Invisalign): For some mild to moderate cases, custom-made clear aligners can be used, often with attachments and elastics, to achieve the necessary tooth movement.
- Strategic Tooth Removal: In specific situations, to correct a non-skeletal but large underbite, an orthodontist may recommend the extraction of one or two lower underbite teeth. This creates space to pull the remaining teeth back, thus improving the bite alignment and reducing the potential for future underbite jaw pain.
Read More: How to Fix an Overbite?
3. Corrective Jaw Surgery (For Severe Underbite Cases)
When the misalignment is skeletal and a severe underbite remains after growth is complete (usually in adults), an underbite operation is often the necessary path to achieving a functional, balanced bite.
- Orthognathic Surgery: This procedure, performed by an oral surgeon, involves physically repositioning the jawbone(s). The lower jaw is moved back, the upper jaw is moved forward, or both.
- The Surgical Timeline: Patients typically wear underbite braces for 12-18 months before the underbite operation to align the underbite teeth properly for the new jaw position. Initial bone healing takes about six weeks, followed by several months of post-surgical orthodontics to fine-tune the result.
- Major Benefits: While it is the most intensive option, this surgery provides the most dramatic and stable results for severe misalignment, often relieving chronic underbite jaw pain and significantly improving facial profile.
Read More: Cosmetic Teeth Straightening
Conclusion: Choosing Your Path to Underbite Correction
The journey to underbite correction is a significant investment in your long-term health, comfort, and confidence. There are 3 clear options available, whether you are managing a child's growth or tackling a severe underbite as an adult.
If you are experiencing functional issues or underbite jaw pain, or are simply unhappy with the appearance of your underbite teeth, the best step is to consult with an experienced orthodontist Like Dr. Mir at York Orthodontics. He and his team will use diagnostic imaging to determine the severity and create a tailored plan to achieve your perfect smile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Coverage varies greatly. Many health insurance plans consider an underbite operation (orthognathic surgery) to be medically necessary, and therefore covered, if the condition causes functional issues like chronic jaw pain, chewing difficulties, or speech problems. Orthodontic treatment, such as underbite braces, is often only partially covered, if at all. Always check with your insurance provider for pre-authorization.
Clear aligners are highly effective for mild underbite cases where the issue is primarily dental, involving minor repositioning of the underbite teeth. However, for moderate to severe underbite cases involving significant jaw misalignment, clear aligners are typically used with traditional underbite braces and specialized appliances, or as a follow-up to an underbite operation.
Recovery from an underbite operation is a phased process. Patients typically spend 1-2 nights in the hospital. Initial recovery (managing swelling and starting a liquid diet) takes about 1 to 3 weeks, after which most people can return to non-strenuous work or school. Full bone healing can take 6 to 12 months, during which the patient gradually transitions back to a normal diet and continues orthodontic adjustments.
It is never too late for an adult to seek treatment. While correcting a severe underbite without growth modification means an underbite operation is more likely, the results are stable, functional, and life-changing. Even a mild underbite can be corrected with underbite braces or aligners at any age, improving oral health and relieving underbite jaw pain.