Underbite Correction
An underbite happens when the lower teeth extend farther than your upper teeth. This typically results from a misalignment of the jaw, this is known as a class 3 malocclusion.
Underbite Correction Treatment
An underbite can be caused by multiple different factors. Children that have a prolonged thumb sucking habit or use of a pacifier, pushing of the teeth with the tongue, and long-term bottle feeding can all have an impact and increase the risk of an underbite development. If you believe your child is experiencing underbite, call our office to schedule an appointment today!
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How are underbites treated?
Treatment options vary according to the patient’s age and the degree of their underbite, although in most situations, minor to moderate underbites may be corrected without surgery. The following are the most frequent procedures for correcting an underbite:
- An upper jaw expander. This may be recommended if the upper jaw is also small in width. Fitted across the patient’s palate, the upper jaw expander works by gradually widening the jaw so that the lower teeth match better with the upper teeth.
- The ‘reverse-pull’ headgear. This type of headgear can be used to pull the upper jaw forward and works more effectively for patients under the age of 10.
- Braces or clear aligners. Suitable for both children and adults, braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign® can be an effective treatment method for underbite, especially if orthodontic elastics are worn.
- Tooth extraction. Where appropriate, extracting carefully selected teeth can help correct underbite in mild to moderate cases.
- Surgery. In adults with severe underbite, orthognathic jaw surgery may be required to align the upper and lower jaws into their ideal positions. The surgery is generally very predictable and is considered low risk. When appropriate, a referral to an maxillofacial surgeon will be provided by your specialist orthodontist.
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What are the main causes of underbites?
The causes of underbites can vary and may include:
- Incorrect Mouth Posture. Did you know that the way you hold your mouth can influence how your jaws and face grow? The most common issue we see is with patients who breathe through their mouths, but there are also other issues as well.
- Genetics. Did you know that underbites are commonly inherited? Genetics help determine the shape and size of your teeth and jaw, meaning that overcrowded teeth or a misaligned jaw are likely inherited from other family members. If your underbite is due to genetics, prevention is not generally possible.
- Injury. Serious facial injuries can cause lasting damage to the jaw. While it’s possible to surgically repair broken jaw bones, teeth may not always align post-surgery. This can potentially lead to an underbite.
- Tumours. Although quite uncommon, tumours of the mouth or jawbone can cause an underbite by affecting the growth or alignment of the jaw.
Have Any More Questions?
If you have more questions about underbite corrections, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
