How to Fix an Underbite: Treatment Options & Solutions

 Ever looked in the mirror and noticed your bottom teeth stick out a little further than your top ones? That’s what’s known as an underbite, and while it might not seem like a big deal, it can actually cause a few problems down the track. The good news is, there are loads of ways to fix it, and a healthier, more confident smile is totally within reach.

In this friendly guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about underbites. We’ll talk about what they are, what causes them, and most importantly, the different ways a dentist can help manage or correct an underbite. 

So, let’s get stuck in!

What is an Underbite?

Simply put, an underbite is a type of ‘malocclusion’, which is just a fancy word for a misaligned bite. It happens when your bottom teeth and jaw sit in front of your top teeth and jaw when your mouth is closed. It’s the opposite of an overbite, where the top teeth overlap the bottom ones.

Dentists sometimes refer to an underbite as a ‘Class III malocclusion,’ which simply means the lower jaw sits forward of the upper jaw. Instead of your top jaw sitting neatly over your bottom jaw, the bottom jaw is the one taking the lead. This can range from a very subtle difference to a more noticeable one.

Causes of an Underbite

So, why do some people have an underbite? It’s often a combination of a few different things.

  • Genetics: This is the most common reason. If one or both of your parents have an underbite, you might too. Your genes largely determine your jaw size and shape, so it’s like inheriting your eye colour.
  • Childhood Habits: Certain habits during childhood can contribute to an underbite. Things like prolonged thumb sucking, using a dummy past the age of three, or even tongue thrusting can put pressure on the developing jaws and teeth, sometimes causing the bottom jaw to grow forward.
  • Injuries: A severe injury to the jaw can sometimes lead to a misaligned bite as the jawbone heals.
  • Tumours: In very rare cases, a tumour in the jawbone can cause the jaw to grow unusually, leading to an underbite.

Symptoms of an Underbite

While the most obvious symptom is the visual appearance of the bottom teeth in front of the top ones, an underbite can cause other issues that you might not even realise are connected.

  • Difficulty Chewing: An underbite can make it hard to chew food properly. This can lead to digestive issues and might even cause you to avoid certain foods.
  • Speech Problems: You might have trouble pronouncing certain sounds, especially ‘S’ or ‘F’ sounds. This is because the teeth and tongue don’t meet in the right way to form the sounds correctly.
  • Jaw Pain or Discomfort: An underbite can place extra strain on the jaw joint, sometimes leading to discomfort, headaches, or tension in the jaw area.
  • Increased Tooth Wear: When your teeth don’t align properly, certain teeth can wear down faster than others. This can lead to a host of other dental problems, like chips, cracks, and sensitive teeth.
  • Cosmetic Concerns: Many people with an underbite feel self-conscious about their appearance. This can affect their confidence and how they interact with others.

The Importance of Fixing an Underbite

Beyond just the way it looks, fixing an underbite is super important for your overall health and well-being. Think of it like this: your teeth and jaws are designed to work together like a well-oiled machine. When one part is out of place, it puts extra strain on everything else.

Correcting an underbite can:

  • Improve your oral health: By allowing for proper chewing, you reduce the risk of digestive issues. You also protect your teeth from excessive wear, which means fewer trips to the dentist for chipped or cracked teeth.
  • Relieve jaw pain: Getting your bite in line can take a huge amount of pressure off your jaw joint, helping to relieve headaches and jaw pain.
  • Boost your confidence: A straighter, healthier smile can make a world of difference to how you feel about yourself.

Treatment Options for an Underbite

The great news is that there are many different ways to correct an underbite, and the best option for you will depend on the severity of your underbite and your age. A dentist, like a dentist Ashfield, will be able to assess your situation and recommend the right path.

Early Intervention (for Children)

For kids, early treatment is often the best. Because their jaws are still growing, orthodontists can use appliances to guide the jaw’s growth.

  • Chin Cap: This is a headgear worn at night. It puts gentle pressure on the chin to restrict the forward growth of the lower jaw.
  • Reverse-Pull Headgear (or Face Mask): This is another type of headgear that attaches to the upper jaw and pulls it forward. It’s often used when the upper jaw is underdeveloped.
  • Upper Jaw Expander: This device is used to widen the upper jaw, which can help create more space for the teeth and align the bite.

For Teens and Adults

For older teens and adults, the jawbones are no longer growing, so the treatment options are a bit different.

  • How to Fix an Underbite with Braces: One of the most common treatment methods for correcting an underbite. Braces work by putting constant, gentle pressure on the teeth to move them into the correct position. For underbites, the orthodontist might use special elastics (rubber bands) to help pull the upper teeth forward and the lower teeth back.
  • Underbite Braces with Elastics: The elastics connect from a bracket on an upper tooth to a bracket on a lower tooth. They are designed to create the opposing force needed to shift the jaws into alignment.
  • Clear Aligners (like Invisalign): For less severe cases, clear aligners can be a great option. They are a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays that you wear over your teeth. Each tray gradually shifts your teeth into the correct position. They are a popular choice because they are almost invisible and can be removed for eating and brushing.

When is Surgery Necessary for an Underbite?

For severe underbites, especially in adults, jaw surgery might be the best and most permanent solution. This is usually recommended when the problem is skeletal, meaning it’s due to the size or position of the jawbones themselves rather than just the teeth.

  • Jaw Surgery for Underbite: Also known as ‘orthognathic surgery’, this procedure involves a specialist oral surgeon. They will carefully reposition the upper or lower jawbone (or both) to correct the bite. The jaw is then secured with small screws and plates. While surgery is a major procedure, it can provide a long-term solution for severe underbites when other treatments are not suitable. It’s important to know that surgery is almost always combined with orthodontic treatment (like braces) before and after the operation to get the teeth perfectly aligned.

How Long Does it Take to Fix an Underbite?

The length of treatment for an underbite depends on several factors:

  • Your age: Early treatment in children is often shorter, as their jaws are still developing.
  • The severity of the underbite: A mild underbite might be corrected in 12-18 months, while a more severe case could take 2-3 years.
  • The treatment method: Braces and aligners generally take a similar amount of time, but if surgery is involved, the entire process (including the pre- and post-op orthodontics) can take a bit longer.

Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to give you a more accurate timeline after a thorough examination.

Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance

After completing treatment and achieving your new smile, the next step is maintaining the results. The work isn’t quite over. To make sure your new bite stays put, you’ll need to wear a retainer.

  • Retainers: A retainer is a custom-made device (either removable or fixed) that you wear to hold your teeth in their new positions. Without a retainer, your teeth can slowly shift back to where they started. Your orthodontist will give you a schedule for how often to wear it, which is usually full-time for a few months and then just at night.

Preventing Future Bite Issues

While you can’t change your genetics, there are some things you can do to help prevent or minimise bite issues in children:

  • Discourage Thumb Sucking: Try to gently discourage thumb or finger sucking, especially after the age of four.
  • Limit Dummy Use: Wean children off dummies by the age of three.
  • Regular Dental Check-ups: Take your child for their first dental visit by their first birthday. Regular check-ups allow a dentist to spot any potential problems early on. A dentist in Ashfield can be a great resource for families.

Conclusion

An underbite is more than just a cosmetic issue. It can lead to problems with chewing, speaking, and jaw pain. Thankfully, with modern dentistry, correcting an underbite is very achievable. Whether it’s through early intervention, braces, clear aligners, or, in more severe cases, surgery, a great result is possible.

If you’re concerned about your bite or your child’s bite, the first step is to have a chat with a dentist or an orthodontist. They can assess the situation and create a personalised treatment plan to help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.

FAQs

Q: Will an underbite fix itself? 

A: Unfortunately, no. An underbite will not correct itself. If left untreated, it can get worse over time.

Q: Do I need to get jaw surgery for my underbite? 

A: Not necessarily. Surgery is usually reserved for the most severe cases where the problem is with the jawbones themselves. Many underbites can be corrected with braces or aligners alone.

Q: Is it painful to fix an underbite? 

A: Treatment with braces or aligners can cause some discomfort, especially after adjustments, but it’s usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Jaw surgery is a major operation and requires a recovery period, but pain is well-managed by a medical team.

Q: Can I get my underbite fixed as an adult? 

A: Yes, absolutely! While it might take a bit longer than in a child, there is no age limit for getting your underbite fixed.

Ready to Take the First Step Towards a Healthier, Happier Smile?

A great place to start is with a consultation. 

Contact the local dentist at Ashfield Family Dental to discuss your options and find out how you can fix your underbite for good. A dentist can provide the information you need and guide you through the treatment process for a healthier smile.

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