Do your bottom front teeth extend out beyond your top front teeth? This is known as an underbite. Sometimes, an underbite is quite mild and doesn’t produce any adverse effects, but a more significant underbite will likely necessitate treatment. If left alone, an underbite may cause jaw pain, tooth decay, and gum disease — not to mention the fact that it may impact your self-confidence. Scroll down to learn more about why you might have this malocclusion, the ways in which it can affect your health, and how to fix an underbite.
Causes of Underbites
Why do you have an underbite? You may be born with an underbite due to genetics, perhaps due to the size of your jaw and/or teeth, or you may develop an underbite due to childhood habits, including thumb-sucking, bottle-feeding, nail-biting, tongue-thrusting (i.e., pressing your tongue against your teeth when speaking or chewing), and using a pacifier. Less common causes of underbites include facial trauma and tumors of the mouth and jaw.
How an Underbite Affects Your Health
Mild underbites may not cause any issues, but a more significant underbite can be troublesome. First, of course, an underbite often causes the jaw to stick out, which may impact your confidence and self-esteem. Beyond the aesthetics, this malocclusion may also cause symptoms like the following:
- Discomfort or pain when speaking or chewing
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
- Difficulty breathing
- Bad breath
- Tendency to bite the inside of the mouth
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Tooth decay and gum disease
- Sleep apnea
How to Fix an Underbite
If you or your child are struggling with an underbite, your first step should be scheduling a dental appointment. Your dentist can diagnose the issue and take x-rays to detail the malocclusion and misalignment.
Your treatment options will vary based on the severity of your underbite, your age, your jaw health, and additional factors such as the alignment of your teeth. When possible, it’s best to treat an underbite during childhood when the jaw bones are still developing. Common treatment options include the following:
- Invisalign or Braces: Orthodontic treatments like Invisalign and traditional metal braces are commonly used to correct malocclusions by gradually moving the teeth into alignment. Following the treatment, you will need to wear a retainer to ensure your teeth remain in the correct position.
- Tooth Extraction: If your teeth are crowded together, and this is contributing to your underbite, you may need to have one or more teeth removed before you get Invisalign. An extraction creates more space for your teeth to sit in proper alignment.
- Palate Expanders: A palate expander can be used to widen a smaller top jaw so that it aligns with the lower jaw. It fits against the roof of the mouth, with two halves that gradually move apart. Although it’s most commonly used in children, orthodontists sometimes recommend them for teens and adults as well.
- Growth Modification Devices: When a child has an underbite, sometimes an orthodontist will recommend an external growth modification device to gradually align the bite over time. For example, a chin strap uses gentle pressure to prevent the jaw from jutting forward, restricting its growth.
- Surgery: In adult patients with severe underbites, surgery is sometimes necessary. Typically, it is only used if other, less invasive options haven’t proved successful.
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At Keen Smiles Family Dental, we offer Invisalign, which is a great option for treating many types of malocclusions, including underbites. So, if you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist near Springfield, Missouri, contact Keen Smiles Family Dental today. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!
