What is an Underbite?
An underbite is a type of bite problem where the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed. Some underbites are mild and affect only a few teeth, while others involve the position and growth of the upper and lower jaws.
Underbites can affect both the appearance of the smile and the way the teeth function. Depending on their severity, they may make it more difficult to bite and chew comfortably, contribute to uneven tooth wear or affect the way the jaws work together.
What Causes an Underbite?
Underbites usually develop because of the way the teeth or jaws grow. In many cases, genetics is the main cause, which is why underbites often run in families.
Some underbites are caused by the position of the teeth, while others are related to the way the upper and lower jaws have developed. Childhood habits, such as prolonged thumb sucking or dummy use, may also contribute in some cases. Understanding the underlying cause is an important part of planning the most appropriate treatment.
How Can an Underbite Affect Your Teeth and Bite?
Biting and Chewing
Because the front teeth don’t meet as they should, an underbite can make it more difficult to bite into food and chew comfortably.
Tooth Wear
When the teeth don’t come together properly, some teeth may be placed under greater pressure during chewing, leading to uneven wear over time.
Speech
Depending on its severity, an underbite can affect the pronunciation of certain sounds and contribute to changes in speech.
Jaw Function
An underbite can affect the way the jaws work together. In some cases, this may contribute to jaw discomfort or place additional strain on the jaw joints.
Smile Appearance
An underbite can influence facial balance and the appearance of the smile, which may cause some people to feel self-conscious.
When Should a Child With an Underbite Be Assessed?
If you notice your child’s lower teeth sitting in front of the upper teeth, it’s worth arranging an orthodontic assessment. Early evaluation allows Dr Nino to monitor how the teeth and jaws are developing and determine whether treatment is recommended or if it’s best to simply keep an eye on things as your child grows.
How Is an Underbite Treated?
There isn’t a single treatment for every underbite. The most appropriate approach depends on what’s causing the problem, whether it’s related to the teeth, the jaws or a combination of both.
For many patients, braces can be used to gradually improve the position of the teeth and the way the bite comes together. For younger children, early orthodontic treatment may sometimes be recommended to guide jaw development while they are still growing. In more complex cases, treatment planning may involve working alongside your general dentist or other dental specialists to achieve the best long-term outcome.
Following a thorough assessment, Dr Nino will explain what’s causing the underbite, whether treatment is recommended and the approach that’s most appropriate for your individual needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can braces fix an underbite without surgery?
In many cases, yes. If the underbite is caused primarily by the position of the teeth, braces can often correct the bite. Where the underbite is related to significant jaw differences, additional treatment may be recommended. Dr Nino will explain the most appropriate approach after assessing your teeth and jaws.
Is an underbite inherited?
Often, yes. Genetics is one of the most common causes of an underbite, which is why it can run in families. The way the upper and lower jaws develop is often inherited.
Will my child's underbite correct itself?
Some bite changes occur naturally as children grow, but an underbite doesn’t always correct itself. An early orthodontic assessment can help determine whether treatment is needed or whether it’s appropriate to simply monitor your child’s development.
What happens if an underbite is left untreated?
Depending on its severity, an underbite can affect the way your teeth bite together, contribute to uneven tooth wear and make biting or chewing more difficult. An assessment can help determine whether treatment is recommended.
Can an underbite get worse with age?
It can. As the teeth shift and the jaws finish developing, an underbite may become more noticeable. Early assessment can help identify the most appropriate time for treatment if it’s needed.
How do I know if my underbite needs treatment?
The best way to find out is through an orthodontic assessment. Dr Nino will examine your teeth and bite, explain what’s causing the underbite and recommend whether treatment, monitoring or no treatment is the most appropriate approach.
