What is an Underbite?
An underbite is a type of malocclusion (misalignment of the jaw) where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed, often leading to a prominent chin and a more pronounced jawline. This condition is contrary to a normal bite, where the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth, allowing for efficient chewing and a balanced appearance.
Underbites are a common malocclusion and occur due to a variety of factors, including genetics, jaw development, and childhood habits such as thumb sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier.
In a healthy, normal bite, the upper and lower jaws slot into one another comfortably, ensuring that the pressure during biting and chewing is distributed evenly across all teeth, reducing wear and tear. However, in the case of an underbite, this alignment is disrupted, creating an imbalance that can lead to significant dental problems and discomfort. Not only do underbites cause cosmetic issues, but more severe incidences of underbite can lead to functional issues as well.
What Problems Can Underbites Cause?
- Chewing and Eating Difficulties: Misaligned teeth make chewing less efficient, often leading to imprecise biting, restricted food choices, and poor digestion.
- Speech Issues: A protruding lower jaw interferes with word articulation, creating lisps, slurring, or unclear speech that affects daily communication.
- Oral Hygiene Problems:Crowded or misaligned teeth create hard-to-clean areas where plaque and bacteria accumulate, increasing the risk of decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
- Facial Appearance and Confidence: TAn underbite changes facial balance by pushing the lower jaw forward, which can affect self-confidence in both social and professional settings.
- Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders: Misalignment places strain on the jaw joints, leading to chronic pain, clicking, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. This causes discomfort when eating, talking, or resting.
- Tooth Wear and Damage: Uneven pressure during chewing causes excessive wear, enamel loss, and tooth sensitivity, sometimes resulting in cracks or fractures.
Who Can an Underbite Affect?
Children and Adolescents
Early identification and intervention in younger patients can harness the latent growth potential to guide jaw development and correct underbites. This phase may involve growth modification appliances and partial braces, paving the way for normal facial development and an correctly aligned jaw.
Adults
Adults with underbites also benefit greatly from orthodontic treatment. While the approach might differ due to the cessation of growth, a combination of braces, aligners, and surgical options in extreme cases can effectively correct underbites and restore function and aesthetics.
Underbite in Infants: Early Signs and What Parents Should Know
Early Signs of Underbite in Infants:
- Lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when biting
- Jaw appears slightly protruded or the chin juts forward
- Difficulty feeding or chewing
Should Parents Be Concerned?
Mild underbites in infants may resolve as baby teeth fall out and adult teeth emerge. If the underbite is pronounced or worsening, early assessment by an orthodontist is recommended. Early intervention can sometimes guide jaw development and prevent more complex treatment later.
When to See an Orthodontist
If you notice a strong underbite or have concerns about your child’s bite, it’s best to book an orthodontic assessment by age 7. Early evaluation allows for the best long-term outcomes.
Gullotta Orthodontics welcomes questions from parents. Our team can advise if monitoring or early treatment is needed for your child’s developing smile.
Correcting an Underbite
If you or your child has an underbite, fear not, there are plenty of options available to you. Properly correcting an underbite needs a personalised, considered approach from experienced orthodontists like Dr. Nino Gullotta. Here at Gullotta Orthodontics, we use a range of innovative and specialised treatment solutions to address the case of every patient. Check out our results gallery to see for yourself!
Underbite Treatment Options
Braces
Braces: Braces are a tried-and-tested method for correcting underbites, offering precise control over teeth movement and alignment.
- Clear Braces: Clear braces provide the structural benefits of traditional braces but with transparent brackets, making them a more aesthetic option for patients concerned about appearance.
- Lightforce Braces: Lightforce braces use 3D-printed, patient-specific brackets for a more customised and comfortable, and often quicker, treatment experience.
- Metal Braces: Damon metal braces use self-ligating (doors) technology to reduce friction and optimise tooth movement, often resulting in faster treatment times.
Clear Aligners
Clear Aligners: Clear aligners are virtually invisible trays that gently shift the teeth into their desired position, ideal for those looking for a discreet solution.
- Invisalign: Invisalign offers a series of clear, removable aligners, customised to gradually align the teeth. Dr. Gullotta has extensive experience in creating beautiful smiles with Invisalign.
- Spark Aligners: Spark aligners are the latest in clear aligner technology, providing a clear, less visible option to align the teeth effectively.
Compassionate, Customised Care
Our team is dedicated to creating genuine, confident smiles in a friendly and compassionate environment. We focus on building authentic relationships with our patients, ensuring a personal, and not just clinical, experience.
Through detailed consultations, we understand each patient’s unique anatomy and preferences, enabling us to develop well-rounded and efficient treatment plans. Our commitment to innovation and personalised care makes Gullotta Orthodontics a leading choice for orthodontic solutions on the Gold Coast. If you have an underbite or any other orthodontic concerns, reach out for a consultation and explore the range of treatment options available.
* We will endeavour to return your call within a few hours, or if a message is left over the weekend, the next business day
FAQs
How Much Does it Cost to Fix an Underbite?
The cost to fix an underbite can vary significantly, depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment method. For an accurate cost estimate, please schedule a consultation with Gullotta Orthodontics.
Can an Underbite Cause Headaches?
Yes, an underbite can contribute to headaches due to the misalignment causing stress on the jaw joints and muscles. This stress can result in tension headaches and may also cause TMJ disorders.
What Causes an Underbite in Adults?
In adults, an underbite can be attributed to a combination of genetic factors, developmental issues, and environmental factors such as thumb sucking or prolonged bottle-feeding during childhood. Additionally, trauma to the jaw or late development of the teeth can also contribute to the formation of an underbite in adults.
Can an Underbite Cause Speech Problems?
Indeed, an underbite can lead to speech difficulties as it can interfere with the normal movement and function of the tongue and lips, affecting the pronunciation of certain sounds and words. Correcting the underbite can help in resolving associated speech issues.
Can Invisalign fix underbite?
Yes, Invisalign can fix underbites, particularly mild to moderate cases. It gradually shifts teeth into the correct position using clear aligners. For severe underbites, additional treatments may be needed. Consult with an orthodontist to determine the best approach for your condition.
Can an Underbite be Fixed Naturally?
Fixing an underbite naturally without professional intervention is challenging. While some minor cases may improve with habits like avoiding thumb sucking or maintaining good oral posture, most underbites require orthodontic treatment or other dental procedures to correct effectively.