Correcting an underbite typically involves orthodontic treatment, sometimes combined with orthopedic appliances, and in severe cases, jaw surgery. The appropriate treatment depends largely on the patient's age and the severity of the underbite.
Understanding Underbite Correction
An underbite, clinically known as a Class III malocclusion, occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth. Correcting this misalignment not only improves the appearance of the smile but also helps address potential issues with chewing, speaking, and wear on the teeth.
Treatment plans are highly individualized and determined by an orthodontist, often in consultation with other specialists.
Non-Surgical Underbite Correction
For many patients, especially children and adolescents whose jaws are still developing, non-surgical methods can effectively correct an underbite.
- Braces and Aligners: Traditional braces with wires and brackets or clear aligners (like Invisalign) are commonly used to move teeth into their correct positions. This is often suitable for mild to moderate underbites where the issue is primarily dental misalignment rather than skeletal (jaw bone) positioning.
- Orthopedic Appliances: These are often used in younger patients to influence jaw growth.
- Reverse-Pull Headgear (Facemask): This appliance attaches to braces or an expander in the upper jaw and uses external forces to pull the upper jaw forward and/or push the lower jaw backward.
- Palatal Expanders: Worn in the roof of the mouth, these can widen a narrow upper jaw, which is sometimes a contributing factor to an underbite.
Surgical Underbite Correction
For adults or individuals with severe underbites, particularly those caused by a significant skeletal discrepancy (where the lower jaw is substantially larger or positioned too far forward relative to the upper jaw), jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) may be necessary.
As noted, severe underbites may be too severe to fix with braces and extractions alone. Instead, jaw surgery (or orthognathic surgery) may be recommended. While most patients won't require any jaw surgery to correct an underbite, for certain patients with a very severe underbite, jaw surgery is a life-changing option that repositions the upper and/or lower jaw to achieve proper alignment. Surgery is typically performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners) before and after the procedure to ensure the teeth are correctly positioned after the jaws have been moved.
Overview of Underbite Correction Methods
Here's a simple look at the different approaches:
| Method | Primary Application | Key Action | Severity Typically Addressed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braces/Aligners | Teens & Adults | Tooth movement | Mild to Moderate |
| Orthopedic Appliances | Growing Children & Adolescents | Influences jaw growth & tooth position | Mild to Moderate (skeletal) |
| Jaw Surgery | Adults or Severe Skeletal Discrepancies | Repositions jaw bones | Severe (skeletal) |
Consulting with a qualified orthodontist is the first step to determining the best course of action for correcting an underbite. They can accurately diagnose the cause and severity of the underbite and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
