How To Fix An Underbite?

An underbite is a condition where the bottom teeth extend forward. It thereby gives you the appearance of your jaw protruding out from the mouth. Sometimes an underbite becomes severe, and sometimes it’s mild. This condition is also known as Class III malocclusion or prognathism. Dentists believe that underbites get worse with age, affecting your facial structure. So, let’s explore the effective ways that can help you fix an underbite like a pro!

What Causes An Underbite?

Because of an underbite, you are more likely to experience jawbone misalignment. As a result, teeth grow so that upper teeth fit slightly over the lower ones. It can happen because of varied reasons:

• Childhood habits increase your risk of developing an underbite alongside other dental misalignments. Some of the notable factors to an underbite include thumb sucking and pacifier use. In addition, tongue thrusting and long-term bottle feeding cause an underbite. 
• An underbite is often inherited. You might get an underbite if anyone in your family has it. 
• If you have undergone any physical injury or faced any accident, it causes broken jawbones. Such a condition results in an underbite. 

Does Underbite Get Worse With Age?

Yes, an underbite can get worse with age and needs urgent attention. If this condition is not corrected before their teenage years, jaw growth stops, and underbite becomes the most prominent. Once you ignore underbite for a prolonged time, your teeth won’t function properly, leading to TMJ pain. 

How To Fix Underbite In Children?

Underbite in children needs to be addressed in their early years, as they can get worse with each passing day. If you find your child getting an underbite, then you must consider the following options for treatment:

Chin caps: It wraps around the lower jaw and chin, preventing jaws from protruding. Using a chin cap, you can control your child’s lower jaw from taking the wrong shape, as in their early years, they develop jaws. Once they are put in the right shape, half of your problems are solved. 

Upper jaw expander: There’s a device called a palatal expander, which gets placed on the roof of your kid’s mouth, increasing the size of the dental arch. It also helps in aligning the lower jaw effectively. 

Is There Any Way Of Fixing Underbite Without Braces?

Yes, you can fix your underbite without braces. If you have a mild or moderate underbite, braces can help you straighten your teeth. However, you must undergo surgery to fix your misaligned teeth in case of a severe underbite. 

How To Fix Underbite In Adults? 

To fix underbites in adults, it’s essential to consider the following treatment options:

Braces: Braces are the best option if you have a mild underbite. It helps in straightening your teeth, thereby realigning your jaw. Your orthodontist will further assess your condition and then apply braces. 

Facemask therapy: A facemask is a device that you wear on your face. The mask rests on your chin and forehead. After this, elastics are attached to your upper jaw and pull your upper jaw forward to realign both upper and lower sections. 

Surgery: Surgery is the ultimate solution in cases of severe underbite. It’s responsible for correcting sleep apnea caused by an underbite. 

The Final Verdict 

Underbite not only affects your facial appearance but also affects your teeth and jaw largely. An underbite causes wear and tear on your front teeth and makes them prone to breakage. However, in severe cases, you might have trouble with your speech because of the misaligned jaws caused due to underbite. If you don’t fix your underbite, it will lead to further complicated problems you don’t want to encounter. Before these situations appear, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist and look for suitable treatment methods for fixing your underbite