A lower jaw that protrudes forward is referred to as an underbite in dentistry. As a result, the lower jaw extends beyond the upper teeth. The severity of the underbite can range from minor to severe, with the lower jaw overlapping the upper jaw and the teeth failing to contact due to the gap in teeth.

What Causes an Underbite? | Types of Underbites | What issues does an underbite cause? | How to Treat an Underbite | Overbite Vs Underbite

What Causes an Underbite?

Normally, your teeth develop in such a way that the top teeth fit over the lower teeth. The molars must be able to fit together. A person’s development of such a disease, however, is caused by a number of variables. Among them are the following:

Genetics

If a member of your family has the illness, you are more likely to have it as well. Genetics also determines the form and size of a person’s jaw and teeth.

As a result, some teeth are born with teeth that are too close together, impacted, do not grow all of their teeth (hypodontia), are irregularly shaped, overjet, or do not fit together.

Childhood Habits

Some childhood practices can aid in the development of an underbite. These are the habits:

  • Use of a pacifier for children above three years old
  • Thumb sucking (can also cause tongue thrust.)
  • Pushing of the teeth using the tongue
  • Nail biting
  • Long-term bottle-feeding
  • Bad oral hygiene habits (which also causes dental plaque and tooth decay)

Injury

Severe injuries to the jawbones may result in permanent damage. It is generally feasible to heal a broken jawbone, however the jaws don’t normally fit properly even after surgical realignment. Underbite correction technique is especially beneficial if you have other cosmetic concerns about treatment under bite with veneers.

Tumors

Tumors in the jawbones or the mouth may cause the jaws to protrude, resulting in an underbite.

Types of Underbites

There are two types of underbites.

Dental underbites are a teeth misalignment and develop when a crossbite forms in the front section of the mouth rather than the sides. Although the teeth are somewhat forward, the lower jaw does not protrude.

Skeletal underbites arise as a result of a jawbone deformity It is typically hereditary.

What Issues Does an Underbite Cause?

An underbite is more than simply an aesthetic concern. The American Dental Association (ADA) specifies that the more serious this issue is, the more likely it is to produce oral health complications such as:

  • Sleep apnea
  • Early wear of the tooth enamel
  • Difficulty in speaking
  • Will have a hard time chewing the food
  • Mouth, and face pain due to malocclusion.
  • Chronic mouth breathing and bad breath
  • Prognathism

In addition, if you have a visible underbite, it will impact your confidence.

How to Treat an Underbite

After the majority of the permanent teeth have emerged due to the natural tooth eruption process, it is usual for the teeth to be somewhat misaligned. However, in other circumstances, the underbite is severe enough that persons who have their underbite repaired will reap more significant advantages. Clinical medicine cannot treat underbite on its own, therefore let Brand Here assist you in correcting your underbite issues.

Below are some of those benefits:

  • It is easier to clean your teeth
  • It reduces the risk of breaking a tooth or tooth loss
  • Reduce the risk of developing a dental abscess.
  • It keeps your gums healthy
  • It will reduce the tension on the jaws, teeth, and face muscles.
  • Reduces the chance of developing a temporomandibular joint disorder

A professional alignment is the only approach to address this issue. The services of an orthodontist are required to correct this issue. Dr. Shiney George can cure your underbite with one of the following procedures:

Braces – It is the most often used orthodontic treatment for underbite. Dental braces are not discreet and can be seen when speaking or smiling. This is fixed using clear aligners.

Appliances – Certain equipment can be used to cure such a situation. These are custom-made for your mouth and, because they are more visible than braces, might be painful at times. Orthodontists prescribe this therapy when it is essential.

The reverse full facemask is one type of orthodontic device. This item looks like orthodontic headgear that wraps around your head. This method of treating underbite entails connecting metal bands to your upper back teeth, allowing the device to gently pull your upper jaw into appropriate alignment.

The upper jaw expander is another form of dental device. With a screw in the centre, the upper jaw expander fits over the rear teeth of the upper jaw. The purpose is to broaden the upper jaw, increase the dental arch, and shift the teeth within the bone. However, the pathology of the maxilla and mandible must be considered.

Tooth Extraction – Extraction of a tooth can reduce crowding and allow for more natural biting.

Surgery – When the orthodontist considers that all other treatments have failed, this should be considered as a last resort. It only occurs on rare instances since surgery is rarely required to address an underbite.

Orthognathic surgery is a kind of jaw surgery. This is a customised technique that includes separating your jawbones and making unique changes to your jaw alignment.

If you have cleft lip and palate, you may need surgery before fixing your underbite.

Overbite Vs Underbite

When your mouth is closed, you have slight overbite if your upper teeth overlap your bottom teeth too much. When you have a smaller jaw or your lower jaw is shorter than your upper jaw, you are more likely to have this issue. If your underbite is the result of crowded teeth or a poor jaw position, fixing underbite with invisalign is the ideal treatment.

When you close your mouth, your lower jaw will sit in front of your upper jaw, resulting in an underbite. When you have this issue, you will commonly appear to have a projecting chin, although in less severe situations, this may be more subtle. Schedule an appointment for consultation with our dentist.