Underbite correction
What causes an underbite?
If your lower teeth protrude outside your upper teeth, you may have a type of jaw misalignment known as an underbite. Whether you find this condition aesthetically unappealing or it causes issues, you should consider looking into underbite correction.
Most underbites are caused by genetics — you either will have one or you won’t. In other cases, you can develop an underbite due to outside physical influences. Some behaviors during childhood, such as excessive thumb sucking, bottle or pacifier usage, and mouth breathing, can lead to this condition. Parents who correct these behaviors can likely prevent underbites from occurring.
Why correct an underbite?
You should consider correcting your underbite because this condition cannot reverse itself. Underbite correction is also important because leaving this misaligned bite untreated can lead to various painful symptoms or conditions that affect the quality of your life. Even if you don’t feel any symptoms now, the longer you leave an underbite untreated, the more likely they are to develop.
Underbites also become more difficult to correct the older you are. As soon as you notice your underbite, you should contact a professional for assessment and treatment to ensure the best results.
Underbite symptoms
Breathing difficulties.
Sleep apnea.
Difficulty speaking, eating or swallowing.
Tooth enamel erosion.
Headaches, earaches and jaw pain.
Braces and aligners
While you might think of braces for straightening your teeth, they can also help correct underbites when used with other equipment, such as rubber bands or headgear. You can also use clear aligners to correct less severe underbites.
Palate expanders
A palate expander is a device that will make the top of your mouth larger and is usually a more effective treatment for those under 12 years old. This treatment can help reposition your top teeth so that they are over the lower teeth.
Jaw surgery
In some cases, surgery might be your best option. The surgery will either pull your upper jaw forward or move the lower jaw back, depending on your case.
Why choose Owens Orthodontics?
At Owens Orthodontics, we know how important it is to correct your underbite. Benefits of choosing us include:
- Improved dental health: Since underbites can lead to complications, our plans will ensure you can minimize those issues and have better dental health.
- Premier care: Our doctors have years of experience providing the best orthodontic care and services in the area.
- Tailored treatment plans: We know every person is unique, so we take the time to understand your needs, preferences and budget to develop an effective strategy.
