Underbite Correction
Beyond the lower jaw appearing to stick out, an underbite comes with various symptoms such as facial asymmetry, open bite, and crossbite, so it is best treated after an accurate diagnosis.
What is an underbite?
An underbite is when the lower jaw sticks out further than the upper jaw. It occurs when the lower jaw grows too much or the upper jaw grows relatively too little. The face may look long, and facial asymmetry often comes with it. Crossbite (when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth) and open bite (when a gap remains between the upper and lower front teeth when you bite down) are also common.
Causes of an underbite include genetic factors, environmental factors such as bad habits (pushing the lower jaw forward since childhood), and systemic diseases, with genetics considered the most influential.
When an underbite can be treated with non-surgical orthodontics
Depending on how far the jaw protrudes, the tilt of the lower front teeth, the space between the lower teeth, and the degree of asymmetry, it can be treated with surgery or orthodontics. If the conditions below are met, an underbite can be treated with non-surgical orthodontics.
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Jaw protrusion must not be severe.
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The lower front teeth must not be
tilted too far inward (toward the tongue).
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There must be enough space between the lower teeth.
Effects of underbite correction
The face looks smaller.
As the chin moves back, the nose looks relatively higher.
The open bite improves as well, resolving lisping.
Chewing function improves, easing digestive problems.
Correcting asymmetry restores facial balance.
FAQ
Tap a question to see the answer.
I was told I need surgery. Can it be done with orthodontics alone?
If the difference between the jaws is not large, the bite can sometimes be corrected by adjusting the position and angle of the teeth. Even if surgery has been recommended to you, we can check again with side-profile X-ray measurements whether it is within the range of orthodontics. Conversely, when the difference between the jaws is large, surgery and orthodontics need to be considered together.
How do you judge whether orthodontics alone will work?
It is hard to measure the difference between the jaws accurately from appearance alone, so we use a side-profile X-ray to analyze the position of the upper and lower jaws, the angle of the front teeth and the range in which the teeth can move, and check whether orthodontics alone can treat it.
How is it corrected with orthodontics alone?
First we create space for the teeth to move so that the upper front teeth can naturally come over the lower front teeth. When needed, we use a bite plate to keep the upper and lower teeth from touching, and move the upper teeth forward and the lower teeth back using mini-screws. Whether to extract is decided after checking the position of the teeth and the space needed.
How are the causes classified?
An underbite where only the direction of the front teeth is reversed is treated with orthodontics. In a skeletal underbite, where the lower jaw is large or the upper jaw is small, treatment is divided into orthodontics alone or combined with surgery depending on the size of the difference. We also need to check whether it is functional, meaning the lower jaw is pushed forward when biting.
Does orthodontics change the jawbone too?
No. The size of a fully grown lower jawbone does not change with orthodontics. When the chin looks different, it is because the teeth and the rotation of the jaw have changed. For a retruded chin with a short jawbone, too, I explain the limits of orthodontics first.
Could the bite shift again after treatment?
If the jaw difference is large and only the angle of the teeth is forced into place, the bite can shift again after treatment. So even with orthodontics alone, we plan within the range the teeth can withstand, and if it goes beyond that range, we recommend surgical orthodontics.
What happens if I need surgery?
We guide you so that you can choose between a local partner hospital or a university hospital. Orthodontic treatment before and after surgery can continue at Ceramic Dental Clinic.
If my child’s lower jaw sticks out, when should it be checked?
It is best to check while growth can still be guided. We recommend a check-up at least once before age 9.
Is orthodontics alone possible for adults?
It depends on how large the jaw difference is. We tell you what is possible after taking measurements.
Will my face change as much as with surgery?
Orthodontics changes the teeth and the area around the lips. You cannot expect the same change in bone shape as with surgery.
If I have surgery, where is the orthodontic treatment done?
Orthodontic treatment before and after surgery can be done at Ceramic Dental Clinic, and we guide you so that you can choose the hospital for the surgery.
Can a retruded chin improve with orthodontics?
As the teeth and lip position change, the chin can look more prominent. However, the actual length of the jawbone does not change.
Side effects and limitations
- When the jaw difference is large, orthodontics alone has limits in changing the profile.
- If growth remains after treatment or retention is not maintained, the bite can shift again.
- Root resorption and gum recession can occur.
Treatment results and side effects may vary from person to person.