What Is the Best Treatment for an Underbite?

A straight, radiant smile is what everyone wishes for. It is not only for the aesthetics, but also helps keep your dental health intact. Dental misalignments have become pretty common among individuals and have not impacted any specific group, but all ages. An underbite is one of the most common malocclusions. While some cases are mild and might not be noticed. Others can severely impact your appearance and oral health. In this blog, let us have a look at what an underbite is, its main causes, and what could be the best treatment for underbite teeth.

What Is an Underbite?

An underbite (also known as a Class III malocclusion) occurs when the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw, causing the lower front teeth to overlap the upper ones. This misalignment can affect chewing, speech, and the overall harmony of facial structure.

The degree of underbite can vary:

• Mild underbite: The misalignment is subtle and may only slightly affect appearance or bite function.
• Severe or extreme underbite: The lower jaw extends significantly forward, often requiring surgical or advanced orthodontic intervention.

What Causes an Underbite?

An underbite doesn’t usually develop overnight. It is the result of a combination of genetic, developmental, and environmental factors that influence the growth and positioning of your teeth and jaw. Understanding these causes is key to determining the best course of underbite treatment and preventing the condition from worsening over time.

Here’s a closer look at the most common causes of underbite teeth:

Genetics

One of the strongest predictors of an underbite is heredity. If someone in your family, such as a parent, sibling, or grandparent, has an underbite, you may inherit similar jaw and facial structure traits.

• Some people naturally have a larger lower jaw (mandible) or a smaller upper jaw (maxilla), causing the lower teeth to extend beyond the upper teeth.
• Genetic traits like tooth crowding, spacing issues, or irregular bite alignment can also contribute.

In many cases, these inherited bone and dental structures manifest during childhood as the jaw continues to grow and develop.

Abnormal Jawbone Development (H3)

Proper jaw growth is essential for a balanced bite. However, when the upper and lower jaws grow at different rates or in disproportionate directions, an underbite can occur.

• If the lower jaw grows faster or extends farther than the upper jaw, it leads to a protruding lower jaw (prognathism).
• Conversely, a smaller or underdeveloped upper jaw may fail to meet the lower teeth correctly, also resulting in an underbite.

This disproportionate growth can start early in childhood and become more noticeable during puberty, as the jawbones experience rapid development.

Childhood Habits

Certain early childhood habits can subtly influence how the jaw and teeth develop over time. While these may seem harmless, prolonged behaviors can shift the jaw forward and contribute to bite misalignment.

Common habits include:

• Thumb-sucking or finger-sucking: The constant pressure applied to the front teeth can cause them to tilt outward, affecting the bite alignment.
• Prolonged pacifier or bottle use: Extended use beyond age 3–4 can affect the natural positioning of the jaw and teeth.
• Tongue thrusting: This occurs when the tongue pushes against the lower teeth during swallowing or speaking, gradually moving them forward.

If these habits persist during critical growth years, they can cause permanent changes in jaw alignment and dental arch formation.

Injury or Trauma

An injury or trauma to the face, especially the jaw area, can cause misalignment if the bones heal improperly.

• A fractured jawbone may shift out of place during healing, altering the alignment of the upper and lower teeth.
• In some cases, trauma can lead to loss of teeth or bone structure, which changes the bite pattern over time.

Without prompt treatment or orthodontic correction, post-traumatic jaw misalignment can develop into an underbite or exacerbate an existing one.

Tumors or Abnormal Growths

Although rare, tumors in the jaw or mouth area can cause the jaw to shift or grow unevenly.

• Tumors in the mandible (lower jaw) or maxilla (upper jaw) can exert pressure on surrounding bone tissue, leading to noticeable asymmetry.
• As these growths expand, they may push the jawbone outward or downward, resulting in an underbite appearance.

Treating such cases usually involves addressing the underlying medical condition first, followed by orthodontic or surgical correction of the jaw alignment.

Why Treating an Underbite Is Important

Ignoring an underbite can lead to a variety of dental and health issues, including:

• Tooth wear and damage: Misaligned teeth can grind against each other unevenly.
• Jaw pain or TMJ disorders: Chronic discomfort from misalignment can lead to temporomandibular joint issues.
• Speech difficulties: Some sounds may become hard to pronounce clearly.
• Chewing and digestion problems: Misalignment can affect how food is chewed and broken down.
• Aesthetic concerns: A pronounced underbite can alter facial proportions and self-confidence.

Fortunately, orthodontic advancements now offer a wide range of underbite correction methods for different severities.

How to Fix an Underbite: Understanding Treatment Options

Clear Aligners

Modern clear aligners, such as those from Caspersmile or other orthodontic brands, can be an excellent option for people with a mild underbite. These transparent, removable trays gradually shift teeth into the desired position.

Benefits:

• Nearly invisible appearance
• Removable for eating and cleaning
• Comfortable and convenient
• Effective for mild and moderate misalignment

Limitations:

Aligners may not be suitable for severe or extreme underbite cases caused by jawbone structure rather than tooth positioning.

Traditional Braces

For moderate to severe underbites, metal or ceramic braces remain one of the most reliable solutions. Braces apply constant pressure to realign the teeth and sometimes the jaw over time.

Advantages:

• Effective for complex alignment issues
• Suitable for all age groups
• Can be combined with other treatments like elastics or expanders

Considerations:

Braces are visible and may require 18–36 months of treatment, depending on the severity.

Reverse-Pull Face Mask

In growing children, an orthopedic face mask or reverse-pull headgear can help guide the upper jaw forward and correct the bite before the bones fully develop.

Ideal Age:

Typically used between ages 6–10, when bones are still flexible and growing.

Benefits:

• Non-surgical option for early correction
• Prevents worsening of jaw discrepancy
• Can eliminate the need for surgery later in life

Drawbacks:

• Poor aesthetic appearance
• May cause discomfort and irritation
• Speech and mobility may be affected

Palatal Expander

A palatal expander widens the upper jaw to help the upper and lower jaws fit together more naturally. It’s most effective in children and adolescents.

How It Works:

The device fits on the upper teeth and gradually expands the upper jaw by applying gentle pressure.

Benefits:

• Corrects underbites by widening the upper jaw.
• Creates space to reduce crowding and avoid extractions.
• Can improve breathing by opening the airway.
• Helps guide proper facial and jaw growth.

Drawbacks:

• Causes temporary discomfort, pressure, or headaches.
• Can affect speech and eating at first.
• May cause drooling or excess saliva during adjustment.
• Requires careful cleaning to avoid food buildup and irritation.

Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery

When the underbite is due to skeletal issues rather than tooth alignment, orthognathic surgery may be necessary. This involves repositioning one or both jaws to achieve correct alignment.

Procedure Overview:

• Performed under general anesthesia
• The surgeon reshapes and repositions the jawbones
• Recovery may take several weeks

Best Candidates:

Adults with a severe underbite or extreme underbite that cannot be fixed by orthodontic treatment alone.

Advantages:

• Permanent structural correction
• Restores natural facial balance
• Improves function and comfort

Drawbacks:

• Invasive and costly
• Requires recovery time
• May involve orthodontic treatment before and after surgery

Non-Surgical Underbite Correction: What You Should Know

If you’re wondering about an underbite fix without surgery , the good news is that mild to moderate cases often respond well to non-invasive methods such as:

• Clear aligners
• Braces with elastics
• Dental veneers or bonding (for aesthetic correction only)

These methods are safe, cost-effective, and convenient, especially for adults seeking discreet treatment options.

Underbite Treatment in Adults vs. Children

Early intervention is ideal, but adults can still achieve impressive results with the right treatment plan.

The Process of Underbite Correction

• Initial Consultation: An orthodontist assesses the severity of the underbite with X-rays and 3D scans.
• Customized Treatment Plan: The orthodontist recommends aligners, braces, or surgical options.
• Active Treatment: Appliances gradually shift teeth or realign the jaw.
• Retention Phase: After correction, retainers maintain results and prevent relapse.

Cost of Underbite Treatment

The cost of fixing an underbite varies depending on treatment type and severity:

Note: Costs can differ based on clinic location, complexity, and follow-up needs.

Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance

After successful underbite correction, maintenance is essential:

• Wear retainers as prescribed
• Maintain regular dental checkups
• Avoid hard or sticky foods during the healing phase
• Keep oral hygiene in check to prevent relapse

Fix Your Underbite

Dental malocclusions can be easily fixed with braces, aligners, or other methods. ALIGNERCO offers hassle-free teeth straightening from the comfort of your home. Fix your underbite with ALIGNERCO without compromising your appearance and get a smooth smile transition. With multiple clear aligner plans, enjoy a transformation that doesn’t break your bank.