An underbite is a phrase used in dentistry to describe a forward-protruding lower jaw. As a result, the lower jaw extends past the upper teeth. The degree of an underbite can range from a minor underbite, in which the lower jaw overlaps the upper jaw, to a severe underbite, in which the teeth do not contact due to the large gap. Read more about Bite Alignment.

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?

Teeth usually develop in such a way that the top teeth cover the lower teeth. The molars need to be able to fit together. A person can acquire such a disease due to a variety of circumstances. Listed below are a few:

Genetics

If someone in your family has the condition, you’re more likely to have it. The jaw, tooth form, and size are also determined by genetics.

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

Childhood Habits

Habits you did when you were young can contribute to the development of underbite. Some of these habits are:

  • Using pacifier even if the child is more than 3 years old.
  • Nail biting
  • Thumb sucking (can also cause tongue thrust.)
  • Pushing of the teeth using the tongue
  • Bad oral hygiene habits (which also causes dental plaque and tooth decay)
  • Long-term bottle-feeding

Injury

Jawbones can be permanently damaged by severe trauma. A fractured jawbone may typically be repaired, however even after surgical realignment, the jaws usually don’t fit together properly.

Tumors

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

Types of Underbites

Underbites are divided into two types.

Dental underbites This type of underbite form through teeth misalignment. It is usually caused by crossbites in which the upper and lower teeth do not align correctly when biting down. The teeth are slightly forward, but the lower jaw does not stick out.

Skeletal underbites arise as a result of a jawbone deformity It’s generally a hereditary issue.

What Issues Does an Underbite Cause?

An underbite isn’t merely an aesthetic problem. The American Dental Association (ADA) the more serious this illness is, the more likely it is to produce oral health issues like:

  • Sleep apnea
  • Speaking difficulties
  • Chronic mouth breathing and bad breath
  • Chewing foods can become difficult.
  • Prognathism
  • Malocclusion causes discomfort in the mouth and face.
  • Excessive wear of the tooth enamel

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

How to Treat an Underbite

At least the majority of the tooth eruption of the permanent teeth has occurred, it is usual for the teeth to have a little misalignment. However, in other circumstances, if the underbite is severe enough, those who have their underbite fixed will see a greater benefit. Because clinical medicine is unable to treat underbite on its own, let Elsinore Smiles assist you in resolving your underbite issues. To close large gaps in teeth, braces are the best option, especially if other problems are present, such as teeth alignment issues and problems.

Some of these advantages are listed below:

  • Oral hygiene is a lot easier
  • Avoid the risk of developing a dental abscess.
  • Avoids the risk of diseases of the gums.
  • Decreases the risk of developing a temporomandibular joint disorder
  • You’ll experience less strain on the jaws, teeth, and facial muscles.
  • It reduces the risk of breaking a tooth or tooth loss

This ailment can only be treated by having it professionally aligned. An orthodontist’s help is required to correct this issue. Dr. Aarti Puri can correct your underbite with one of the following procedures:

Braces – It is the most often used orthodontic treatment for underbite. Dental braces are not inconspicuous, and they can be seen when you talk or smile. This issue is solved using clear aligners.

Appliances – To address such a problem, certain equipment can be employed. Because they are more obvious than braces, they are custom-made for your mouth and might be unpleasant. When this therapy is required, orthodontists advise it.

The reverse full facemask is an example of an orthodontic device. This device resembles orthodontic headgear in the way that it wraps around your head. This method of treating underbite entails connecting metal bands to your upper back teeth so that the device may gently move your upper jaw into place.

The upper jaw expander is a different sort of dental device. With a screw in the centre, the upper jaw expander fits over the upper jaw’s rear teeth. The purpose is to extend the upper jaw, broaden the dental arch, and relocate the teeth within the bone. However, the pathology of the maxilla and mandible must be taken into consideration. See porcelain for teeth.

Tooth Extraction – When a tooth is extracted, it can help to reduce crowding and allow for more natural biting.

Surgery – This should only be used as a last resort if the orthodontist considers that all other options have failed. It only happens on rare instances since surgery is rarely required to correct an underbite.

Orthognathic surgery is a kind of jaw surgery. This is a one-of-a-kind operation that includes splitting your jawbones and making customized adjustments to your jaw position.

If you have a cleft lip or palate, you may need surgery before your underbite may be fixed.

Overbite Vs Underbite

When your mouth is closed, you have an overbite if your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth too much. When your lower jaw is shorter than your upper jaw, you are more likely to have this problem.

When your mouth is closed, an underbite occurs when your lower jaw is in front of your upper jaw. You’ll have a projecting chin if you have this ailment, but it may be more muted in milder cases. Schedule an appointment.