Most people know what an overbite is since it’s a common dental issue. But do you know what an underbite is? It’s the opposite of an overbite. Instead of the upper teeth protruding over the lower front teeth, the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. An underbite can cause chewing and biting issues, altering the shape of your face. That’s why fixing your bite issue is best, and Smiles By the Bay can help!
Underbites can be repaired with orthodontic treatment using braces or Invisalign. Smiles by the Bay treats underbites that can transform a patient’s life. You’ll be amazed at how you look!
What Is an Underbite?
Your upper front teeth naturally rest just in front of your lower teeth. At least, that’s how it’s supposed to be. If you have this issue, your lower teeth rest in front of the upper ones. It gives the appearance of your chin thrusting forward. It can cause problems with biting and chewing properly, which can lead to digestive issues.
An underbite is one of several “malocclusions,” including overbites and crossbites. It is a Class III malocclusion, meaning the lower teeth jut forward. People get underbites by thumb sucking, early childhood injuries, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) joint dysfunction, and simple genetics.
Why and How to Fix an Underbite
Why should you fix your underbite? We mentioned the digestive issues and the appearance of the lower jaw jutting forward. But an underbite can lead to more serious dental and physical issues over time.
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Tooth wear
- Tooth decay
- Difficulty chewing
- Sleep issues such as sleep apnea and snoring
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
The sooner your underbite is repaired, the better your chances of avoiding these issues later in life. An underbite can lead to physical issues, but the altered appearance of your face can lead to self-esteem issues. So repairing your underbite can improve your mental and emotional health as well as your physical health. The best way to repair your underbite is with orthodontic treatment.
Can Invisalign Fix an Underbite?
Invisalign and Invisalign Teen clear aligners are designed to correct dental issues, including underbites. Invisalign clear aligners are custom-designed to fit your teeth and move them with precision.
Our patients love Invisalign treatment because they’re almost invisible on the teeth. Your friends may not even realize you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment with Invisalign! Patients wear Invisalign on average from 9-15 months to repair their bite issue in less than two years and maybe even less than a year!
Can Braces Fix an Underbite?
Braces are still the most common way to fix dental issues, whether with metal or gold braces. We also use LightForce braces, which treat patients in less time than traditional braces.
The advantage of using traditional metal braces is that they can handle the most severe dental cases, including severe underbites or underbites that are combined with other dental issues, such as crowded teeth, crossbites, or gapped teeth. Braces are a tried-and-true way to fix your malocclusions!
Underbite Before and After
Your underbite can change your face, making your lower jaw protrude more than it should. Once fixed, you may be surprised by the changes to your entire facial structure. Your lower jaw will move back to where it should be. Your upper and lower jaws will line up more correctly. You may be surprised that you have fewer headaches and neckaches than before. You may also find you have less jaw fatigue. In other words, your jaw won’t get as tired from chewing as it did in the past.
Repairing your bite issues can have great benefits for your oral health. It can also have great benefits for your mental health. A healthy new smile will give you a boost of self-esteem. A great smile gives us more self-confidence. We hope you’ll feel as great as our other patients have with their new smiles!
Underbite Treatment in Annapolis, MD
Smiles by the Bay is ready to give you the smile you have always wanted whenever you are. You can start with a consultation, where we will perform a full examination and let you know which treatment is best for you. Whether you live in Annapolis, MD, Kent Island, MD, or Denton, MD, we can treat you with braces or clear aligners like Invisalign.
