An underbite can result in other dental conditions if left untreated. This dental condition can affect everything about an individual’s self-esteem even to the quality standard of living.
Usually, whenever an underbite occurs, the lower part of the teeth tends to protrude than the upper teeth. So here is the big question — what causes an underbite, what are the signs and symptoms, and what can be done to treat it? We will be exploring these and more as we proceed.
The term underbite is a dental condition where the lower jaw, medically referred to as mandible, protrudes past the upper jaw. This dental condition is quite common and occurs in almost 5-10% of the population. However, while the underbite jaws are easily noticed among most patients, some are barely noticed, with the bottom teeth resting slightly in front of the top teeth.
No matter how severe the dental misalignment is, timely corrections of this dental condition are recommended to avoid further complications in the future. The severity of the condition can also vary between a mild underbite, where the two rows of the teeth meet, and in some cases where the teeth don’t meet at all, the gap between the teeth is often wide.
Most underbite conditions are usually gene-related. This means that if one or more parent has an underbite, then there is an increased probability of their children having an underbite as well.
One of the major differences between an underbite and an overbite is that while some overbites may be natural, no underbite is usually considered natural or normal. Most underbites come with a lot of problems, and the longer a patient waits to correct it, the harder the treatment becomes.
If your child or ward has an underbite, it is recommended that you commence treatment early enough, more specifically when the bones can be easily moved.
Without prompt or immediate treatment, your child may experience various complications, including the following:
If you or your child is diagnosed with an underbite, there are a few ways that have been developed to fix an under bite successfully. Your orthodontist will recommend the most suitable treatment option and approach for your condition, depending on how severe your dental condition is. But regardless, here is an overview of the most common treatments for underbite.
A jaw expander is a metal device that fits exactly over the back teeth. It works in such a way that it pushes the teeth in a gradual process, and expands the palate. Jaw expanders are either removable like a retainer, while others are fixed to the jaw.
Usually, when an underbite occurs because the upper jaw is not developing fully, the jaw expander is often an easy way to correct them.
This is one of the less noticeable means of correcting an underbite. In other words, this correction technique for underbite is barely noticeable unless you laugh or expose your mouth wide enough so that the back of the teeth where the jaw expander sits becomes visible.
While this technique may be slightly uncomfortable for some, a lot of other braces wearers have complained about how painful the process is. Hence, to reduce any form of discomfort, the treatment is best for patients in their younger age, say age 11 and below, since the jaw doesn’t fuse until around age 12 and 13, and the treatment, of course, involves manipulating the jawbones.
The treatment process is known to last for one year — this is dependent on the amount of manipulation needed to properly fit the teeth to its ideal position. Once the treatment is complete, patients are advised to wear a set of retainer for a given time range. Generally, wearing retainers is necessary to avoid the teeth from moving back to its normal condition before treatment, while the new bone is allowed to grow back.
Another way to correct an underbite is through the use of a reverse pull headgear. This may sound a little scary, but it is quite effective in resolving underbite issues. During the treatment procedure, the headgear is made to rest on the patient’s forehead and chin, while the braces or retainers are attached using an elastic band to pull the upper jaw slowly into its ideal position.
While the methods are effective in treating overbite conditions, the reverse-pull headgear is expected to be worn regularly to ensure rapid recovery. Most people may find this a little uncomfortable because of the loss of self-esteem that often comes with this treatment option. Nevertheless, ensure you follow your orthodontist’s direction and advice, because using a reverse pull headgear as a treatment solution for underbite can help reduce the need for an underbite surgery in the future.
A chin cap or cup works in an entirely different way. Although they are fitted over the head, from the crown to the chin, they operate in a slightly different way when compared to the reverse-pull headgear. The device helps to reduce the growth of the lower jaw by pulling it back to the years of bone growth in a little child.
This method is often used with a reversal full gear so that when the upper jaw is moved into its ideal position, the underbite doesn’t get any worse. The chin cap can be worn at night, during sleep and other places that don’t cause any form of embarrassment.
Braces are commonly used with the above-listed methods for underbite correction. Just like it is used for overbite, crossbite and an open bite, the treatment process involves twisting, pushing and moving the teeth gradually to a better position. Most private hospitals offer various types of braces for underbite correction, including clear braces, tooth coloured braces and ceramic braces.
After the treatment process with braces, it is also recommended that you wear a set of retainers to maintain the result or keep the teeth fixed in its new position.
Invisalign can also be utilised in the correction of underbites as well. This set of clear aligners are usually invisible, making them in a sort after option for most types of dental misalignments. Invisalign aligners can be used alone or sometimes, used with other treatment option that involves underbite surgery.
For more information on a suitable treatment option for your underbite, you can contact the Harley Street dentist on 02071830903. We will be glad to help!
In cases where an underbite is caused by having excess teeth in the lower jaw, your dentist will recommend you have some of your teeth removed. Teeth extraction can also be used to help your braces fit into the teeth perfectly, while enhancing the recovery process. This process is carried out under local anaesthetic, and sometimes general anaesthetic for multiple extractions. The process is usually simple, quick and pain-free. During this treatment procedure, the dentist twists the tooth to loosen it from the socks, while it is pulled out.
Underbite jaw surgery is usually done for severe cases. The procedure may vary, depending on the cause and location of the problem.
Generally, the lower or upper jaw is pushed back and repositioned, depending on the location of the underbite. After this, small crews and palates are inserted around the bones to ensure that they don’t move back to their prior position. Although there are usually no scars from underbite surgery, the treatment procedure is barely common, which is why you must ask your dentist or surgeon for a before and after pictures of past surgical work.
Before the surgical procedure, your doctor or surgeon will walk you through on what to expect before, during and after the surgery. More so, it is recommended that you take a few weeks off from work or school, to ensure that the process is effective. The treatment will generally involve the use of Invisalign aligners before or after surgery, or sometimes during both processes.
Don’t suffer in silence! No matter how severe your underbite is, you can still fix it. Ensure you reach out to a qualified dental professional for necessary actions.
You can also reach out to us for any queries and concerns.
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