An underbite occurs when the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth are too far back.
What causes an underbite?
An underbite is usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth. Most often genetics attribute to such jaw position(s). In addition to genetics, environmental factors can also play a role. During the formative years, the jaws and teeth are very susceptible to pressures and habits like thumb sucking, and tongue thrusting which may also lead to an underbite. The underbite can be due to the skeleton, the teeth or a combination of both.
What problems does an underbite cause?
The molars of a person suffering from this condition will not fit together correctly, often resulting in chewing difficulty, which may cause digestive problems. Also, teeth will load un-naturally leading to excessive unwanted forces that can lead to tooth fractures.
Incorrect seating of teeth will also result in uneven wear and will result in enamel damage to teeth.
Another major aspect may be poor self confidence due to the smile esthetics.
It is recommended to get Early Preventative Treatment for an underbite to prevent any further problems.
How do you treat an underbite problem?
Treatment of an underbite is often more involved than overbites as orthodontists will need to modify the jaw growth with early preventative retainers with or without braces. Always remember each case is a little different but some severe cases may need surgical intervention for correction.
For more information about underbite treatments, please contact our office.