Are Underbites Permanent, or Can They Be Corrected?

Your teeth play a significant role in your overall health and well-being. A straight, white smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem. However, achieving straight teeth isn’t always simple—it often requires time and effort. 

Imagine looking in the mirror and noticing your jaw doesn’t quite align as it should. For many people, this subtle misalignment—called an underbite—can be more than just a cosmetic concern. 

So, are underbites permanent, or are there ways they can be corrected? Let’s find out!

A properly aligned jaw typically features the upper teeth slightly overlapping the lower ones. However, when this alignment is disrupted, issues like an underbite can arise.  

An underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends further than the upper jaw, causing the bottom teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. This dental condition can impact both function and appearance.

Childhood Habits 

Certain childhood behaviours can play a role in the development of an underbite, including: 

• Thumb sucking. 
• Prolonged pacifier use past the age of three.  
• Tongue-thrusting habits.  
• Extended bottle-feeding beyond infancy.  

Genetics

Your genes significantly influence the shape and structure of your jaw and teeth, making underbites hereditary in many cases. If a close family member has an underbite, your likelihood of developing one increases.  

Injury

Severe facial injuries can lead to lasting damage to the jawbones. While surgery can often repair broken jaws, improper healing may result in an underbite.  

Tumors

Growths on the jawbones or within the mouth can alter the jaw's structure, causing it to protrude and creating an underbite.

Braces

For mild underbites, braces can effectively straighten teeth and help realign the jaw. An orthodontist will evaluate your specific condition and fit you with braces. After treatment, wearing a retainer may be necessary to maintain the corrected alignment.

Facemask Therapy

This treatment involves wearing a device on the face that rests on the forehead and chin. Elastic bands connect the facemask to the upper jaw, gently pulling it forward to align it with the lower jaw.  

Facemask therapy requires dedication, as it typically needs to be worn for around 16 hours a day for about a year. While it is most effective for children aged 8 and younger, it can also yield positive results for teenagers.

Elastics

Similar to facemask therapy, elastic treatment involves using bands to reposition the upper jaw. The elastics are connected to mini-plates securely anchored in the skull and are worn inside the mouth. These bands work to gently pull the upper jaw forward, helping to achieve a balanced alignment.

Surgery

In severe underbite cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the condition. It can help address sleep apnea, realign the jaw, and alleviate pain. Typically, surgery is considered once growth has stopped, usually in adulthood.

An underbite can impact your health in several ways, from affecting your appearance to disrupting your sleep. Here are some of the health issues that can arise from an underbite:

• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD): An underbite can interfere with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), potentially causing a disorder (TMD). The TMJ connects the skull to the jaw, but an underbite can restrict its movement, leading to pain and popping sounds when you try to move it.
• Chronic Bad Breath (Halitosis): An underbite can lead to bacterial buildup in the mouth, resulting in persistent bad breath.
• Mouth Breathing: If you frequently breathe through your mouth or snore at night, an underbite may be a significant factor contributing to these issues.
• Sleep Apnea: This condition causes interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to poor rest and daytime fatigue.

The negative effects of an underbite should not be ignored, so it's important to consult with an orthodontist and seek treatment as soon as possible.

While underbites are not necessarily permanent, they can become more difficult to correct over time if left untreated. Addressing an underbite as soon as possible can help prevent further complications, such as jaw pain, sleep issues, and difficulty chewing. 

If you suspect you have an underbite, consulting with a dental professional is the first step toward finding the right treatment and ensuring long-term oral health.

Contact Innovative Dental & Orthodontics for a consultation today and find the best solution for your smile!

Book your appointment now.