What Age is Best to Fix an Underbite?

October 16, 2024

When it comes to your child's smile, timing can make all the difference.

An underbite, though common, can affect everything from chewing and speaking to self-confidence. 

So, what age is best to fix an underbite? The answer may surprise you! 

Correcting this issue at the right stage of development can lead to more effective results, less invasive treatments, and a smoother orthodontic journey. 

Let’s dive into why early intervention is key and explore the best time to take action for a healthier, more confident smile.

Understanding Underbites

An underbite is a dental condition where the lower front teeth extend beyond the upper front teeth, often caused by the lower jaw protruding further than the upper jaw. 

In a normal bite, the upper front teeth should slightly overlap the lower front teeth, allowing the upper and lower molars to meet correctly when the mouth is closed.

Mild underbites may go unnoticed, but in more severe cases, the misalignment can impact your appearance and lead to noticeable symptoms.

Why Knowing What Age is Best for Fixing an Underbite is Important

Understanding what age is best to fix an underbite is crucial because timing can significantly affect the success of treatment. 

During childhood, the jaw is still growing and developing, making it easier to guide the bones into proper alignment with orthodontic treatments. By addressing the underbite early, less invasive methods like braces or expanders can be effective, helping to avoid more complex interventions later in life.

This window of opportunity is vital because the jaw bones are more malleable in these early years, meaning they can be shaped and guided with less resistance. Once the jaw reaches full maturity in the late teen years or adulthood, correcting an underbite often requires surgical intervention. 

Acting within this key developmental period allows for smoother, more efficient treatment and can prevent long-term complications.

So What is the Best Age to Fix an Underbite?

Early Intervention (Ages 6-10)   

At this stage, the jaw is still developing, making it the ideal time to use non-invasive treatments like expanders and retainers. Early intervention helps guide jaw growth effectively, potentially avoiding the need for surgery later. It's a proactive approach that takes advantage of the jaw's flexibility during childhood.

Pre-teen & Teen Years (Ages 11-14) 

During this period, orthodontic treatments like braces, elastics, and headgear can correct moderate underbite cases. Since the jaw is still growing, these treatments remain effective, though they may require more time and adjustment than in earlier years. It's a crucial phase for aligning teeth as the jaw nears maturity.

Late Teen to Adult (Ages 15+) 

By the late teens, the jaw has typically stopped growing, and more severe underbites may require surgical options. Orthognathic surgery is often combined with braces to correct the misalignment. While the process is more invasive, it's still possible to achieve excellent results and improve both function and appearance.

What Complications Can Arise from an Underbite?

  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ): This disorder occurs when there are issues with the joint connecting the upper and lower jaws, along with the surrounding tissues. This condition can cause symptoms such as headaches, earaches, and facial pain.  
  • Dental issues: A misaligned bite creates spaces that allow bacteria to accumulate, increasing the risk of infections. This can lead to tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and even cause teeth to crack or wear down.  
  • Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing temporarily stops during sleep, often causing you to wake up. The lack of continuous sleep can lead to fatigue, drowsiness, and irritability due to sleep deprivation.
  • Chronic jaw pain: Children with underbites often experience their jaw feeling "locked" or "stuck," leading to discomfort. This jaw pain can also trigger related issues such as toothaches, headaches, and dizziness.  
  • Difficulty with daily functions: Depending on the severity of the underbite, children may face challenges with eating, chewing, and speaking, impacting everyday tasks.  
  • Mental and emotional impact: The appearance of an underbite can affect a child's self-esteem and confidence, leading to emotional distress and lower self-image.  

Signs It’s Time to Fix an Underbite

A mild underbite might not present any noticeable problems, but a severe one can cause the jaw to protrude visibly. This misalignment can lead to several symptoms that could indicate that it’s time to fix an underbite. 

Some of these symptoms could be: 

  • Difficulty fully opening or closing the mouth.
  • Discomfort or pain when speaking or chewing.
  • Accidentally biting the inside of the mouth.
  • Challenges with breathing.
  • Jaw pain.
  • Bad breath (halitosis).

Conclusion

If you've noticed your child developing an underbite, it's crucial to consult with your dentist and schedule an orthodontist appointment as soon as possible. Early treatment, typically between the ages of 7 and 10, is often the most effective time to address the issue. 

Methods like widening the upper jaw can help ensure permanent teeth grow in a better position. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children with underbites should see an orthodontist by age 7 to determine if early treatment is needed. For those who require it, early intervention can offer significant benefits.

Wondering if it’s the Right Time to Address Your Underbite?

Schedule a consultation with the orthodontic experts at Innovative Dental and Orthodontics to find the right treatment for your underbite issues.  Book your appointment today. 

FAQs

Early treatment takes advantage of the jaw's development, making it easier to correct alignment issues before the bones fully harden. This can prevent the need for surgery later in life.
Children with underbites should see an orthodontist by age 7 for evaluation. This allows for timely intervention if early treatment is recommended.
In some severe cases, braces alone may not be enough. Often, jaw surgery combined with braces is required to fully correct a severe underbite.
Copyright© 2024 - Innovative Dental & Orthodontics
Dental Marketing by WEB MARKETING FOR DENTISTS
starcrosschevron-down Skip to content