November 22, 2024
An underbite may seem like a small dental issue, but it can have a big impact on your overall oral health and appearance. If your lower teeth are sticking out further than your upper teeth, you're likely dealing with this common but often misunderstood condition. But what is the cause of an underbite?Â
Is it something you're born with, or can it develop over time? In this blog, we'll dive into the surprising factors that can lead to an underbite, from genetics to childhood habits.
An underbite occurs when your lower jaw is misaligned, causing the bottom teeth to extend past the upper teeth. They can vary in severity, from mild cases that are barely noticeable to more extreme cases where the lower jaw protrudes significantly beyond the upper jaw.
Certain childhood habits, like thumb sucking, prolonged bottle feeding, or using a pacifier past infancy, can disrupt the natural development of the teeth and jaws. These habits put pressure on the jaw, potentially causing it to grow abnormally, leading to an underbite. The earlier these habits are stopped, the better the chances of preventing long-term alignment issues.Â
Genetics play a significant role in the development of an underbite. If one or both parents have an underbite or other dental misalignments, their children are more likely to inherit similar conditions. This hereditary factor can affect the size and shape of the upper and lower jaws, making it more difficult for the teeth to align correctly.Â
In rare cases, tumors or cysts in your jaw can lead to an underbite. Growths in the jawbone may push the teeth and jaw out of alignment, resulting in misalignment and an altered bite. These conditions may also cause pain, swelling, or difficulty moving the jaw.
As we age, the bones and teeth can shift, and the effects of wear and tear may become more noticeable. The jaw may naturally change shape, sometimes causing an underbite as the teeth and bone structures shift. In some cases, ageing can exacerbate pre-existing alignment issues, making them more prominent and potentially leading to bite problems like an underbite.
Jaw misalignment occurs when your upper and lower jaws don’t line up properly, which can lead to an underbite. The misalignment might be the result of uneven jaw growth during childhood or adolescence.Â
Injuries or trauma to the jaw, face, or teeth can disrupt the natural alignment of your jaw and lead to an underbite. Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can lead to fractures or misalignments that affect how the upper and lower jaws fit together. In some cases, the damage may be severe enough to require surgical intervention to correct the misalignment.Â
Neglecting oral hygiene and dental care can contribute to misalignment of the teeth and jaw, potentially causing an underbite. Issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or untreated cavities can weaken teeth and alter their position over time. This can lead to an uneven bite as teeth shift to compensate for the damage.
Treatment options for an underbite vary based on the patient’s age and the severity of the condition. For many individuals, mild to moderate underbites can be corrected without surgery.Â
Common treatments include:
If the upper jaw is narrow, an upper jaw expander may be recommended. This device, fitted across the palate, gradually widens the upper jaw to improve the alignment with the lower teeth. Â
Braces or clear aligners are commonly used for both children and adults, especially when paired with orthodontic elastics to correct the bite. Â
In some cases, your dentist might recommend a tooth extraction to create space and help realign the teeth in mild to moderate underbite cases.
For adults with severe underbites, surgery may be needed to reposition the upper and lower jaws. This surgery is highly predictable, low-risk, and typically referred to a maxillofacial surgeon by your orthodontist.
An underbite can result from a variety of factors, including genetics, childhood habits, jaw misalignment, injury, and even poor dental health. While some causes are hereditary, others can be influenced by early habits or trauma to the jaw. Understanding the causes behind an underbite is essential for learning how to treat it in the best way.
If you're concerned about an underbite, schedule a consultation with your dentist or orthodontist. They can help you explore the best solutions to restore proper alignment and improve both your appearance and oral health.
Learn what may be causing your underbite today by consulting with our dentists. Find the best treatment to align your smile.
Book your appointment today.Â
