Correcting jaw alignment for better function and appearance
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth and jaw protrude forward past the upper teeth. This misalignment can range from mild (barely noticeable) to severe, affecting your appearance, ability to chew and speak, and long-term dental health.
Have an underbite evaluated if it causes difficulty chewing or biting, speech problems, jaw pain or TMJ issues, excessive wear on certain teeth, mouth breathing, or self-consciousness about your appearance. Early evaluation in children can guide growth and reduce the need for surgery later.
Depending on the severity, treatment may include Invisalign to reposition teeth (available in-house at our clinic), a referral to our specialist orthodontist for braces, orthodontic appliances to guide jaw growth in children, or referral for surgical correction in severe adult cases. The earlier treatment begins, the more options are available.
Many patients are concerned that correcting an underbite requires invasive jaw surgery, but this is not always the case. Mild to moderate underbites where the issue is primarily dental rather than skeletal can often be corrected with Invisalign (available in-house at our clinic) or traditional braces through our specialist orthodontist, which gradually reposition the teeth into proper alignment. For children whose jaws are still growing, orthodontic appliances such as reverse-pull headgear or palatal expanders can guide jaw development and correct the underbite without surgery. In adults with moderate skeletal underbites, orthodontic treatment with elastics may be sufficient. Surgery is typically reserved for severe skeletal underbites where the jaw bones themselves are significantly misaligned and orthodontics alone cannot achieve proper function and aesthetics. At Redwater Dental Clinic, we evaluate the severity of your underbite and recommend the least invasive effective treatment. For children, early evaluation around age 7 gives us the best chance of guiding growth naturally. Call 780-942-4691 to schedule an orthodontic consultation.
An uncorrected underbite affects more than just appearance. Chewing efficiency is reduced because the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly, which can lead to digestive issues from inadequately chewed food. Speech can be affected, particularly with certain sounds that require the upper and lower teeth to align correctly. The uneven bite places excessive force on specific teeth, leading to premature wear, cracked teeth, and increased risk of tooth decay in areas that are difficult to clean. Jaw strain from compensating for misalignment frequently causes TMJ disorders, including chronic jaw pain, headaches, and clicking jaw. Mouth breathing is common with underbites, which can lead to dry mouth, increased cavity risk, and even sleep disruption. Addressing an underbite improves function, protects your teeth from uneven wear, and often provides a significant confidence boost.
Early treatment leads to better outcomes. Contact us today.
