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You may have heard of the term “underbite,” but do you know what causes an underbite? It’s not as common as an overbite, but it’s similar. Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics knows how to correct an underbite with braces or clear aligners.

How can you fix an underbite? Can braces fix an underbite? What about clear aligners like Invisalign? Do you need surgery for an underbite? Most can be fixed without surgery, and we’ll tell you how we can do it.

What Is an Underbite?

What’s an underbite? It is one of several categories of jaw misalignment. The technical term is “malocclusion,” which is a fancy way of saying your upper and lower jaws don’t align correctly at rest.

It is a Class III malocclusion, which means your bottom teeth and jaw sit forward of your upper teeth. A mild underbite may not be visible until the person smiles or shows off those pearly whites. A more severe underbite will be visible even with the mouth closed because the lower jaw will have an obvious jut forward. 

What Causes an Underbite?

There are several causes:

  • Genetics
  • Thumb sucking
  • TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction)
  • Injury, particularly in early childhood

Do you need jaw surgery for an underbite? Most of the time, you can fix an underbite with braces. In cases with a bad underbite, surgery may be necessary. 

Those with underbites in Topeka, KS, can visit Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics for an evaluation. We can tell you whether you need underbite correction surgery or whether braces or clear aligners can do the job.

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Symptoms of an Underbite

Should you fix an underbite? This malocclusion can cause pain, excessive tooth wear, and even digestive problems. Fixing it can reduce or eliminate those problems. 

Here are some of the signs that you need to fix your underbite. 

  • Headaches
  • Jaw pain
  • Tooth wear
  • Tooth decay
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Sleep issues such as sleep apnea and snoring
  • Chronic bad breath (halitosis) 

How to Fix an Underbite

Braces can fix an underbite in most cases. Clear braces and clear aligners can fix it, too. Which type of treatment you get depends, in part, on the severity of your underbite. 

Can Invisalign Fix an Underbite?

Clear aligners such as Invisalign can repair some underbites, but the most severe cases may need braces. Clear aligners have come a long way in the past few years and can fix more dental issues than ever before. If you have a mild underbite or even a mid-level one, there is a good chance that Invisalign can correct it.

Can Braces Fix an Underbite?

Metal braces are a tried-and-true method for fixing an underbite. Today’s metal braces are smaller and more efficient than the ones your parents remember. You could have a proper bite and straight teeth in months instead of years. 

Can Clear Braces Fix an Underbite?

Clear braces work just as well as metal braces to fix malocclusions. Clear ceramic braces brackets more closely match natural tooth color, making them less conspicuous than metal braces. They work as well as metal braces, so you’ll still have an amazing smile. 

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Will Underbite Treatment Change My Face?

People with underbites may have a prominent chin from their lower jaw sitting forward of their upper jaw. It may not seem as obvious on those with mild malocclusions, but they will see the difference when they smile. 

Orthodontic treatment will repair your bite, but it also will change the shape of your face. Your chin will probably look less prominent, and your upper and lower jaws may look to be more in proportion with each other. 

Fixing an Underbite in Topeka, KS

Are you looking for underbite treatment in Topeka, KS? Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics can repair your bite and other dental problems such as gapped teeth, crowded teeth, or crossbites. 

Take the first step toward a beautiful smile! Schedule an appointment with Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics, and let us show you how we can repair your bite and restore your smile!

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