You may have heard of the term “underbite,” but do you really know what it means? It’s not as common as an overbite, but it’s similar, and it’s something Wilson & Hendrickson can fix.
First, let’s fill you in on the facts.
What Is an Underbite?
An underbite 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 line up correctly when at rest.
In the case of an underbite, it’s considered a “Class III malocclusion.” That’s a fancy way of saying that your lower teeth and jaw stick out further than your upper teeth. A mild underbite may not be visible until the person smiles or shows off those pearly whites. Even with the mouth closed, a more severe underbite will be visible because the entire lower jaw will have an obvious jut forward.
How do you get an underbite? There are several causes:
- Genetics
- Thumb sucking
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction)
- Injury, particularly in early childhood
When Is It Important to Fix an Underbite?
If you have an underbite, do you need to fix it? Possibly. A minor underbite may not need to be fixed, but a major one can cause severe dental issues further down the road.
Consider treating your underbite if you have these symptoms:
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Tooth wear
- Tooth decay
- Difficulty chewing
- Sleep issues such as sleep apnea and snoring
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
Fixing an underbite early can prevent issues later. It can also improve oral health and overall health both now and in the future. It’s also OK to fix an underbite if you just don’t like the way it looks. Self-esteem is essential to good mental health.
Wilson & Hendrickson offers free consultations, so you can find out whether your underbite is in a normal range or should be fixed to prevent long-term dental health issues. We can talk you through the benefits from possible treatment, as well as treatment options and financing. All of this is done with no obligation or pressure. We want you to leave our office smiling!
How Do I Fix an Underbite?
Most underbites have a simple fix with the proper orthodontic treatment using options such as braces, clear braces, or even clear aligners. We’ll take a look at our teeth and recommend the best treatment options for you.
Clear aligners such as Invisalign can repair some underbites, but the most severe cases may need braces. In those cases, we offer metal and clear braces as options to correct that underbite.
Metal Braces for Underbites
We use the advanced Metal Braces system. These braces have a unique design that provides the same level of treatment but with a lighter force. That means they are more comfortable than previous braces but provide the same quality results.
Clear Braces for Underbites
Not keen on the idea of having a “mouthful of metal?” Consider our clear ceramic braces! The clear brackets blend better with the teeth’s natural color, so the braces are harder to see. They work just as well as metal braces, so you’ll still end up with a gorgeous smile!
Invisalign for Underbites
Braces just not your thing? We have another option — Invisalign! These clear aligners apply gentle pressure to move your teeth like braces, but they’re nearly invisible. The clear aligners are customized to fit your mouth and your mouth only. Treatment times can vary but are often shorter than with braces.
How Do I Get Started?
You know what an underbite is now, so how do you fix it? The next step is an easy one. If you’re in Topeka, Kansas, start with a virtual consult! Our doctors will check your case and figure out what treatment options are available and which will work best for you.
Worried about how to pay for it? No need for that! We offer flexible financing options to help pay for your underbite treatment.
