Poor teeth alignment and malocclusion can have debilitating effects on your aesthetics as well as oral function. There are several malocclusions, one among them being underbite. An underbite occurs when your bottom teeth extend beyond your top front teeth. Mild cases may not require treatment, however, severe cases may require treatment. One such treatment option is Invisalign clear braces in Hollywood, FL.
This informative blog will discuss further underbite, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
What is underbite?
An underbite is a dental condition that occurs when your lower front teeth protrude beyond your upper front teeth. This is considered a class III malocclusion. When your teeth are not aligned properly your back teeth (molars) on the upper and lower jaw do not meet when you close your mouth.
About 5 to 10% of people have an underbite.
What causes an underbite?
Causes for an underbite include:
- Genetics
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- Most people may inherit underbite from their family depending on the shape and size of the teeth and jaw.
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Prolonged childhood behavior
- Actions that place repeated pressure on the teeth while they are still developing can cause an underbite.
- These actions include prolonged thumb sucking, bottle feeding, pacifier use, nail-biting, or tongue thrusting.
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Injury
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- An injury to the face and jaw can cause an underbite.
- Sometimes the jaw bones may not grow back perfectly aligned.
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Tumors
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- Cysts, lumps, or tumors in your mouth can affect the jaw and teeth alignment causing underbite.
What are the symptoms of an underbite?
A mild underbite may go unnoticed without any prominent symptoms. However, severe underbite can cause the following symptoms:
- Trouble opening or closing the mouth
- Pain while speaking or chewing
- Biting the inside of your mouth
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Bad breath (halitosis)
How is an underbite treated?
Treatment options depend on the severity of the underbite and your age. Adults may often need surgery since their bones are fully grown, unlike children and teens.
Treatment options include:
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Braces and retainers
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- They could be traditional metal braces, or clear Invisalign aligners that move your teeth to the desired alignment.
- Post-braces treatment your dentist will recommend retainers to hold the teeth in position.
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Tooth extraction
- Teeth crowding may contribute to developing an underbite which can be treated by extracting them.
- Most often dentists recommend extraction before getting braces so that you have more space for teeth alignment.
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Orthodontic appliances
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- Palate expander
- Reverse pull headgear
- Chin cap
Final thought
Teeth misalignment must not be ignored. They increase your risk of infections and painful symptoms. Underbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the lower front teeth protrude beyond your upper front teeth. Detecting and treating underbite at an early age can improve the prognosis and prevent the risk of dental problems.
