An underbite, or “prognathism,” is a condition that occurs when a person’s lower jaw protrudes beyond their upper jaw, resulting in the lower teeth overlapping the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. Underbite can occur because of numerous factors, including genetic predisposition, abnormal jaw growth, excessive thumb-sucking or pacifier use during childhood, skeletal malformations, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, or some combination of genetic and environmental factors.
The severity of an underbite can vary, with more severe cases leading to functional problems in biting, chewing, and speaking, and have a detrimental effect on a person's self-confidence.
Fortunately, there’s a variety of orthodontic treatments available to help correct the effects of an underbite.
How Is Underbite Fixed?
Treatment for underbites typically involves orthodontic intervention and the employment of (depending on the severity of the underbite) various dental treatments and appliances to gradually shift the jaw and teeth into the desired position. The most common measures used to fix underbite include:
- Braces – Braces use brackets and wires to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment and correct mild to moderate underbites in a gradual process that takes between several months and a few years.
- Headgear or Facemask – These can be worn for a prescribed number of hours per day or during sleep, during which they apply pressure to the upper teeth and jaw, encouraging proper alignment.
- Extraction of Teeth – In some cases, a dentist may opt to extract one or more teeth to create space and facilitate jaw alignment.
- Orthognathic Surgery – The most severe cases of underbite, typically stemming from skeletal discrepancies, can require orthognathic surgery, which involves the repositioning of the jaws into proper alignment. In many cases, this surgery is combined with orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal results.
Of course, as with any dental procedure, the specific underbite treatment plan that is right for each individual can only be determined after a thorough evaluation by a dentist or orthodontist.
Fixing Underbite in Las Vegas, NV
If you’re in Las Vegas and would like to speak with a dentist about how to fix an underbite, contact dentist Dr. Simon Tsang and the team at Russell Dental to schedule an appointment!