An underbite characterizes as when the lower jaw protrudes farther than the upper jaw. A abnormality of the jawbone may have caused this to develop. You should not let a typical orthodontic issue like an underbite prevent you from smiling. While some underbites don’t result in any issues, others may create problems with eating, speaking, jaw discomfort, migraines, and sleep apnea. Depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s age, the optimal course of treatment for an underbite will vary. Nonetheless, a dentist or orthodontist will always require.
Consequences On Health Of Underbite
A severe underbite may occasionally have negative health impacts in addition to its unattractive appearance.
Jaw Ache
A malocclusion puts tremendous strain on the Temporomandibular Joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. So, this may hurt and spread to other parts of the body, resulting in headaches, face discomfort, and ear pain.
Gum Disease And Tooth Decay
An underbite can put a lot of strain on your teeth, leading to dental decay, gum disease, and enamel erosion.
Speech Issues Caused By Underbite
Speech problems can also arise from a significant underbite because of the differing positions of the tongue and teeth. In extreme situations, this can develop into a stammer.
Swallowing And Chewing
Chewing and swallowing become more challenging in extreme cases of jaw misalignment.
How To Correct An Underbite
An oral surgeon can assist you conducting an underbite correction surgery to realign your upper and lower jaws if you have a severe underbite or if your teeth overcrowd.
Once your mouth gets used to the new shape, you will need to maintain your teeth’s alignment.
A Treatment Plan For Mild And Moderate Underbites :
- Consult your orthodontist regarding braces. Many underbite issues can be resolved with braces. Underbites are frequently treated with metal braces, however mild to severe underbite issues may be treated with transparent braces like Invisalign.
- Discuss tooth extractions with your dentist. Adult underbites are frequently corrected by tooth extractions as the initial step. Removing teeth that are crowding the jawline can alleviate general strain and free up space for the remaining teeth to realign. Your dentist will often do this treatment quickly in their clinic. When performing an extraction, your dentist will apply a local anaesthetic to the region where the tooth will be removed. Besides, they utilise a variety of equipment to dislodge the tooth from its socket and take it out when the region has become numb.
- Examine an expander for the upper jaw. In most cases, upper jaw expanders are placed over the top of your mouth and secured in place with your upper molars. Daily adjustments of these mechanical devices aid in gradually realigning the lower jaw. Expanders are typically used for 3-6 months. Although they could feel a bit awkward at first, many individuals claim that expanders are more pleasant than braces.
Fixing Acute Underbites :
- While you sleep, put on a chin cap. Chin caps are external devices that prevent the lower jaw from becoming too large. These hats are customised to suit your unique chin and wrap around to attach to straps that cross the side of the head and loop around the back. Typically, chin caps are only worn for a portion of the day. They might only ever be worn at night.
- Try a face mask in reverse. Reverse face masks, or RFMs, are external apparatuses featuring a chin rest, a metal bar that connects to the top row of teeth, and a forehead rest. An orthodontist may prescribe this appliance, which is worn intermittently to move the upper row of teeth into the proper alignment. For correcting an underbite, RFMs are roughly as effective as chin caps.
- You should discuss surgical correction with your dentist. Surgery may be required to address very severe underbites or underbites in elderly persons. Although an oral surgeon will perform the operation in the end, the process often begins with a consultation at your dentist’s office to determine whether you are a good candidate. In such cases, they will refer you to a local expert.
Performing Cosmetic Adjustments :
- Maintain proper dental hygiene. An underbite cannot be corrected by clean teeth, although they can mask it. You should floss every day, brush your teeth twice a day, and visit the dentist for a cleaning every six months.
- For a little underbite, think about veneers. Veneers on the upper teeth may assist to rectify the aesthetic issues brought on by an underbite in cases when it is extremely modest. Only aesthetic concerns will be addressed; the bite or jaw alignment won’t be altered in any way. In order to change the colour, size, form, and/or length of your teeth, veneers are very thin, white porcelain shells that are glued to the front of your teeth. Individual veneers can be adjusted by your dentist so that they are the ideal size and shape for your smile.
- Find out whether your dentist does “Facelift” procedures. Currently, “Facelift” technique involves altering the lower teeth as well as covering the top teeth with veneers. Dentists who are currently in practise assert that this enhances the look and jaw function of mild to moderate underbites.
How Do You Correct A Child’s Underbite?
Here are a few strategies for treating children’s underbites:
Chin Cap :
A chin cap stops the chin and lower jaw from expanding by wrapping around them. This prevents the lower jaw, which is still forming in youngsters and young adolescents, from adopting the incorrect shape.
Upper Jaw Expander :
Every night, the mouth’s roof extends with a device called a Palatal Expander. However, this broadens the dental arch and aids in appropriate alignment of the upper and lower jaws.
Face Mask With A Reverse Pull :
This tool consists of two pads. with a vertical frame connecting them, one is on the forehead and the other is on the chin. Also, This device gently lifts the upper jaw to align it with the lower jaw.
Final Words
Not only does smiling increase confidence, but it also significantly raises one’s quality of life. So, early identification by a skilled professional orthodontist is essential to appropriately and successfully controlling underbites.
When your child is between the ages of 7 and 10, early treatment for an underbite may be the most effective way to repair the issue.
An underbite can significantly affect your quality of life in addition to posing visual issues. People who have an overbite may find it painful in their mouth and face, as well as challenging to bite and chew their food.
An underbite significantly changes the structure of a person’s face, making the chin protrude and look much bigger than it actually is.
An underbite is a term for a dental condition characterized by lower teeth that extend outward farther than the upper front teeth. This condition is also called a Class III malocclusion or prognathism. It creates a bulldog-like appearance in the mouth and face.
