Everything you should know about Underbite
What Causes an Underbite? | Types of Underbites | What issues does an underbite cause? | How to Treat an Underbite | Overbite Vs Underbite
A lower jaw that protrudes forward is known as an underbite in dentistry. The lower jaw extends past the upper teeth as a result of this. The degree of an underbite can range from a minor underbite, in which the lower jaw overlaps the upper jaw, to a severe underbite, in which the teeth do not connect due to a large gap in teeth. Read about Bite Alignment and hidden bracket braces.
What Causes an Underbite?
Your teeth usually grow in such a way that the top teeth cover the lower teeth. The molars should be able to fit together. Several variables, however, contribute to the development of such a syndrome. Here are a few of them:
Genetics
If a member of your family has the condition, you're more likely to have it as well. The jaw, tooth form, and size are all determined by genetics.
As a result, some people are born with teeth that are crowded together, impacted, do not develop all of their teeth (hypodontia), are irregularly shaped, have an overjet, or do not fit together.
Childhood Habits
The development of an underbite might be aided by certain childhood practices. The following are some of these habits:
- Pushing of the teeth using the tongue
- Thumb sucking (can also cause tongue thrust.)
- Nail biting
- Children three years old and above using pacifier
- Long-term bottle-feeding
- Bad oral hygiene habits (which also causes dental plaque and tooth decay)
Injury
Jawbones can be permanently damaged by severe trauma. A fractured jawbone may typically be repaired, however even after surgical realignment, the jaws usually don't fit together properly.
Tumors
Tumors in the jawbones or mouth can cause the jaws to protrude, resulting in an underbite.
Types of Underbites
There are two types of underbites.
Dental underbites are a teeth misalignment and occur when a crossbite appears in the front part of the mouth rather than the sides. The teeth are slightly forward, but the lower jaw does not stick out.
Skeletal underbites is caused by a jawbone deformity. It's almost always inherited.
What Issues Does an Underbite Cause?
An underbite is a problem that is more than simply aesthetic. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the more serious this disease is, the more likely it is to lead to oral health issues like:
- Mouth, and face pain due to malocclusion.
- Difficulty in chewing the food
- Challenges with speaking
- Sleep apnea
- Prognathism
- Excessive wear of the tooth enamel
- Chronic mouth breathing and bad breath
Furthermore, if you have a prominent underbite, it will impact your confidence.
How to Treat an Underbite
At least most of the tooth eruption of the permanent teeth has occurred, it is usual for the teeth to have a little misalignment. However, in other circumstances, if the underbite is severe enough, those who have their underbite fixed will reap more advantages. Clinical medicine is unable to cure underbite on its own, therefore let Taft Hill Orthodontics assist you in resolving your underbite issues.
Below are some of those benefits:
- Avoids the risk of diseases of the gums.
- Reduce the risk of developing a dental abscess.
- Your teeth are easy to clean
- Jaws, teeth, and face muscles will be less stressed.
- It reduces the risk of breaking a tooth or tooth loss
- Reduces the chance of developing a temporomandibular joint disorder
This issue can only be treated by having it aligned by a specialist. This issue need the assistance of an orthodontist. Any of the following treatments can be used by Dr. Timothy Hardy DDS to correct your underbite:
Braces - It is the most prevalent type of orthodontic treatment for underbite. Braces are not inconspicuous and can be seen when you talk or smile. This issue is solved by using clear aligners.
Appliances - To cure such a problem, certain equipment can be employed. Because they are more obvious than braces, they are custom-made for your mouth and might be unpleasant. When this therapy is required, orthodontists advise it.
The reverse full facemask is an orthodontic device. This device resembles orthodontic headgear in that it wraps around your head. This method of treating underbite includes connecting metal bands to your upper back teeth so that the device may gently move your upper jaw into place.
The upper jaw expander is a different sort of dental device. With a screw in the centre, the upper jaw expander fits over the upper jaw's rear teeth. The purpose is to extend the upper jaw, broaden the dental arch, and relocate the teeth within the bone. However, the pathology of the maxilla and mandible must be taken into consideration.
Tooth Extraction - When a tooth is extracted, it can help to reduce crowding and allow for more natural biting.
Surgery - If the orthodontist considers that all other treatments have failed, this should be considered as a last resort. Surgery is seldom required to correct an underbite, therefore it only happens on rare instances.
Orthognathic surgery, for example, is a kind of jaw surgery. This is a one-of-a-kind operation that entails splitting your jawbones and customizing your jaw position.
If you have a cleft lip or palate, you may need surgery before fixing your underbite.
Overbite Vs Underbite
When your mouth is closed, an overbite occurs when your top teeth overlap the bottom teeth too much. When you have a smaller jaw or your lower jaw is shorter than your upper jaw, you're more likely to have this problem.
When your mouth is closed, your lower jaw lies in front of your upper jaw, which is known as an underbite. You'll have a projecting chin if you have this disorder, but it may be more muted in less severe cases.
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