Underbite
What is underbite?
An underbite is when the lower jaw protrudes out beyond the upper jaw. The clinic term for this is prognathism and it can result in a number of symptoms including pain and discomfort, but also self-consciousness. The level of malocclusion ranges from minor to severe and it is quite a rare condition.
Underbites tend to be genetic and overcrowding of teeth and related symptoms often run in families too. They can be caused by some childhood behaviours such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting against the teeth, mouth breathing and extended use of dummies or bottles.
Complications of an underbite
Underbites can impact your physical and mental health. They can cause complications that lead to other jaw issues including chronic pain or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) which can cause the jaw to feel locked or stuck and result in considerable pain. An underbite can also cause difficulty with chewing, eating, speech issues, chronic mouth breathing and sleep apnoea.
An underbite affects the shape and presentation of your face and mouth. People often become self-conscious about their appearance due to an underbite and this can be a leading factor in deciding to consider surgery.
Treatment for underbite
Patients may consider a range of orthodontic treatments for underbite, however in moderate to severe cases surgery is often recommended. Most patients will have a combined treatment plan with a surgeon and orthodontic specialist working together. Patients may initially wear braces to ensure the teeth are properly positioned and will remain so after surgery. Surgery for an underbite involves moving a section of the jaw into a pre-planned position to correct the underbite. It is a complex and significant procedure and patients will have the chance to fully discuss their options before making a final decision.
Orthognathic surgery is not a quick fix and patients must prepare for a long journey including significant post-operative orthodontic work in many cases. However, the results can be transformative and patients benefit from a repositioned jaw and their symptoms are quickly cured.
The benefits of surgery to correct an underbite include:
Improved oral hygiene thanks to brushing becoming easier
A new facial shape
Speech improvements
Improvement in biting and chewing
Self-esteem and confidence boost
Before and After Images
Before and After Videos