Are You Concerned About an Underbite?

We all would love a great smile. But unfortunately, many of us do not like our teeth and try to hide them in the family holiday photos. Are you that one smiling with your lips closed or perhaps the one hiding behind your brother or sister? If so, it might be time to find a solution to help with your underlying personal issue with your teeth and smile.

A person who has underbite has their lower teeth extended outward. This is one condition that often makes people feel self-conscious about their looks. That’s because it creates a bulldog-like appearance in both their mouth and face.

Let’s talk about how an underbite affects more than looks.

While some people have learned to live with mild underbite cases, people with severe cases often find it difficult to chew and bite food. Experts also say there can be challenges when speaking. Meanwhile, others experience pain because of the misalignment of their jaw.

Primary Causes of an Underbite

Typically, a person’s teeth grow in a position where the upper teeth fit a little over their lower teeth. But certain factors can affect a person’s teeth alignment.

Childhood Habits

One of them is childhood habits. Since a child’s body is still in its formative years, any undesirable pattern can increase the risk of developing dental misalignment. Thumb sucking or even pushing their teeth with their tongue can cause their teeth to get misaligned. Also, children above the age of three who are still using a pacifier are at risk of getting an underbite.

Genetics

There are also times when the person acquires the condition from his or her parents. If at least one other person in either of your parent’s side has an underbite, then there’s a high chance that you’ll have it too. Experts say that genetics also influences a person’s tooth shape as well as its size.

Aside from genetics and childhood habits, injuries, and tumors can also affect the development of a person’s jaws. That’s why it’s best to get the right treatment for the underbite before it gets worse.

Underbite Correction and Treatment

There are several ways to help treat and correct an underbite. Aside from getting ClearCorrect Invisible Aligners, jaw surgery, and other dental appliances.

Two of the most common types of corrective orthodontic appliances that experts use for young patients are the reverse-pull face mask and an upper jaw expander. In extreme conditions, you may need to undergo an orthognathic jaw surgery procedure. Doing so will help reposition the jaw that carries the lower teeth and reassign it further back.

Mild Underbite

In mild cases, patients can undergo a cosmetic dentistry procedure. Doing so will help reshape the lower teeth. Once completed, experts will then fit veneers to the upper teeth to realign it. Although it doesn’t resolve the problem, the facelift technology will help make the underbite less visible.

Let’s Address Your Underbite

As we have provided a few things to know about underbites, Dr. Paul Feldman at Suburban Essex Dental is here to address any of your dental concerns, whether it be underbite issues or something else, we are here to help you.

Remember that having misaligned teeth is normal, especially when the person is at a young age. But if you feel that it’s affecting your life, it’s best to get in touch. Let’s find a solution and address it so you can join in on the fun and enjoy the family holiday photos again.

Our welcoming office is located in West Orange, New Jersey in Essex County. Take a look at our Birdeye score of 5-star reviews. We would love for you to become part of this long list of happy patients.