What Causes an Underbite? | Types of Underbites | What issues does an underbite cause? | How to Treat an Underbite | Overbite Vs Underbite
An underbite is a dentistry word that refers to a forward-protruding lower jaw. As a result, the lower jaw extends beyond the upper teeth. The severity of the underbite can range from minor to severe, with the lower jaw overlapping the upper jaw and the teeth failing to contact due to the large gap. More about gap in teeth.
What Causes an Underbite?
Normally, your teeth grow in such a way that the top teeth cover the lower teeth. The molars should be able to fit together. However, a person’s development of such a disease is caused by a number of variables. Here are a few examples:
Genetics
If a member of your family has this ailment, you are more likely to have it as well. The person’s jaw, tooth form, and size are also determined by genetics.
As a result, some people are born with teeth that are unusually close together, impacted, do not grow all of their teeth (hypodontia), are irregularly shaped, overjet, or teeth that do not fit together.
Childhood Habits
Some childhood habits can contribute to the development of an underbite. These habits are:
- thumb sucking (can also cause tongue thrust.)
- Nail biting
- Use of a pacifier by children over the age of three
- Using the tongue to push the teeth
- Long-term bottle-feeding
- Poor oral hygiene practices (which also causes dental plaque and tooth decay)
Injury
Severe injuries to the jawbones may result in permanent damage. Although it is generally feasible to restore a fractured jawbone, the jaws usually do not fit properly even after surgical realignment.
Tumors
Tumors in the jawbones or the mouth may cause the jaws to protrude, resulting in an underbite.
Types of Underbites
Underbites are classified into two categories.
Dental underbites Are a misalignment of the teeth that occurs when a crossbite forms in the front of the mouth rather than the sides. Although the teeth are somewhat forward, the lower jaw does not protrude.
Skeletal underbites occur through a malformation of the jawbone. It is usually genetic.
What issues does an underbite cause?
An underbite is more than an aesthetic problem. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that the more severe this condition is, the more it may cause oral health problems such as:
- Speaking Difficulties
- Difficulties chewing food
- Malocclusion causes discomfort in the mouth and face.
- Sleep apnea
- Tooth enamel wear that is excessive
- Chronic mouth breathing and bad breath
- Prognathism
Furthermore, if you have a prominent underbite, it will impact your confidence.
How to Treat an Underbite
It is common for the teeth to have a slight misalignment at least most of the tooth eruption of the permanent teeth has taken place.However, there are some circumstances when the underbite is severe enough that those who have their underbite repaired will benefit more significantly. Clinical medicine cannot treat underbite on its own, therefore let Finest Dentistry to assist you in correcting your underbite issues.
Below are some of those benefits:
- Your teeth are easy to clean
- Avoids the risk of diseases of the gums.
- It will reduce the tension on the jaws, teeth, and face muscles.
- Reduce your chances of acquiring a dental abscess.
- It lowers the chances of a tooth breaking or tooth loss.
- Reduces the likelihood of getting a temporomandibular joint dysfunction
This issue can only be treated by having it aligned by a specialist. This condition need the services of an orthodontist. Dr Michael Ayzin can cure your underbite with any of the following methods:
Braces -It is the most often used orthodontics treatment for underbite. Transparent braces are unsightly and can be seen when you talk or smile. This issue is solved by using clear aligners. Learn about Cost of Invisalign
Appliances -A variety of devices can be utilized to treat such a condition. These are custom-made for your mouth and might be painful at times because they are more visible than braces. When necessary, orthodontists prescribe this therapy.
The reverse pull face mask is one type of an orthodontic device. This item is comparable to orthodontic headgear that 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 appropriate alignment.
Upper jaw expanders are another form of dental device. With a screw in the middle, the upper jaw expander fits over the upper jaw’s rear teeth. The purpose is to enlarge the upper jaw, increase the dental arch, and shift the teeth within the bone. However, this is dependent on the pathology of the maxilla and mandible.
Tooth Extraction – Extraction of a tooth can alleviate crowding and allow for more natural biting.
Surgery – This should only be used as a last option if the orthodontist considers that all other treatments have failed. It only happens on rare instances since surgery is rarely required to address an underbite.
Orthognathic surgery is a kind of jaw surgery. This is a customized technique that includes separating your jawbones and making unique changes to your jaw alignment.
If you have cleft lip and cleft palate, you may need surgery before fixing your underbite.
Dentistry At Its Finest can help treat your malocclusions
Contact us right away if you are seeking a dentist who can address your underbite. Make an appointment right away!
Overbite Vs Underbite
When your mouth is closed, an overbite occurs when your upper teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively. When you have a smaller jaw or your lower jaw is shorter than your upper jaw, you are more likely to develop this problem.
When your mouth is closed, an underbite occurs when your lower jaw lies in front of your upper jaw. When you have this issue, you will commonly appear to have a projecting chin, however, in less severe cases, this may be more muted.
