On the blog, I recently compared overbite vs. underbite. Today, we’re narrowing the focus to underbites specifically.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, an estimated 5–10% of people worldwide have an underbite. While it can be mild, in more severe cases, it affects chewing, speech, and long-term oral health.
In this post, I’ll be sharing eight things to know, including what causes this bite issue, whether underbite correction is really necessary, and the treatment options available for kids, teens, and adults.
What to Know About Underbite Treatment
1. An Underbite is a Type of Malocclusion
First, let’s have a quick refresher: What is an underbite?
It’s a type of malocclusion (bad bite) where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed.
Underbites can range from very mild to severe and are generally classified as:
- Dental underbites, which are due to tooth positioning
- Skeletal underbites, which are related to jaw structure
- A combination of both
Determining which type you have is one of the most important parts of planning treatment.
2. Several Factors Can Cause an Underbite
So what causes an underbite? There can be a few culprits, including:
Genetics
Jaw size and shape, facial structure, and bite patterns are often genetic. Some children simply inherit a tendency toward an underbite.
Jaw Growth Differences
Sometimes, the lower jaw grows too large, or the upper jaw doesn’t grow enough. These skeletal differences, which are also usually genetic, are one of the most common causes of an underbite.
3. Underbite Correction Matters
A mild underbite might not cause significant problems immediately, but bite issues tend to worsen over time, and the timing of correction is crucial.
Without appropriate underbite treatment, patients may have:
- Difficulty biting and chewing food
- Speech challenges
- A prominent chin that juts forward
- Uneven tooth wear
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- An increased risk of cavities and gum disease
- Jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems
- Excessive stress on the gums and supporting bone
- Difficulty closing the mouth comfortably
- Trouble breathing properly through the nose
4. You Can’t Fix an Underbite Naturally
There are videos and articles about how to fix an underbite naturally.
But, as I’ve said before, unfortunately, there aren’t exercises, supplements, or viral social media techniques that can reposition the jaws.
While healthy habits (i.e., stopping thumb sucking, addressing tongue thrust) support proper jaw development in growing children, they don’t correct an established underbite.
The safest and most predictable way to fix an underbite is through orthodontic treatment that is planned and monitored by a certified orthodontic specialist.
5. Braces Can Be Effective in Certain Cases
A question I get a lot is, “Can braces fix an underbite?”
The answer is yes; if it’s an underbite caused by tooth position problems. In some cases, we can successfully use braces for underbite correction.
Traditional braces apply gentle, continuous pressure to move teeth into their ideal positions. If the underbite is due to tooth positioning, braces alone could be a possibility.
However, depending on your bite, I may also use:
- Elastics (rubber bands)
- Bite-correcting auxiliaries
- Other orthodontic appliances
Tools like rubber bands provide the additional connective force needed to improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together.
6. Spark™ Aligners are an Option Too
Many patients are surprised to learn that you can get clear aligners for an underbite.
At Jeffrey Kwong Orthodontics, I use Spark Aligners for underbite treatment in appropriate cases.
I digitally design your custom treatment plan, and the Spark lab prints your aligners based on my prescribed tooth movements. As you wear the aligners, they shift your teeth into place.
For more complex movements, treatment may also include:
- Tooth-colored attachments
- Elastics
- Other bite-correcting techniques
7. Adult Underbites Can Be Treated
Many adults assume they’ve missed their opportunity for treatment. Fortunately, that’s rarely true.
That said, when it comes to how to fix an underbite in adults, the answer depends on the severity and underlying cause.
Mild to Moderate Cases
When the underbite is mostly related to tooth position, we can often achieve excellent results in adults with traditional braces, Spark clear aligners, or InSmile™ hidden braces. Digital options like Spark aligners are particularly effective in staging how we move teeth to correct underbites.
Severe Skeletal Cases
In cases with significant jaw misalignment, underbite surgery (orthognathic surgery) may provide the most stable result. It’s also important to be aware that there are medical considerations, such as sleep apnea, when addressing an underbite.
Treatment typically involves braces or aligners before surgery to prepare the teeth, corrective jaw surgery performed by an oral surgeon, and orthodontics afterward to fine-tune the bite.
The good news is that surgery is generally reserved for the most severe skeletal discrepancies, and a lot of adults can get a great outcome without it.
8. Early Treatment Can Make a Big Difference
Kids are still growing, which is a big advantage. This means orthodontists can use appliances to guide jaw development and eliminate or minimize the underbite.
This is one reason the American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
Early evaluation doesn’t mean every child needs treatment right away. In fact, most don’t. But these early visits do allow me to monitor growth and intervene at the ideal time if I spot any red flags in jaw development.
Early orthodontic treatment may reduce the need for:
- Tooth extractions
- More extensive orthodontic treatment
- Jaw surgery later in life
When Should You See an Orthodontist for an Underbite?
If you suspect you or your child has an underbite, it’s worth scheduling an orthodontic evaluation.
At your initial exam, I use digital scans, photographs, and X-rays to evaluate not only the position of your teeth but also your jaw growth, facial balance, and bite function to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Is Underbite Correction Necessary? The Bottom Line
An underbite isn’t merely a cosmetic issue. Depending on its severity, it can affect your health, speech, comfort, and long-term function.
Thanks to advances in technology and treatments, there are more options for underbite correction than ever before.
Whether treatment involves braces, Spark aligners, growth-guiding appliances, InSmile behind-the-teeth braces, or, in rare cases, underbite surgery, the first step is getting an accurate diagnosis from a certified specialist in orthodontics.
Get Expert Underbite Treatment in El Dorado Hills
At Jeffrey Kwong Orthodontics, my team and I create personalized treatment plans using state-of-the-art digital technology and the latest orthodontic techniques to achieve healthy, stable, long-lasting results.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today to find out which treatment option is right for you!
