Your Southern Ontario Invisalign® Provider
Underbites are common orthodontic issues that can cause speaking and chewing difficulties, but what is the solution? Our orthodontists provide insight and a detailed answer to 'Can an underbite be fixed with braces?' and help guide you on your journey to a straight and healthy smile.
Understanding Underbites
An underbite, referred to as a Class III malocclusion, occurs when the lower teeth extend further than the upper teeth. If not addressed, an underbite can result in persistent headaches, difficulties with speech and chewing, discomfort in the jaw, and an increased risk of tooth decay. Underbites can vary in severity from mild to severe, with the more severe cases presenting a greater likelihood of dental issues.
It's important to identify the signs and symptoms of an underbite and begin treatment early to prevent additional issues.
Causes of Underbites
Genetic factors are one of the main causes of underbites. Our genetics significantly influence the formation of our jaws and teeth, potentially leading to an underbite. However, this condition can also be caused by facial injuries or tumours in the jaw bone.
Symptoms of Underbites
The symptoms of an underbite can range from mild to severe, affecting facial appearance, speech, and oral hygiene. An underbite may also lead to speech difficulties stemming from misaligned teeth.
Untreated underbites have the potential to lead to significant health problems. Common complications include TMJ disorders, bad breath, and sleep apnea. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce these risks and enhance overall oral health.
How Are Braces and Orthodontics Used to Correct Underbites?
Orthodontists typically recommend orthodontic treatment to correct underbites and realign teeth. Braces can address bite issues and help patients achieve a healthy smile by applying gentle, constant pressure to specific teeth, gradually guiding the teeth. Regular adjustments allow for continued movement throughout treatment.
Braces may be accompanied by temporary dental appliances to assist in adjusting the jaw to treat underbites and malocclusions. While braces realign teeth, they may not fully address jaw misalignment. In these cases, elastics or orthodontic headgear may be used with braces to realign the jaw.
The timeline for orthodontic treatment varies based on the patient’s condition and the type of braces. The type of braces that the orthodontist recommends will depend on the patient's orthodontic needs.
What Different Styles of Braces Can Be Used for Underbites?
Conventional Metal Braces
Metal braces are a popular orthodontic treatment option for underbites due to the many options that allow for a fully customized treatment. They consist of four main components: brackets, bands, arch wires, and ligatures. Brackets are attached to each tooth with strong dental adhesive. Bands, which have brackets, are placed on the back molars, encircling the teeth. Arch wires are thin metal wires that run through the brackets and bands across each dental arch. Ligatures are small elastic bands that secure the arch wires to the brackets.
Translucent Braces
Translucent braces consist of ceramic (tooth-coloured) brackets instead of conventional metal. This allows them to blend in with your natural tooth color, making them less noticeable when worn. Overall, translucent braces offer a more discreet appearance than metal brackets.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Unlike traditional metal brackets, bands, and wires, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that fit closely over the teeth. These thin, transparent aligners are a discreet option, often considered comfortable and convenient. Patients can remove and replace their Invisalign aligners at any time, allowing for easier eating, drinking, and maintaining their regular oral hygiene routine. It's important for patients to wear their aligners for 22 hours each day to keep their treatment progress on track.
Surgical Underbite Correction
In cases where the underbite is particularly pronounced, the orthodontist may recommend jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery.
Fortunately, most patients do not need jaw surgery to address an underbite. However, for those with a particularly severe underbite, jaw surgery may be able to provide a permanent solution to their malocclusion.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis & Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment of underbites are crucial for effective management and preventing long-term complications. Early intervention can help:
- Intercept potential issues
- Guide facial and jaw bone growth
- Address bite problems
- Achieve optimal oral health
- Improve aesthetics
What is the recommended age to fix an underbite?
As with most treatments, it's ideal to seek care as early as possible. This could be when a child is as young as 7 in some instances. However, anyone can be a candidate for underbite treatment at any age, as long as they are in good health.