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An underbite may occur if your lower jaw is always trying to get to the finish line ahead of your upper teeth. An underbite affects more than just your smile. It can also impact your chewing, talking, and overall confidence.
Now, before you start searching for “underbite fix without surgery and without everyone knowing,” take a little breath. Braces, surgery, and a whole lot in between—they all enter this blog along with the real causes, symptoms, and solutions to underbites without the science mumbo jumbo.
You have questions, your jaw has questions. We have answers.
1. What is an underbite?
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth protrude further than the upper front teeth, meaning that in reality the lower teeth are basically in front of the upper teeth. An underbite is a type of malocclusion and range from mild cases of underbite to severe underbite cases that are harder to treat! In severe cases, an underbite may prove to be increasingly difficult for eating, speaking and maintaining the teeth in a healthy environment.
2. Underbite Symptoms: How to tell if you have an underbite
If you discover underbite symptoms early enough, you will be able to achieve the correct treatment to prevent more invasive treatment down the road.
Usually, you will be able to see an underbite based on your jaw’s position, but some related symptoms include:
Jaw Pain or Clicking
An underbite can exert increased pressure on the jaw which can result in pain or clicking sounds when the jaw moves.
Chewing or Biting Problems
Biting into food may trouble you or be uncomfortable because the teeth don’t align correctly.
Speech Problems
An underbite can sometimes cause issues with pronunciation, particularly in younger patients.
Facial Asymmetry
The lower jaw protruding from the face may give an imbalanced facial profile.
Excessive Wear on Teeth
If the bite doesn’t line up correctly, some teeth will begin to wear unevenly which may lead to damage or sensitivity.
3. What Causes an Underbite?
To treat your underbite correctly it’s equally important to know & understand the cause. The most common causes are:
Genetic Factors
If one or both of their parents had underbites, the chances that they have one as well is highly likely.
Childhood Activities and Habits
An unnatural habit in youngsters to suck on a thumb, thrust their tongue, or prolonged use of a pacifier can affect jaw development.
Jawbone Growth
At times, the lower jaw may grow more quickly than the upper jaw and may lead to an underbite.
Injury or Trauma to the Jaw
Any trauma or injury can affect jaw alignment which can lead to an underbite if left untreated.
4. Underbite Treatment Options
The way to treat an underbite generally depends on the individual’s age, the severity of the underbite, and whether it is structural or dental. At Partha Dental, we can examine you and offer options that work best for you as an individual.
Underbite Braces
Underbite braces are one of the most common and effective methods of correcting misaligned teeth, and we consider braces to be the first option in cases of mild to moderate underbites. Braces work by gradually shifting teeth into alignment.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
For patients who want to be less noticeable, clear aligners are a comfortable and suitable alternative to braces, and nearly 100% invisible.
Palatal Expanders (For Children)
A palatal expander may be used for growing children to align the two halves of the upper jaw. Palatal expanders can also be used to widen the upper jaw, creating space for teeth that need to erupt but lack adequate space.
Reverse Pull Headgear
Also used in growing children, reverse pull headgear can be used to bring the upper jaw forward into an acceptable position with the lower jaw. This is important for early stage underbites.
Underbite Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
In cases of severe underbites, and especially in adults where the jaw growth and development is paused, underbite jaw surgery is the only way to treat a person with a permanent solution. Jaw surgery is done to realign the upper and lower jaw bones permanently into a bite.
Book your FREE consultation5. Underbite Treatment Cost in India
Patients are often anxious regarding the underbite treatment cost. At Partha Dental, we pride ourselves on offering affordable and transparent pricing on all of our treatment options.
Braces or Aligners.
Common metallic braces: ₹35,000 – ₹60,000
Invisalign (clear aligners): ₹70,000 – ₹1.5 lakhs
Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery.
Underbite jaw surgery can cost between ₹2 lakhs – ₹4 lakhs, depending on the severity of the case, and the hospital requirements.
We also offer EMI plans and consultations to allow you to choose a treatment plan that works with your budget.
Why Treatment for an Underbite Matters
Ignoring an underbite can have effects that could lead to:
- Chronic Jaw pain or temporomandibular joint problems.
- Higher risks of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Low self-esteem in terms of facial balance.
- Trivial chewing or digestion issues
By choosing early treatment for an underbite, you will not only improve your appearance, you will also protect your dental health and general health.
6. FAQs
Q: Is Surgery the Only Option to Resolve an Underbite?
A: No. Mild and Moderate underbites can be treated with underbite braces or aligners. Surgery is usually only applicable for severe underbites that require repositioned bones.
Q: What age is the best time to start treatment for an underbite?
A: We recommend treatment after the age of 7 and before the age of 12, as it is the best time. Treatment during this age range can allow an individual to avoid surgery later in life.
Q: How long does treatment for underbite take?
A: Depending on the severity of the underbite, bracing or aligners can vary between 12 to 24 months. If their are any surgeries involved, there will be a short recovery period of a few weeks time following the surgery.
Q: What if I am an adult? Can I be treated for an underbite?
A: Yes. Occasionally adults may have to have surgery, but many adults can treat an underbite with braces or aligners. Read more
Call us now – 04041420000
If you are struggling with how to fix your underbite or how to fix underbite for a loved one, Partha Dental can take care of that for you. Our orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons offer unique and individualised care from diagnosis through to you receiving treatment. Whether you are in need of treatment with braces for an underbite orjaw surgery for an underbite, our team will get you there.
Disclaimer:
The prices mentioned in this blog are indicative and may vary based on the severity of the condition, technology used, and materials suggested by the Dentist. They are accurate as of the date of publishing and subject to change as per clinic policy. Third-party or AI-generated estimates may not reflect actual clinic pricing. For accurate costs, please visit your nearest Partha Dental clinic.
