How to Correct an Underbite   

Do you have an underbite affecting your appearance or causing other dental problems? If so, now is the time to visit your orthodontist in Columbia, SC. An orthodontist will assess your underbite and recommend a corrective treatment option that’s right for you.

What Is an Underbite?

An underbite, or malocclusion, happens when your lower teeth overlap your upper teeth. There are varying degrees of an overbite, from minor misalignments to severe deformities.

What Causes an Underbite?

Many things could cause an underbite.

• Genetics
• Thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, long-term bottle use
• Facial injuries
• Jaw tumors

Problems Caused by an Underbite

There are a wide variety of issues that could be the result of having an uncorrected underbite.

• Jaw pain or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
• Snoring
• Sleep apnea
• Bad breath
• Chewing problems
• Mouth infections
• Speech problems
• Mouth breathing
• Tooth and enamel wear
• Tooth decay from irregular tooth wear

How to Correct an Underbite

The severity of your case will determine the way an orthodontist corrects your underbite. A minor underbite might only require one treatment option, whereas a severe underbite might require using more than one treatment option.

There are several available ways to correct an underbite. However, before your optometrist provides you with their treatment recommendation, they might use some digital imaging technology such as iTero 3D scanner to determine the extent of your underbite.

• Cosmetic underbite correction (this involves fixing your misshapen teeth using dental veneers, etc.)
• Braces or Invisalign clear aligners
• Underbite surgery (to remove teeth if you have too many teeth)
• Jaw surgery (surgery requiring the separation of your front and back jaws, altering them for a better fit and position)

Your orthodontist will examine your mouth and then go over with you the best possible option to correct your underbite. Braces in Columbia, SC are the most common way to correct or align your underbite. It is also the least expensive way to correct an underbite.

The best age for performing underbite correction is between the ages of seven and 10. However, you can have an underbite corrected at any age.

If you need an orthodontist in Columbia, SC, please Contact Tompkins Orthodontics today. We are a family-oriented place filled with laughter and friendly faces and have provided quality dental care for more than 26 years.