Causes and Treatment of an Under Bite Explained By West Cobb Dentistry

An underbite according to Kennesaw dental practice is a malocclusion that occurs when lower teeth overlap upper teeth. Some people refer to this as a “bad bite.” Underbites can vary in their degree. Some occur when the two rows of teeth almost meet, and others involve teeth that don’t meet at all because the gap is too wide. Many people are eager to eliminate their overbites because the structural issue can give the appearance that too much emotion is being expressed. Most underbites occur as a result of a misaligned lower jaw. Those with a hereditary Crouzon syndrome or basal cell nervous syndrome might have underbites.

What Causes an Underbite

Underbites are generally caused by genetics, meaning that nothing external causes them and they can’t be prevented. Individuals with this type of underbite were just born with it and it most likely runs in the family. Such genetic factors include a large lower jaw or overcrowding of the teeth. Less frequently, some underbites can have a physical origin caused by childhood behaviors. Such risk factors include excessive thumb sucking, mouth breathing, constantly thrusting the tongue against the teeth, using a pacifier or bottle for too long, and bad chewing habits. These underbites can likely be prevented by teaching proper chewing habits and following a pediatrician’s advice regarding pacifier and bottle usage.

Treatment Options

There are both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options to correct underbites no matter how severe. It is best to start treatment when the patient is still a child since their jaw is still growing and forming and is more easily manipulated into proper alignment. Some treatment options for children with underbites include:

  • An upper jaw expander, a device that is placed in the upper jaw which can be widened nightly until treatment is complete.
  • A reverse-pull face mask, which wraps around the head and attaches to metal bands on the back upper teeth to pull the upper jaw forward.
  • A chin cap, which restricts the growth of the lower jaw.
  • Braces to adjust the misaligned teeth.

Not every treatment will completely eliminate the need for surgery later in life. But if the underbite is mild or dental your dentist may choose to do nothing and treat it with dental braces as a teenager or adult. Regardless of what type of procedure is used early on, braces are usually needed later to complete treatment.

Kennesaw Underbite Treatment For Adults

Adult treatment for underbites is more limited. Once the jaws have fully formed, expanders and masks will not help. If the underbite is skeletal in nature, dental surgery is typically needed to reposition the jaw. During this surgery, the lower jaw is pushed back or upper jaw is moved forward into a more desirable position.

At West Cobb Dentistry, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle compassionate care that you deserve from a dentist in Kennesaw, GA. Visit our website: https://westcobbdentistry.com/ for information

West Cobb Dentistry
5255 Stilesboro Rd NW #150

Kennesaw, GA 30152
(770) 794-3332

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