What is an Underbite?

An underbite is a dental condition where the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth, causing the lower jaw to extend forward. This misalignment of the teeth and jaw can vary in severity, from a slight overlap to a more pronounced projection. The condition is also known as a Class III malocclusion and can be the result of genetics, childhood habits like thumb-sucking, or jaw development issues.

Long-Term Side Effects

If left untreated, an overbite can lead to various long-term issues, including:

Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders: The misalignment puts extra strain on the jaw muscles and joints, which can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, causing chronic pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing.
Tooth Wear and Damage: The uneven alignment of teeth increases the risk of excessive wear, chipping, or even tooth loss due to the constant friction and pressure during biting and chewing.
Speech Difficulties: An underbite can affect speech, leading to challenges with pronunciation and articulation, especially with sounds like “s” and “z.”
Difficulty Chewing and Swallowing: The misalignment can make it difficult to chew food properly, potentially leading to digestive issues and inadequate nutrition.
Increased Risk of Gum Disease: Misaligned teeth are harder to clean, leading to a higher risk of plaque buildup, gum disease, and cavities.
Aesthetic Concerns: An underbite can impact the appearance of the face, leading to self-esteem issues and a reluctance to smile or engage in social interactions.

Why Get Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment for an overbite is crucial for both oral health and overall well-being. Correcting an overbite can:

Improved Oral Function: Treatment helps realign the teeth and jaws, making it easier to chew, speak, and swallow properly, thus enhancing overall oral function.
Prevention of Future Dental Problems: Correcting an underbite reduces the risk of developing more serious dental issues, such as TMJ disorders, tooth wear, and gum disease.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Orthodontic treatment can improve the appearance of the face and smile, boosting confidence and self-esteem.
Long-Term Health Benefits: Addressing an underbite early can prevent complications that might require more extensive and costly treatments later in life.
Customized Treatment Options: With advancements in orthodontics, a variety of treatment options are available, including braces, clear aligners, and in some cases, surgical interventions, all tailored to meet the patient’s specific needs and severity of the underbite.

Early intervention can prevent more severe complications and promote long-term dental health.

Unlock your best smile with a Free Invisalign consult!

What will happen at your free 45 min consultation (valued at $295)

Orthodontic x-rays & 3D digital teeth scan
Oral Health Therapist will check the health of your teeth
Discussion with our Treatment Coordinator about treatment plans
Explore payment plans and interest free finance options

Hear from our customers

4.9 Over 5087 Reviews

Hannah Lau 15 hours ago

Great service, super efficient. My kids and I go to this clinic and the staff have always been very friendly and accommodating especially with little kids

...

Hanna Brzeski 1 day ago

My today's visit was for " dental hygenist" and I am very satisfied with professional service and I am looking forward for the next visit.

Michele Ricchetti 2 days ago

Really good experience with Dr. Mags. He was friendly and professional and did a great job fixing my chipped front tooth.

Mr GoodKat 2 days ago

Excellent surgery, very modern and well appointed. Staff are very polite and well organised. Underground car parking is also very convenient. Definitely recommended.

Kaliopi 3 days ago

Dr Mohammad is so lovely and very knowledgeable. He developed a tailored treatment plan after intently listening to my needs/wants. I've definitely found my new permanent dentist!

Sonya Rezo 3 days ago

Very happy with treatment. I had deep clean. The dentist was very informative and made feel very calm. I recommend the team at Dental One Craigieburn

Rebecca Fontana 6 days ago

Very welcoming and supportive team. Thank you for the friendly service from the initial booking to the service on the day. Highly recommend

Megan Ung 1 week ago

Highly recommend this place! Great service from everyone - reception staff, dentists and dental assistants. Everyone was friendly, professional and warm.

Sarah Spalding 1 week ago

Dr Mags was kind caring professional and helped me overcome my initial anxieties
All the staff were welcoming and helpful

Udesh Silva 1 week ago

Have been coming here for the last 3 years and it's been a very smooth and pleasant experience. Prices are competitive and the facility is kept neat and tidy.