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 5618 Reviews

Dr. Adeela 3 weeks ago

Great dental experience today, friendly staff, and Dr Imran was amazing, Kind, gentle and explained everything well. Felt comfortable for my crown appointment. Highly recommended!

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LL LL 3 weeks ago

Kids had a great experience getting their teeth checked, and were keen on another visit. The doctors made the kids feel very comfortable.

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Professional staff. Good time management. Friendly reception. Had attended for both myself and my daughter. Great experience for both.

Yutika Saxena 3 weeks ago

It was a great experience with your staff members. Doctors are very friendly and proficient with their work. Hope to see you soon!

Angie Dandrea 3 weeks ago

This young dentist took the time to take all the stains out of my teeth with great care and dedication! Will be seeing her in future

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Very professional Dr Imran and very good approch of explaining everything before started.. I am very happy with the services and would recommend definitely 💯

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Really great experience with Dr. Hedra and nurse Tran! They made sure I was comfortable throughout the whole appointment and was very thorough. Definitely coming here again :)

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Excellent services 🤗
Very professional stuff, they receptionists were very kind and help me to much. The doctor did an amazing job. Thanks guys for your passion doing this 🙏

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We had a great experience with Mimi. She was kind and had alot of patience with my 5 year old who was nervous for her first dental appointment.