What is an underbite?
An underbite is a malocclusion where the
lower teeth extend outward farther than the upper front teeth. This can create
a bulldog-like appearance in the mouth and face. Some cases can be severe
causing the lower teeth to extend far forward. Other cases are milder and
almost unnoticeable.
What causes an underbite?
·
Thumb sucking.
·
Tongue thrust when
swallowing.
·
Using a pacifier in
children above age 3.
·
Genetics.
·
Injury.
·
Tumors.
Why does an underbite need to be fixed?
Patients
with milder cases may not have any oral health problems but the patients with a
more severe case may have the following:
·
Struggle biting food.
·
Difficulty chewing
food.
·
Challenges when
speaking.
·
Mouth/face pain due to
misalignment
How does an orthodontist correct an
underbite?
·
Surgery
·
Braces/Clear Aligners
·
Elastic wear
Patients that
have all their adult teeth can use a combination of braces and elastics.
Patients that have severe cases may need to have surgery along with braces and
behavior modification.
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