The jaw is a complicated part of the body. Its position can be affected by childhood behaviors such as thumb sucking, teeth grinding during sleep, chronic mouth breathing, or using a bottle or pacifier too late into child development.
Adults who experience sleep apnea, arthritis, or who’ve been injured may also have improper alignment of the jaw.
Two common problems of the jaw are excessive overbite, in which the top teeth overlap the bottom, and an underbite, in which the lower teeth overlap the top.
In today’s blog, we discuss the causes and orthodontic treatments for an underbite. Read on to learn more!
What Causes an Underbite?
An underbite may be caused by many different factors.
As with many health conditions, genetics are the strongest determining factor whether someone has an underbite. Other factors include two common childhood behaviors: thumb sucking and tongue thrusting (a condition in which the tongue presses against the back of the teeth, causing alignment issues in the teeth and the jaw).
For this reason, it is advisable that children be discouraged from these behaviors before they become chronic habits.
What Orthodontic Treatments are Available for an Underbite?
Treatments for underbites are most effectively administered to children, because their jaws are still developing. In most cases, braces will provide an appropriate fix. Alternatives include palatal expanders or, in more severe cases, a chin cap to restrict the continued jutting of the lower jaw.
Braces can benefit adults with an underbite, but jaw surgery may be needed to correct the issue. In some cases, a combination of both treatments will do the trick.
For Your Orthodontics, Choose Parkcrest Dental Group
Parkcrest Dental Group is a trusted orthodontics provider in the Springfield area. If you’re concerned about the appearance of yours or your child’s smile, don’t hesitate to give us a call and schedule an appointment. We’re here for you and your family!
