Early Underbite Correction Prevents the Need For Surgery

Orthodontists and dentists estimate that between 5 to 15 percent of the world population has an underbite.

While a small percentage suffer with this problem, orthodontists have worked tirelessly to ease the correction process.

An early orthodontic consultation for clients and their families is recommended. If we can identify underbite or overbite early on, the correction may not need to be as severe. It's better to give consultations to families because correction later on in life can many times necessitate surgery because bones have already developed and fallen into place.

According to the Dental Care Source website, those who suffer from an underbite, commonly considered a type of malocclusion among orthodontists, have a lower jaw jutting up and outward that moderately overlaps the upper teeth.

Underbite is often hereditary, but it has also been known to stem from abnormal chewing habits.

The main problem with having an underbite is that it can lead to TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder, problems with speech, eating, self-confidence, and discomfort in the jaw.

The innovations in the fields of orthodontics and dentistry have made identifying and correcting an underbite much easier and less painful.

Initially, most orthodontists recommended waiting until a child was fully developed to realign the jaw surgically. Now orthodontists recommend beginning treatment as early as possible to avoid correcting an underbite surgically. Children as young as 5 or 6 have undergone corrective treatment and evaded the use of surgery to correct their underbite.

There are several options orthodontists use to fix underbites including: a chin cap, an expander, a reverse-pull face mask and orthodontic braces. However, those needing braces may need to recuperate from previous treatments first.

A chin cap is typically the most basic option for young children and is used to "control the growth process of the jaw and lower chin," according to Dental Care Source. The cap is placed around the chin and extends to the top of the head.

The expander can help a child with an underbite by "expanding" the upper jaw and thus improving their bite. The expander is worn full time and is a tool accompanied with a key that helps widen the upper jaw. Once the jaw is widened, then a child will begin using the reverse-pull face mask.

A non-surgical option for underbite correction is the use of this reverse-pull face mask. The reverse-pull face mask resembles a catcher's mask and it is what orthodontists use many times in combination with the expander. The mask is worn at a minimum of 16 hours per day.

Unfortunately for adults, if there is an underbite it is already skeletal and surgery may be required to fix the alignment of your jaw.

Braces are usually applied to adults for one to three years before jaw surgery takes place. During the surgery, the surgeon will push the lower jaw back, pull the upper jaw forward, or both, depending on the severity of the condition. Mild underbites can be treated without surgery using braces, possible tooth extractions, and even Invisalign invisible braces.

To avoid the expense and associated risks of jaw realignment surgery, orthodontists recommend having an orthodontic consultation at an early age. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists advises that children should have their first orthodontic checkup no later than age 7.

If your child has an underbite, be sure to schedule an appointment for with your Surrey orthodontics specialist today. It could save you and your child much grief down the road.