A Class III malocclusion, or underbite, is a dental problem in which, when the mouth is closed, the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth. This mismatch can have an impact on a person's general health and well-being in addition to their looks. Individuals can address the issue by taking the required actions if they are aware of the reasons for underbites and the available treatment choices. The causes of underbites, their effects on health, and treatment options will all be covered in this article.
What is an Underbite?
One kind of dental malocclusion known as an underbite is when the lower jaw extends past the upper jaw, causing the lower teeth to overlap the higher teeth. The top and lower teeth in a typical bite overlap slightly to allow for healthy eating and speaking. This equilibrium is upset in those who have an underbite, which can result in several possible issues.
Underbites can range in severity from mild cases that hardly show up to more visible cases that make it difficult to talk, eat, or even seem like you have an underbite.
Why Does an Underbite Happen?
An underbite can develop as a result of several reasons, including lifestyle choices and genetics. These are the most typical reasons:
1. Genetics
Genetics is the most important determinant in the development of an underbite. An underbite increases the likelihood that a kid may inherit the dental problem if one or both parents have it. This is because jaw structure and size are frequently inherited between generations. A smaller upper jaw (maxilla) or a bigger lower jaw (mandible) are frequently the causes of an underbite.
2. Childhood Habits
Some childhood behaviors can lead to the development of an underbite, particularly if they are carried out over an extended length of time. Among these behaviors are:
- Sucking one's thumb
- Prolonged pacifier usage
- Pushing the tongue against the teeth is known as tongue thrusting.
- Prolonged use of bottles
These behaviors may put pressure on the teeth and jaw, which might cause misalignment.
3. Trauma or Injury
An underbite may result from facial trauma or injury if the jaw is dislocated or cracked. Underbite can sometimes be irreversibly caused by poor healing or misalignment after the injury.
4. Growths or Tumors
An underbite can result from the lower jaw protruding due to tumors or abnormal growths in the jawbone. Despite being uncommon, these illnesses need to be evaluated and treated by doctors.
What Effects Does Underbite Have on Dental Health?
An underbite can result in several dental and medical issues in addition to being a cosmetic concern. The following are a few possible complications:
Difficulty Chewing: Over time, improper food chewing caused by an underbite may result in digestive problems.
Pain in the jaw: An underbite can cause additional pressure on the muscles and joints of the jaw, which can result in pain, particularly in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Tooth Wear: An irregular biting pattern can lead to excessive wear on certain teeth, which raises the possibility of gum disease and tooth decay.
Sleep Apnea: Severe underbites may be a contributing factor in sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing obstructions in the airway cause breathing to stop during sleep.
Can an Underbite Be Fixed?
It is possible to correct an underbite, and the kind of therapy chosen will depend on the patient's age and the severity of the disease. The following are the most popular techniques for fixing underbites:
1. Braces
One of the most popular treatments for underbites, particularly in kids and teens, is braces. They function by progressively realigning the jaw and teeth. In certain situations, braces may be used in conjunction with expanders or rubber bands to treat misaligned jaws.
2. Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, can be a good substitute for braces for mild to moderate underbites. The teeth are progressively moved into the proper position over time by wearing these specially manufactured trays over them. Adult patients seeking a less obvious orthodontic treatment frequently choose clear aligners.
3. Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
Jaw surgery could be necessary in more severe situations if there is a major misalignment of the jaw structure. Repositioning the jawbones is the goal of orthognathic surgery to establish optimal alignment of the upper and lower teeth. This is typically carried out in combination with orthodontic procedures such as braces.
4. Dental Appliances
To treat an underbite in youngsters before their bones fully grow, certain dental tools like palatal expanders can be used to progressively enlarge the upper jaw.
5. Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction may be suggested to provide more room and enable the surviving teeth to move into a better position if crowding is causing the underbite.
When to Seek Treatment
Correcting an underbite successfully requires early intervention. Orthodontists frequently examine children as early as age 7, while their jaws are still developing and easier to reposition. It's never too late to get therapy, though. Orthodontic therapy and surgery can also help adults with underbites, however, recovery times may be longer.
Read More
