Hello! Dr. Sean Carlson here. Today, I’d like to discuss one of the more common bite issues we see in children: the underbite. An underbite occurs when the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw, causing the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth. This misalignment can impact a child’s speech, chewing function, and even their confidence. If left untreated, an underbite can lead to more severe dental and skeletal issues down the road.
So, can braces fix a child’s underbite? The short answer is yes, braces can effectively treat an underbite in most children. Often, we combine braces with other orthodontic appliances to guide jaw growth and realign the bite. Here’s an in-depth look at how braces help correct an underbite, the advantages of early treatment, and what you can expect during the process.
Understanding Underbites and Their Impact on Health
Before we dive into treatment options, it’s helpful to understand why underbites occur and how they impact a child’s overall health. Underbites can develop due to various factors, including genetics, thumb-sucking habits, or abnormalities in jaw growth. In many cases, underbites are inherited, meaning if one or both parents had an underbite, there’s a good chance their child may develop one as well.
The presence of an underbite can create several challenges, such as
– Difficulty Chewing and Biting: The improper alignment of the teeth makes it challenging for children to chew food properly, which can impact digestion and nutrition.
– Speech Issues: Children with an underbite may struggle with certain sounds and may develop a lisp or other speech impediments.
– Increased Risk of Tooth Wear: The misaligned bite can cause uneven pressure on the teeth, leading to premature wear and an increased risk of tooth damage.
– Aesthetic Concerns: An underbite often affects facial appearance, with the lower jaw protruding noticeably. This can lead to self-consciousness and impact a child’s confidence as they grow.
Correcting an underbite early, while the child’s jaw is still developing, is ideal because the treatment process becomes simpler, and we can avoid more invasive procedures down the line.
How Braces Work to Correct an Underbite
In treating an underbite, the approach depends on the severity of the misalignment and the child’s age. Braces alone may correct a mild underbite, but for moderate to severe cases, we often combine braces with other orthodontic appliances.
Here’s how braces and additional tools work together to correct an underbite:
- Aligning Teeth with Braces: Braces help align the teeth within each arch (upper and lower) to ensure that they’re in their ideal positions. In the case of an underbite, we typically focus on aligning the upper teeth first, creating enough space and positioning to improve the bite.
- Guiding Jaw Growth with Expanders: If the underbite is due to a narrow upper jaw, a palatal expander can be used to widen the upper jaw gradually. This device, which fits onto the upper palate, gently pushes the bones outward, creating more space for teeth and allowing the upper jaw to align better with the lower jaw.
- Correcting Severe Jaw Discrepancies with a Facemask: For younger children whose jaws are still growing, we might use a facemask, which encourages the forward growth of the upper jaw. This device, which is worn around the face, applies gentle pressure to the upper jaw, helping it move forward into better alignment with the lower jaw.
- Using Elastics for Fine-Tuning: Once we have achieved some initial correction, we might use elastics to bring the upper and lower teeth closer together and fine-tune the bite. Elastics are small rubber bands attached to hooks on the braces, and they help guide the teeth and jaws into the ideal bite position.
This multi-step approach allows us to address both the positioning of the teeth and the growth of the jaw, leading to a more stable and effective outcome.
Advantages of Early Underbite Correction
I always encourage parents to address underbites as early as possible. Here’s why:
– Maximizing Natural Growth: Since children’s bones are still growing, we can use orthodontic devices to guide the jaw’s natural development. Early treatment enables us to gently realign the jaw while it’s still adaptable.
– Avoiding More Complex Treatment Later: An untreated underbite may require surgical intervention in the teen or adult years. Addressing it early often eliminates the need for jaw surgery and ensures a smoother, faster treatment journey.
– Improving Function and Aesthetics: Early treatment helps correct chewing and speech issues, and it can significantly improve facial symmetry, helping a child feel more confident.
– Preventing Future Dental Issues: By correcting an underbite early, we reduce the risk of issues like enamel wear, gum recession, and other problems associated with uneven bite pressure.
The Process of Treating a Child’s Underbite
When a child comes into my office with an underbite, the first step is a comprehensive evaluation, which includes taking X-rays, photos, and digital scans. This assessment helps us understand the exact structure of the child’s jaws, teeth, and overall bite alignment. Once I have a clear picture, we’ll discuss a treatment plan that’s tailored to their needs.
- Palatal Expander (if necessary): For children with a narrow upper jaw, treatment might begin with a palatal expander. This appliance is worn for several months to gradually widen the upper jaw, creating more space for the teeth to align properly.
- Facemask Appliance: If we’re addressing jaw alignment in a younger child, a facemask appliance may be worn outside the mouth. Typically, it’s worn for 10-12 hours a day, often while sleeping. This helps the upper jaw move forward, improving the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
- Braces Placement: Once we’ve adjusted the jaw position, we place braces to align the teeth within each arch. We start with the upper teeth and gradually move to the lower teeth, aligning them and preparing them to fit together correctly.
- Elastics for Bite Adjustment: In the later stages, elastics may be used to adjust the bite and ensure the upper and lower teeth come together properly. This final step ensures a functional and aesthetic bite.
The entire process usually takes between 12 and 24 months, depending on the child’s age, the severity of the underbite, and their adherence to wearing appliances as prescribed.
Expected Results and Real Success Stories
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing firsthand how underbite correction can transform a child’s quality of life. One of my young patients, Sarah, had a severe underbite and a narrow upper jaw. She had difficulty chewing and was self-conscious about her appearance. We started with a palatal expander to widen her upper jaw, followed by a facemask appliance to bring her upper jaw forward. Once her upper jaw was in the ideal position, we placed braces to align her teeth. The final result was life-changing for Sarah; not only did she have a healthier bite, but her confidence soared.
Another case involved a boy named Tyler, who had a mild underbite. In his case, braces alone were enough to correct the alignment, along with elastics for bite adjustment. By the end of his treatment, Tyler had a beautifully aligned smile and no longer felt self-conscious about his bite.
These stories highlight the profound difference early orthodontic intervention can make in a child’s health and confidence.
Common Questions About Underbite Correction
- At what age should underbite correction begin?
– I recommend beginning an evaluation as early as age 7. Treatment is often most effective when started between ages 7 and 10, while the bones are still developing.
- Will my child need surgery to correct their underbite?
– In most cases, early orthodontic intervention can prevent the need for surgery. However, if treatment is delayed until adolescence or adulthood, surgical correction may be necessary.
- How often will my child need to visit the orthodontist during treatment?
– Typically, we schedule appointments every 4 to 6 weeks to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
The Long-Term Benefits of Correcting an Underbite Early
Correcting an underbite early has significant long-term benefits. Children experience improved function and aesthetics, enjoy easier dental hygiene, and often avoid future complications like jaw pain and dental wear. Importantly, the confidence that comes from a well-aligned bite and beautiful smile is something that children carry with them as they grow.
If your child has an underbite, I encourage you to come in for a consultation at Simple Orthodontics. Early intervention can be life-changing, setting them on the path to a healthy, beautiful smile and improved quality of life. Let’s work together to give your child the confidence and functionality they deserve!
