Would I need jaw surgery or braces to fix my underbite? (Photo)

Question

I am 23 years old. From these pictures, is my underbite sever enough to require jaw surgery or could braces alone fix my underbite and teeth? If I don't address the misalignment now, what problems may arise in the future? Thank you

David Bell, DDS, MD · Answer

Your bite cannot be corrected with braces alone unless you are willing to have teeth extracted from your lower jaw and have your orthodontist create what is known as severe compensations in the positions of your teeth. If you are willing to accept these severe compromises, this may be your best choice. However, while your teeth may fit a bit better together, the overall appearance of your face will not change significantly with braces alone.
If you do not address this misalignment with surgery now, you may not experience any problems whatsoever. However, most states of biologic abnormalities have what is known as a "natural history" that includes a slow, progressive downhill course.
I do not know what type of problems, if any, you are having at present. In some people with a facial structure such as yourself, the consequences of not having jaw surgery may include:
⦁ Abnormal tooth wear. Wear can be significant enough in some cases to require the placement of crowns.⦁ Abnormal mechanical forces resulting in teeth loosening and premature tooth loss.⦁ TMJ problems include muscular pain, arthritis, chronic pain, and progressive joint deterioration.⦁ Continued or worsened difficulty with chewing and speech.⦁ Psychological consequences including low self-esteem due to societal conditioning and the value placed on physical attractiveness, impairments related to social anxiety, and, tragically, the increased risk of ostracism and social isolation, bullying, ridicule, and other forms of abusive behavior. Most of us know these events are commonplace among adolescents and teens. The long-term consequences of these psychological traumas, especially in the developing brain, often lead to lifelong impairment and become "frozen in the psyche" over time. Sadly, they are usually left untreated.⦁ Even if the above consequences do not occur, right or wrong, the reality is that due to the value that our society tends to place being on being young, handsome, or pretty, loss of romantic opportunities and career opportunities are commonplace. The attractiveness of one's face has been described by some as a form of "social currency".I wish you well.

Ian Lehrer, DDS · Answer

Your underbite certainly warrants a consult for jaw surgery. Start with an orthodontist to align the teeth (this may exacerbate the upper and lower jaw discrepancy)

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Would I need jaw surgery or braces to fix my underbite? (Photo)

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