Treatment for Underbite? (photos)

Question

Is there any option to treat underbite without surgery? I think I have an overdeveloped mandible. I've read about the surgery and I can't take 3 months off to recover from it.Would invisalign work? Or bottom braces? I'd even consider the overnight headgear. I know tooth extraction is another option, but apparently that does not fix your profile, so my lower lip would still jut out? I had braces but I didn't wear the elastics, and didn't get a retainer. Could getting a retainer fix my underbite?

Gerry Curatola, DDS · Answer

An underbite, also known as a Class III Malocclusion, can be the result of an underdeveloped maxilla (upper jaw) or overdeveloped mandible (lower jaw). Severe cases almost always require orthodontic surgery (orthognathic surgery). However, mild cases, such as yours do very well with simple orthodontic planning. Removable orthodontics such as Invisalign Orthodontics uses clear and removable aligner trays over teeth to expand the upper arch and reduce the flaring or width of the lower arch. Your first photo indicates that you have a simple  edge-to-edge bite with some cross bite. There are often easily corrected with Invisalign therapy.

Robert L. Knudson, DDS · Answer

The secret here would be to get your upper lip better supported by the upper teeth.  Invisalign could be used to bring the upper front teeth forward, leaving a gap behind the canine teeth.  That gap is pretty much out of the smile and certainly better than bulldog bite or jaw surgery.

Treatment for Underbite? (photos)

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Treatment for Underbite? (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.