Would porcelain veneers treat underbite?

Question

My son now 19 had an underbite. He wore braces for over 2 years, paladar expander, retainers and the rubbers but still the gap is there. He don't want jaw surgery and he is considering the porcelain veneers implant to correct this problem. I would like your opinion about it

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

A skillful cosmetic dentist should be able to easily correct a very minor underbite with porcelain veneers.  Again, the underbite must only be minor.  If the underbite is more moderate to severe, then jaw surgery or braces are the only remedy.  The best thing to do is to get a veneer consult at an excellent cosmetic dental office.  Be sure to review the before and after photos of your potential dentist before choosing him or her.  Veneers are what I do, so "Follow" me if you have more questions about them.Sarah Thompson, DMD

Albert Kurpis, DDS · Answer

Porcelain veneers can sometimes be used to correct minor underbites.  However most underbites are more severe and require more sophisticated methods to correct without surgery.  For example, bites may need to be opened and occlusion changed.  I have performed non surgical underbite correction for 40 years and have found that there are many variations for treatment.  The patient must be seen and evaluated with precise measurements before a restorative option can be determined.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

Yes, porcelain veneers can "sometimes" correct an underbite, but would depend on how much the upper front teeth need to be brought forward to go over the lower teeth.  I've done a number of cases on underbite patients, and although the final result may not look as good as the jaw surgery, it would probably look better than the way he is right now.  In other words, better, but not ideal.One thing to consider also, is that he is only 19 and often males with underbites will continue to grow their lower jaws forward up until the age of 25.  So if you correct this now, and if he continues to grow his lower jaw forward, something may have to be done again in the future.

Charles Sutera, DMD · Answer

This is an excellent question. It is difficult to answer completely without seeing a picture or full examination, but the short answer is veneers could help to enhance the aesthetics of a mild/moderate underbite. Based on the age of your son, if orthognathic surgery was recommended, it may be the preferred option long term. Typically veneer treatment would make sense for a young patient if the teeth were chipped, decayed, or congenitally stained. The process of veneers basically involves removing enamel and reshaping of the teeth to change the alignment and orientation using porcelain which could help to mask an underbite. Since your son is only 19, he may want to consider orthognathic jaw surgery as veneers would require removing some enamel from his very young teeth. Discuss the risks and benefits of his particular case with an aesthetic dentist in your area to help weigh the options. Good luck and best wishes.

Would porcelain veneers treat underbite?

Answers (4)

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