What Is an Underbite?
An underbite is a type of bite problem where the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when you bite down. In many cases the lower jaw looks as if it is “sticking out” compared to the upper jaw.
A slight mismatch between the upper and lower teeth can be easy to miss, but a more noticeable bite imbalance can affect the way the smile looks, how comfortably you chew, and how the teeth wear over time.
At Kendrick Orthodontics in Kissimmee, FL, we regularly see children, teens, and adults with this kind of bite. Some situations involve only the teeth, while others are related to the size or position of the jaws (a Class III bite). An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward the right treatment.
Signs You or Your Child May Have an Underbite
Common signs of this bite pattern include:
- The lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when you bite together
- The chin looks more prominent, or the lower jaw appears ahead of the upper jaw
- Difficulty biting into foods such as sandwiches, pizza, or apples
- Excessive wear or chipping on the edges of the front teeth
- A smile that looks “bulldog-like” or has a very strong lower-jaw appearance
- Jaw discomfort or tension in the cheeks and lower jaw muscles
If you notice any of these signs, an orthodontic evaluation is the best way to find out what is really happening with the bite and which treatment options are available.
Why an Underbite Can Be a Problem
A pronounced lower-jaw bite is more than a cosmetic concern. If it is not treated, it can lead to:
- Excessive wear, flattening, or chipping of the front teeth
- Difficulty biting and chewing certain foods
- Increased risk of gum recession and bone loss around the front teeth
- Jaw joint or muscle discomfort in some patients
- Asymmetry of the lower face or a “strong chin” appearance that some patients do not like
- Speech changes in certain cases
Correcting the bite helps protect the teeth and gums, improves function, and can give the smile a more balanced, harmonious look.
What Causes an Underbite?
This type of bite can develop for several reasons. Common causes include:
- A naturally larger or more forward-positioned lower jaw
- A smaller or retrusive upper jaw
- Dental crowding or early loss of baby teeth that allows other teeth to drift
- Childhood habits such as extended pacifier use or thumb sucking in some cases
- Genetic and inherited jaw size and shape
- A combination of tooth-position problems and jaw-position problems
During your visit at Kendrick Orthodontics in Kissimmee, FL, Dr. James Kendrick will take photos, X-rays, and a digital scan to determine whether the problem is mainly in the teeth, the jaws, or both. This allows him to design a truly custom treatment plan for each patient.
Underbite Treatment for Children and Teens
For growing patients, early treatment can make a big difference, because the jaws are still developing and respond well to gentle orthopedic guidance.
Treatment options for children and teens may include:
- Palatal expanders and growth-guiding appliances to help the upper jaw develop properly
- Braces with elastics to improve the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Functional appliances or facemask therapy in certain cases to encourage healthier jaw relationships
- Observation with periodic check-ups in milder cases, until the best timing for treatment is clear
Example: A child with a narrow upper jaw and a lower-jaw bite may first wear an expander and growth-guiding appliance for several months, then transition into braces to finish aligning the teeth and bite.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist by age 7. This early visit helps detect issues such as crossbites and lower-jaw bites before they become more complicated to correct.
Underbite Treatment for Adults
Adults with this bite problem can also achieve excellent results. Even though the jaws are no longer growing, modern orthodontics offers powerful tools to correct many cases.
Treatment options for adults may include:
- Braces (metal or ceramic) for precise control of tooth movement
- Clear aligners such as Invisalign® for patients who prefer a more discreet option
- Elastics to help coordinate the upper and lower arches
- Palatal expansion or other appliances in selected adult cases
- Combined orthodontic and jaw surgery for more severe skeletal problems, when needed
At Kendrick Orthodontics, many adult patients come in saying, “My teeth are straight, but my bite feels off and my front teeth are wearing down.” With a carefully planned treatment plan, we can often reduce excessive wear, improve comfort, and give the smile a softer, more balanced appearance.
Braces vs. Clear Aligners for Underbite Correction
Both braces and clear aligners can be used to correct certain lower-jaw bite patterns. The best choice depends on the relationship between the jaws, the severity of the problem, and the patient’s goals.
Braces
- Always on your teeth, so they work 24/7
- Excellent for more significant or complex bite problems
- Can be metal or more discreet ceramic brackets
- Allow very detailed control for finishing the bite
Clear aligners
- Nearly invisible and removable for eating and brushing
- Work well for many mild to moderate cases when worn as directed
- Can be combined with small tooth-colored attachments and elastics for extra control
At your consultation, Dr. Kendrick will explain which option is most likely to give you the most reliable, long-lasting correction for your specific situation.
When Should You See an Orthodontist About an Underbite?
You should schedule an orthodontic evaluation if:
- You see that the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth
- Your child’s smile looks “edge to edge” or under-corrected
- You notice wear, chipping, or flattening of your front teeth
- You have jaw discomfort or a feeling that your bite does not come together evenly
- You are unhappy with the appearance of your smile because the chin looks too strong or prominent
- You had previous orthodontic treatment, but the bite imbalance has come back
An early visit can keep a developing problem from turning into a bigger, more complicated issue later on.
Many of our patients tell us that they were worried about needing jaw surgery or thought it was “too late” to fix this kind of bite. After treatment with Dr. Kendrick, they are often surprised by how natural their bite feels, how balanced their profile looks in photos, and how much more confident they feel when they smile.
Trusted Underbite Treatment in Kissimmee, FL
Correcting a lower-jaw bite can transform the way your smile looks and feels, and it can help protect your teeth for many years. At Kendrick Orthodontics in Kissimmee, FL, board-certified orthodontist Dr. James Kendrick combines advanced diagnostics, modern braces, and clear aligners to design a personalized, efficient treatment plan for every patient.
With many years of experience and a reputation as a trusted orthodontic specialist for families across Central Florida, Dr. Kendrick routinely treats both straightforward and more complex cases. He works closely with each patient to choose the most appropriate, comfortable approach.
Whether you are a parent concerned about your child’s bite or an adult finally ready to fix a long-standing problem, our friendly team is here to help.
