How Can You Fix an Underbite?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sameet Gill, DMD, MBA

An underbite occurs when your lower front teeth sit ahead of your upper front teeth when you close your mouth. It can affect your bite, chewing ability, tooth wear, and overall oral health.

How can you fix an underbite? The right treatment depends on the cause of your underbite and whether the concern involves your teeth, jaw, or both. A dental assessment can help determine whether braces, clear aligners, or other options suit your needs.

What Is an Underbite and What Causes It?

An underbite is a type of malocclusion where the lower teeth extend ahead of the upper teeth when you bite down. A healthy bite usually allows the upper front teeth to sit slightly ahead of the lower front teeth.

An underbite can develop because of:

• Genetics that influence jaw size and tooth position
• A lower jaw that grows forward more than expected
• Teeth developing in an incorrect position
• Childhood habits that affect jaw development
• Differences between upper and lower jaw growth

There are two main types of underbites:

Dental underbite: This occurs when the teeth are positioned incorrectly, while the jaw relationship remains within a normal range. 

Skeletal underbite: This occurs when the jaw structure contributes to the bite problem. These cases may require more detailed treatment planning. 

Understanding the cause of your underbite helps your dentist determine which treatment options may be suitable for your condition. 

How Can You Fix an Underbite Without Surgery?

Many underbites can be corrected without surgery when the concern is related to tooth alignment. Orthodontic treatment options such as braces, aligners, and appliances can help improve bite alignment.

Common non-surgical treatment options include:

Braces

Braces use brackets, wires, and other orthodontic components to gradually move teeth into better positions. They can improve tooth alignment and help your upper and lower teeth come together more effectively.

Orthodontic treatment uses appliances such as braces to guide tooth movement and improve bite alignment based on individual needs. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists explains that orthodontic care helps correct irregular tooth and jaw relationships.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners use a series of removable trays that gradually move teeth according to a planned treatment approach. They may be suitable for mild to moderate underbites where tooth position is the main concern.

Clear aligners are not suitable for every underbite case, especially when major jaw correction is needed. Depending on your bite condition, Invisalign treatment may be considered as one of the options for improving tooth alignment.

Orthodontic Appliances

Some patients may require additional orthodontic appliances to guide tooth movement and improve bite function.

Your dentist will assess your bite, teeth, and jaw relationship before recommending a treatment option.

Can You Fix an Underbite Naturally?

An underbite cannot usually be corrected naturally through exercises, home remedies, or changes in eating habits.

Good oral care can help maintain healthy teeth and gums, but it cannot move teeth into new positions or change the size and position of jaw bones. Tooth movement requires controlled forces from orthodontic treatment.

For children and teenagers, early assessment may help identify developing bite problems while the jaws are still growing. Adults may also receive treatment, but the approach depends on whether the concern involves tooth alignment or jaw structure.

If you notice signs of an underbite, a dental evaluation can help you understand whether treatment is needed.

Can Adults Fix an Underbite?

Adults can receive treatment for an underbite. Age does not prevent orthodontic care when your teeth and supporting structures are healthy.

The treatment approach depends on the cause of the underbite. Some adults may have concerns related to tooth position, while others may have differences in jaw structure that require additional planning.

Adults often seek underbite treatment because of:

• Difficulty chewing certain foods
• Uneven tooth wear
• Jaw discomfort
• Changes in their bite
• Concerns about smile appearance

A dental consultation helps determine which options may support your oral health and bite function. 

Can Jaw Surgery Fix a Severe Underbite?

Some underbites develop because of differences in jaw growth rather than tooth position alone. In these cases, corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, may be considered.

Jaw surgery focuses on improving the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. It is usually planned with orthodontic treatment to align the teeth before and after surgery.

Jaw surgery may be considered when:

• The lower jaw extends significantly forward
• The bite affects chewing function
• Orthodontic treatment alone cannot correct the jaw relationship

A dental professional can determine whether your underbite is related to tooth position, jaw structure, or a combination of both.

How Long Does It Take to Fix an Underbite?

The time required to correct an underbite depends on several factors, including:

• Severity of the bite problem
• Type of treatment selected
• Age
• Amount of tooth movement required
• Whether jaw surgery is needed

Cases involving minor tooth alignment concerns may take less time, while underbites involving jaw differences may require longer treatment planning. Your dentist can provide a more accurate timeline after evaluating your bite and discussing suitable treatment options. 

When Should You See a Dentist for Underbite Treatment?

You should schedule a dental consultation if you notice that your lower teeth sit ahead of your upper teeth or if your bite affects daily activities.

Consider an evaluation if you experience:

• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Uneven tooth wear
• Jaw discomfort
• Changes in how your teeth come together
• Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene around misaligned teeth

Early assessment allows your dentist to identify the cause of the underbite and discuss available treatment options.

Conclusion

An underbite can affect your bite, tooth health, and daily comfort, but several treatment options are available. Braces, clear aligners, orthodontic appliances, and surgical approaches can help address different types of underbites. The right treatment depends on whether the concern involves tooth position, jaw development, or both. Park Meadows Dental can help you understand your condition and discuss suitable options based on your oral health needs. A professional assessment is the first step toward improving bite function and maintaining long-term dental health.

Book Your Underbite Consultation at Park Meadows Dental

If you are concerned about an underbite or changes in the way your teeth come together, Park Meadows Dental can help assess your bite and discuss suitable treatment options.

Book a consultation to understand the cause of your underbite and learn what steps may help improve your bite and oral health.

Call 403-527-9833 to book your consultation or visit: Suite 101, 1854 Southview Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 8L9.

FAQs

How Can You Fix an Underbite Without Surgery?

You can fix an underbite without surgery when the issue mainly involves tooth alignment. Braces, clear aligners, and orthodontic appliances may help move teeth into improved positions. Your dentist will determine if non-surgical treatment is suitable.

How Can You Fix an Underbite in Adults?

You can fix an underbite in adults with treatments such as braces or clear aligners, depending on the severity of the condition. If jaw structure contributes to the underbite, additional treatment options may be required. 

Can Braces Correct an Underbite?

Braces can correct some underbites by gradually moving teeth and improving bite alignment. However, braces may not correct severe underbites caused by differences in jaw structure. A dental evaluation helps identify the right approach.