How to Fix an Underbite

How to Fix an Underbite at Grin Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

In this blog, we’ll be discussing the common question: how to fix an underbite? An underbite is a misalignment of the jaw that causes the lower teeth to protrude beyond the upper teeth. This is also known as a Class III malocclusion or “reverse bite.” About 5-10% of the population is affected by underbites. Underbites can range from mild cases that are hardly noticeable, to severe cases where the lower jaw extends out far beyond the upper jaw. 

Having an underbite can dramatically affect a person’s self-confidence about their smile. Our office provides underbite correction services to help you achieve a smile you are confident in. Treating an underbite depends on your age and the severity of your underbite. The most common methods to correct an underbite include:

  • Upper Jaw Expander: This option is usually recommended if the upper jaw is small in width. The expander works by being fitted across the patient’s palate and gradually widens the jaw so that the lower teeth match better with the lower teeth.
  • Reverse-Pull Headgear: This type of headgear is used to pull the upper jaw forward. This option works most effectively for patients under the age of 10.
  • Braces or Clear Aligners: This option is suitable for any patient – children or adults. Braces or clear aligners can be an effective treatment for underbites, especially if orthodontic elastics are worn.
  • Tooth Extraction: Sometimes, tooth extraction may be necessary to correct an underbite. This option involves carefully selected teeth to help spacing issues in mild to moderate cases.
  • Surgery: Orthognathic jaw surgery can be required to align the upper and lower jaws into their ideal positions. The surgery is low-risk and very predictable. In some cases, a referral to a maxillofacial surgeon will be provided by your specialist orthodontist.

The key to correcting an underbite is early diagnosis. However, it can still be treated as an adult. If you are curious about underbite correction, please call one of our offices using the buttons below. 

 

Call Our Lakewood Office Call Our Aurora Office

Call Our Centennial Office Call Our Northglenn Office

Grin Pediatric Dentistry – Aurora, CO

18801 E Hampden Ave #178
Aurora, CO 80013
View Map

Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Phone

(720) 399-1227

Grin Pediatric Dentistry – Brighton, CO

2700 E. Bridge St. #201
Brighton, CO 80601
View Map

Hours

Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Phone

(303) 659-7700

Grin Pediatric Dentistry – Lakewood, CO

7475 W Colfax #103
Lakewood, CO 80214
View Map

Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Phone

(720) 512-2879

Dental Emergency?

We’re available after hours for emergencies! Our office is located in the same shopping center as Walmart, right across the street from The Home Depot.

Grin Pediatric Dentistry — Northglenn, CO

420 E 120th Ave Unit B-11
Northglenn, CO 80233
View Map

Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Phone

(720) 453-3277

Grin Pediatric Dentistry — Centennial, CO

6870 S University Blvd
Centennial, CO 80122
View Map

Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Phone

(720) 277-5930

(Temporarily Closed) Grin Pediatric Dentistry — Denver, CO

2910 E Colfax Ave #110
Denver, CO 80206

Hours

Temporarily Closed

Phone

(720) 285-7972

Dental Emergency?

We’re available after hours for emergencies! Our office is located directly across from the Walgreens and Walmart.