Underbite Correction
An underbite happens when the lower teeth extend farther than your upper teeth. This typically results from a misalignment of the jaw, this is known as a class 3 malocclusion.
Underbite Correction Treatment
An underbite can be caused by multiple different factors. Children who have a prolonged thumb-sucking habit or use a pacifier, push their teeth with their tongue, or long-term bottle feeding can all have an impact and increase the risk of an underbite development. If you believe your child is experiencing underbite, call our office to schedule an appointment today!
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What is an underbite in children?
An underbite is a bite misalignment (malocclusion) in which the lower teeth and jaw sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. It can range from mild — where the upper and lower front teeth meet edge to edge — to more significant, where the lower jaw visibly protrudes forward. Underbites in children can affect chewing function, speech, and facial appearance, and they typically worsen over time without treatment.
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What causes an underbite in kids?
Underbites are often genetic — jaw structure tends to run in families. Other contributing factors include prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use, abnormal tongue positioning, and early or late loss of baby teeth. In some cases, the upper jaw is underdeveloped, the lower jaw is overdeveloped, or there’s a combination of both.
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What is the best age to correct an underbite?
Early treatment is strongly recommended for underbites in children. Orthopedic appliances like a palate expander or reverse pull facemask are most effective during the active growth years — typically between ages 7 and 10 — when the jaw is still developing and most responsive to correction. Waiting until growth is complete significantly limits treatment options and may require surgical correction in more severe cases.
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How is an underbite corrected?
Underbite correction depends on the child’s age and the severity of the misalignment. Common treatment options include a reverse pull facemask (which pulls the upper jaw forward), a palate expander to widen and advance the upper arch, braces to align the teeth, or — for severe cases in skeletally mature teens or adults — orthognathic (jaw) surgery. Our orthodontic team will recommend the most appropriate approach after a full evaluation.
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What happens if a child's underbite goes untreated?
An untreated underbite can lead to uneven tooth wear, chronic jaw pain, difficulty chewing, speech issues, and growing self-consciousness about facial appearance. Correction also becomes significantly more complex once jaw growth is complete, making early evaluation and treatment the most effective path for your child’s long-term oral health and confidence.
More Questions?
If you have any questions about underbite correction contact us, request an appointment for your child, or explore the other pediatric dental services we offer using the links below.