Overview
An Underbite is a dental and skeletal condition in which the lower teeth and jaw extend beyond the upper teeth. This misalignment can affect chewing, speech, facial appearance, and oral health. Underbites vary in severity, ranging from mild cosmetic concerns to significant functional problems. Early diagnosis and orthodontic or surgical treatment can correct the issue and improve both aesthetics and jaw function.
What is Underbite
Underbite, medically known as Class III malocclusion or prognathism, is a condition where the lower jaw (mandible) protrudes forward, causing the lower teeth to overlap the upper front teeth. It results from either an overgrowth of the lower jaw, underdevelopment of the upper jaw, or a combination of both. Underbites can be genetic or acquired and may affect both dental alignment and the structure of the facial bones.
Symptoms
- Lower front teeth overlapping the upper front teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing food
- Speech difficulties, such as lisping
- Jaw pain or clicking sounds when moving the jaw
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- Facial imbalance or chin prominence
- Increased wear and tear on teeth
- Self-consciousness or psychological stress related to appearance
Causes
Underbites can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors:
- Genetics: Family history of jaw misalignment
- Childhood habits: Thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or tongue thrusting
- Jaw injury or trauma
- Tumors in the jawbone
- Improper dental restorations or orthodontic issues
- Skeletal development imbalances during growth
Risk Factors
- Family history of underbite or jaw deformities
- Ethnicity: More common in some Asian populations
- Prolonged oral habits in childhood
- Untreated dental crowding or early tooth loss
- Cleft lip or palate history
- Developmental syndromes that affect bone growth
Complications
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Tooth wear, erosion, or misalignment
- Speech delays or articulation problems
- Difficulty chewing or biting, leading to poor nutrition
- Obstructive sleep apnea (in severe cases)
- Facial asymmetry and psychological distress
- Challenges with oral hygiene, increasing the risk of gum disease
Prevention
While genetic underbites cannot be prevented, early intervention and attention to oral habits can help minimize severity:
- Monitor oral habits in young children
- Regular dental checkups starting in early childhood
- Timely orthodontic evaluations (by age 7)
- Avoid prolonged pacifier or bottle use
- Correct minor dental issues early to prevent worsening
- Jaw growth monitoring during developmental years
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea offers advanced and comprehensive treatment options for underbite correction, combining orthodontic precision with surgical expertise:
- Orthodontic treatment: Braces or clear aligners to gradually reposition teeth, often used in mild to moderate cases
- Growth modification therapy: Functional appliances used in children and adolescents to guide jaw growth
- Orthognathic (jaw) surgery: Surgical realignment of the upper and/or lower jaw for severe skeletal underbites
- Tooth reshaping or restorations: In select cases, dental crowns or bonding to improve bite alignment
- Speech therapy: For patients with speech difficulties
- Post-treatment retainers and monitoring: To maintain long-term results
With a focus on facial aesthetics and functional balance, multidisciplinary care in Korea—including orthodontics, oral surgery, and prosthodontics—ensures safe and lasting correction of underbites.
