When it comes to our children’s smiles, no parent wants to see them struggle with dental or orthodontic issues. A severe underbite is one such problem that can affect not only the look of your child’s smile but also their overall oral health. Children born with conditions like cleft lip and palate are more likely to develop severe underbites.
It can cause speech difficulties, chewing problems, and even jaw pain. At Impact Orthodontics, based in Calgary, Alberta, we specialize in correcting severe underbite cases for children and teens, helping them grow up with healthy, confident smiles.
In this post, we’ll break down what a severe underbite is, why you should consider treatment, and the various methods we offer to correct it.
Whether your child is 7 years old or entering their teenage years, expert care can make a world of difference in their smile and their health.
What is a Severe Underbite?
A severe underbite happens when the lower teeth overlap the upper front teeth due to the lower jaw sticking out further than the upper jaw.
This is called a protruding lower jaw and it affects not only the teeth but also the alignment of the entire upper and lower jaw. For some children, an underbite may be mild, but in severe underbite cases, the misalignment can lead to long-term health issues.
An underbite can be caused by a variety of factors, most commonly genetics. If either parent had a similar issue, it’s more likely that their child will develop an underbite as well.
Other contributing factors can include childhood habits such as thumb sucking, extended bottle-feeding, or tongue-thrusting, which can push the lower teeth forward and prevent proper growth of the upper jaw.
While a severe underbite might start as a cosmetic issue, it can lead to more serious dental issues if left untreated.
If you notice signs of an underbite in your child by the age of 7, it’s a good idea to consult an orthodontist. Early intervention can help fix an underbite before it worsens as they grow older and their adult teeth come in.
The Importance of Treating a Severe Underbite
Correcting a severe underbite isn’t just about straightening teeth—it’s about improving your child’s overall quality of life. A misaligned bite can cause a host of oral health problems, and the earlier we address it, the better the outcomes.
1. Oral Health Concerns
Children with underbites are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. When the lower teeth push against the upper teeth, it creates wear and tear on the tooth enamel, making the teeth more susceptible to cavities and erosion. Additionally, misaligned teeth are harder to clean, which means plaque and tartar can build up more easily, leading to gum disease.
Extracting one or more teeth can create space for braces and improve oral health.
2. Jaw Pain and TMJ Problems
An underbite can place extra strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull. This strain can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and even more serious conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
Over time, the uneven pressure on the jaw can cause pain when chewing, clicking sounds when moving the jaw, or in some cases, locking of the jaw joint.
3. Speech and Eating Issues
A severe underbite can make it difficult for your child to speak clearly. When the teeth don’t align correctly, the tongue cannot function as it should during speech. Additionally, the improper bite can make it hard to chew certain foods, which can cause digestive problems down the line.
Early orthodontic intervention can prevent these issues from worsening. Addressing an underbite before your child’s permanent teeth come in can significantly improve their long-term oral health and overall well-being.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Severe Underbite?
At Impact Orthodontics, we take a customized approach to treating each patient’s underbite, offering a variety of treatments based on the severity of the condition and the patient’s age. The goal of these treatments is effective underbite correction to improve oral health and function. Here’s a closer look at the most effective underbite treatment options available.
1. Upper Jaw Expander: Encouraging Balanced Growth
One of the most common treatments for younger children with an underbite is the use of an upper jaw expander. This device is placed inside the mouth and gently widens the upper jaw bone over time, creating more room for the upper teeth and aligning the upper and lower jaw. Expanding the upper jaw helps correct the misalignment caused by a protruding lower jaw.
This treatment is most effective when the child is still growing, typically between the ages of 7 and 12, as the upper jaw bones are still developing.
An upper jaw expander is a non-invasive way to correct jaw misalignment early and may eliminate the need for more invasive procedures like underbite jaw surgery later on.
2. Braces or Invisalign Treatment: Aligning Teeth for a Better Bite
After the upper and lower jaw are properly aligned, braces or Invisalign treatment can be used to correct the alignment of your child’s teeth. For severe underbite cases, metal braces are often recommended because they offer more precise control over tooth movement. Braces gradually shift the lower teeth back and the upper teeth forward, closing the gap between the two and fixing an underbite.
In some cases of crowded teeth, tooth extraction may be necessary to create space for braces.
For older children and teens, Invisalign aligners are a popular alternative to traditional braces. These clear, removable aligners are less noticeable and offer a more discreet way to straighten teeth.
3. Jaw Surgery: When Severe Underbites Require Surgical Intervention
In some cases, a severe underbite cannot be fully corrected with non-surgical treatments like braces alone. Underbite surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, may be necessary to realign the upper and lower jaw bones. This procedure involves an oral surgeon who will reposition the jaw bones so that the upper teeth and lower teeth meet correctly.
This surgery is typically recommended for older teens or adults, once the jaw has finished growing. Though it may sound intimidating, the results are often transformative, improving not just the function of the teeth but also the overall facial profile.
4. Correcting Childhood Habits: Preventing Future Issues
Some underbite cases are exacerbated by childhood habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. While these habits may seem harmless at first, over time, they can push the lower jaw forward, worsening an underbite.
Early orthodontic treatment often includes behavioural corrections to help stop these habits. Your orthodontist might recommend exercises or appliances that discourage thumb sucking or improper tongue placement, which can further improve your child’s bite.
The Treatment Process: What to Expect
At Impact Orthodontics, our personalized approach to treating underbite cases ensures that every child receives the care that fits their unique needs. Here’s what the typical treatment journey looks like:
1. Initial Consultation
During the first visit, our orthodontists will conduct a thorough evaluation, including X-rays and scans, to understand the severity of the underbite and the alignment of the upper and lower jaw. Based on this, we’ll recommend the most suitable treatment options, whether it’s braces, an upper jaw expander, or other methods.
2. Treatment Plan Development
Once we determine the best approach, we’ll outline a custom treatment plan that includes all the necessary steps to correct your underbite. We’ll explain how long the treatment will take, what devices or appliances will be used, and what results to expect at the end.
3. Active Treatment Phase
If your child needs an upper jaw expander or braces, this phase involves regular adjustments and monitoring to ensure that the teeth and jaws are moving in the right direction. This phase can last anywhere from 18 months to three years, depending on the severity of the underbite and the chosen treatment method.
For those requiring jaw surgery, this phase would include preparing the jaws with braces before and after surgery. Your orthodontist will coordinate closely with an oral surgeon for the best outcome.
4. Post-Treatment Care
After the active treatment phase, we’ll provide a retainer or other post-treatment appliances to help maintain the newly aligned bite. This step is crucial to ensure that the results last a lifetime.
Why Choose Impact Orthodontics?
At Impact Orthodontics in Calgary, we understand that every child’s smile is unique, and we treat each patient with the utmost care. Whether your child has a slight underbite or a severe underbite, we offer a range of treatment options tailored to their specific needs. With advanced techniques and a friendly, compassionate team, we ensure that your child feels comfortable throughout the entire process.
What Sets Us Apart?
- Expertise in Severe Cases: Our experienced orthodontists are highly skilled in treating even the most severe underbites, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and innovative methods.
- Convenient Calgary Locations: We proudly serve families in SE and SW Calgary and surrounding communities, offering flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy parents and children.
- Comprehensive Care: From early childhood interventions to adult teeth corrections, we provide orthodontic care for patients of all ages, ensuring that every smile reaches its full potential.
Start Your Child’s Journey to a Healthier Smile Today
At Impact Orthodontics, we’re here to help correct your child’s underbite with the latest orthodontic treatments.
By addressing the problem early, you can prevent long-term issues like jaw pain, tooth decay, and gum disease, setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles. Our team in Calgary is ready to provide you with a personalized treatment plan that fits your child’s needs.
A healthy smile starts with the right bite. Don’t wait—schedule your consultation with Impact Orthodontics today and take the first step towards a brighter, healthier future for your child!
