Misalignment: What You Need To Know About An Underbite

Dentist Blog

Do your lower teeth seem to stick out more than your top teeth? if so, your bite may be misaligned. This misalignment is known as an underbite. You may think you have a more pronounced jaw or a larger chin, but the issue is purely dental. The following are some things you need to know if you have an underbite:

Is an Underbite Just About Looks?

You may not have dealt with your underbite because you think it will only change how you look. Correcting your alignment will have an impact on your facial features, but you also need to have it aligned for the sake of your oral health. Those with an underbite can have a more difficult time biting. An underbite also has an impact on your chewing and can cause premature wear on your teeth.

How Do You Correct an Underbite?

The severity of your underbite will ultimately determine your treatment plan. For less pronounced underbites, you may need braces or a retainer to help align your jaw. The dentist can also remove some bottom teeth to get your jaw back into alignment. This is particularly helpful for underbites with crowded lower teeth.

If some of your lower teeth seem larger, they may need to be sanded or reshaped. If your underbite is more pronounced, oral surgery may be the route to take. During surgery, the jawbone is broken and moved into its correct place. The jaw is then wired together for a period of time to fully heal. Once the jaw is in place, you will not have to worry about the jaw ever shifting out of place. For a less invasive route, your dentist may opt to reshape the jaw instead of breaking it.

Keep in mind any invasive treatment is a serious matter. You will go under anesthesia during the procedure. Afterward, you may have some initial bleeding and swelling. Because the jaw is wired closed, you can only have liquids until the bone is fully fused together.

If you have an underbite, you need to get it realigned if possible. Properly aligned teeth are healthier. Teeth are easier to keep clean when they are in the correct position and therefore suffer less decay and damage. If you would like to have your underbite corrected, visit a local dentist for a consultation. The dentist will evaluate your jaw and determine which alignment correction option is best for you.

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7 October 2021

Improving My Dental Appointments

After dealing with a few root canals, I realized that it was time to take my dental hygiene a more seriously. I talked with my dentist about what I could do differently, and he was full of great suggestions that would help. He walked me through different ways to brush, floss, and take care of tartar buildup, and it was really amazing to see the difference that it made. I also started taking a fluoride supplement to strengthen my enamel. When I made it to my next appointment, my dentist was blown away with the improvement. This blog is all about improving your dental appointments by keeping your teeth healthier.