Can Braces Fix an Underbite? Yes! Here's How Treatment Works
If you've been wondering, “Can braces fix an underbite?” the answer is yes!
Braces can correct many underbites and improve the alignment of the teeth and bite. An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed.
Depending on the cause and severity, an underbite may be related primarily to the position of the teeth, the development of the jaws, or a combination of both.
That is why getting an evaluation from an experienced orthodontist is an important first step. An orthodontist can evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment and determine which type of underbite treatment is appropriate for you.
At Cyterski Orthodontics, we provide personalized orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities.
With more than 30 years of experience and a board-certified orthodontist, our practice provides individualized treatment plans designed around each patient's unique smile and orthodontic needs.
What Is an Underbite?
An underbite is a type of bite problem, or malocclusion, in which the lower front teeth extend in front of the upper front teeth when you bite down.
A mild underbite may be difficult to notice, while a more significant underbite can affect the appearance and function of the smile.
Underbites can be caused by differences in tooth position, jaw development, genetics, or a combination of these factors.
Because the cause of an underbite can vary from patient to patient, an orthodontist needs to evaluate the entire bite before determining the best treatment approach.
Can Braces Fix an Underbite?
Braces use brackets and wires to apply controlled forces that gradually move the teeth into better positions. Depending on the patient's specific needs, braces may also be used with orthodontic elastics or other appliances to help improve the bite.
However, not every underbite is the same.
An underbite caused primarily by tooth position may be treated differently from an underbite that is significantly related to jaw development. The patient's age, severity of the underbite, tooth position, jaw relationship, and remaining growth can all influence the treatment plan.
This is why an individualized orthodontic evaluation is so important.
What Causes an Underbite?
There isn't one single cause of an underbite.
Common contributing factors can include:
Genetics and family history
Differences in upper and lower jaw development
Lower teeth that are positioned too far forward
Upper teeth that are positioned too far backward
Differences in the growth of the upper and lower jaws
Certain childhood oral habits
Some underbites are primarily dental, meaning the position of the teeth is the main concern. Others are primarily skeletal, meaning the relationship between the upper and lower jaws plays a larger role.
Some patients have a combination of both.
Understanding the cause helps an orthodontist determine the most appropriate approach to underbite correction.
How Do Braces Correct an Underbite?
Braces gradually move teeth into more favorable positions using brackets, archwires, and controlled orthodontic forces.
For some patients, orthodontic elastics may be used along with braces to provide additional forces that help improve the relationship between the upper and lower teeth.
The goal isn't simply to make the teeth look straighter.
Orthodontic treatment also focuses on how the upper and lower teeth fit together. Correcting the bite can help improve chewing and overall dental function while creating a more balanced, healthy smile.
Can an Underbite Be Fixed Without Surgery?
In many cases, an underbite can be treated without jaw surgery, particularly when the problem is primarily related to tooth position or when treatment begins while a child is still growing.
However, some severe underbites are caused by a significant difference in jaw size or position. In those situations, orthodontic treatment alone may not completely correct the underlying jaw relationship.
For adults with a significant skeletal underbite, an orthodontist may discuss whether a combination of orthodontic treatment and orthognathic jaw surgery is appropriate.
That does not mean surgery is necessary for every underbite. The only way to determine the appropriate treatment is through an individual orthodontic evaluation.
Can Invisalign Fix an Underbite?
Invisalign® can correct some underbites, depending on the severity and underlying cause.
Clear aligners gradually move the teeth using a series of custom-made trays. For patients whose underbite can be improved primarily through tooth movement, Invisalign may be an option.
However, Invisalign is not appropriate for every type or severity of underbite.
Our orthodontic team can evaluate your bite and determine whether Invisalign or braces would be the better treatment option for your specific needs.
Underbite Treatment for Children and Teens
Early evaluation can be particularly important when an underbite is developing in a child.
Because a child's jaws are still growing, an orthodontist may have opportunities to guide dental and jaw development that are not available once growth is complete.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This does not mean every child needs braces at age 7.
Rather, an early evaluation allows an orthodontist to monitor developing teeth and jaws and determine whether treatment is needed and when it may be most appropriate.
For children with an underbite, early orthodontic care may sometimes involve appliances designed to address jaw development or tooth position before comprehensive braces treatment begins.
Can Adults Get Treatment for an Underbite?
Yes. Adults can receive orthodontic treatment for an underbite.
Adults may be treated with braces, clear aligners, or a combination of orthodontic approaches depending on the cause and severity of the underbite.
Because adult jaw growth is complete, treatment options can differ from those available to a growing child or teenager. More significant skeletal underbites may require a different approach.
An orthodontic consultation can help adults understand what options are available for their individual bite.
Why Should an Underbite Be Corrected?
An underbite isn't necessarily only a cosmetic concern.
Depending on its severity, an underbite can affect the way the teeth meet and function. Some patients may experience difficulty biting or chewing, uneven tooth wear, speech concerns, or jaw discomfort.
Improving the alignment of the teeth and bite can help create a more functional relationship between the upper and lower teeth.
Orthodontic treatment can also improve the appearance of the smile, which may help patients feel more confident about smiling.
How Long Does Underbite Treatment Take?
There is no single treatment time for an underbite.
The length of underbite treatment depends on factors such as:
The severity of the underbite
Whether the problem is dental, skeletal, or both
The patient's age
Jaw growth and development
The amount of tooth movement needed
Whether additional orthodontic appliances are necessary
The patient's individual response to treatment
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment often takes approximately 18–24 months, although treatment time varies from patient to patient.
During your consultation, our orthodontic team can evaluate your specific bite and provide a more personalized estimate.
What Happens at an Underbite Orthodontic Consultation?
If you are concerned about an underbite, your first step is an orthodontic consultation.
During an evaluation, your orthodontist will examine the relationship between your:
Upper and lower teeth
Bite
Jaws
Tooth alignment
Facial structure
Diagnostic records such as photographs, digital scans, or X-rays may also be used when appropriate to better understand your orthodontic needs.
This information helps your orthodontist develop a treatment plan specifically for your smile.
Why Choose Cyterski Orthodontics for Underbite Treatment?
Choosing an orthodontist is an important decision, especially when you're looking for treatment for a bite problem such as an underbite.
At Cyterski Orthodontics, we believe orthodontic treatment should be personalized to the individual patient - not based on a one-size-fits-all approach.
More Than 30 Years of Orthodontic Experience
Our practice has provided orthodontic care for more than 30 years, giving our team extensive experience treating a wide range of orthodontic concerns in children, teens, and adults.
Board-Certified Orthodontic Care
Our orthodontist is board certified, reflecting additional professional training and examination through the American Board of Orthodontics.
When you're choosing an orthodontist for underbite correction, experience and specialized orthodontic training matter because bite problems can involve more than simply straightening teeth.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every underbite is different.
We evaluate each patient's individual teeth, bite, and orthodontic needs before recommending a treatment approach. Whether braces, Invisalign®, or another orthodontic appliance is appropriate, treatment is planned around the patient's specific situation.
Braces and Invisalign® Options
Cyterski Orthodontics provides both braces and Invisalign® treatment, allowing us to consider different treatment options based on the patient's orthodontic needs.
The goal is not simply to choose the most popular appliance. It is to determine which treatment approach is appropriate for the patient's bite and smile.
Orthodontic Care for Children, Teens, and Adults
Underbite treatment isn't limited to one age group.
We provide orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults, including patients who are experiencing developing bite problems as well as adults who want to improve their bite and smile.
Convenient Pittsburgh-Area Orthodontic Care
Cyterski Orthodontics serves patients throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities, with offices serving the North Hills and South Hills.
Patients from communities such as Allison Park, Hampton, Fox Chapel, McCandless, Wexford, Shaler, Glenshaw, Gibsonia, Bethel Park, Whitehall, Mt. Lebanon, Brentwood, Jefferson Hills, South Park, and Castle Shannon may choose Cyterski Orthodontics for personalized orthodontic care.
Underbite Treatment in Pittsburgh
If you're searching for underbite treatment in Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh braces, or a Pittsburgh orthodontist who can evaluate your bite, Cyterski Orthodontics is here to help.
Our board-certified orthodontist provides personalized orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults, including treatment for underbites and other bite problems.
Whether you're considering braces in Pittsburgh, Invisalign in Pittsburgh, or simply want to understand your treatment options, an orthodontic consultation can help you determine the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Underbites
Can braces completely fix an underbite?
Braces can correct many underbites, particularly when the problem is primarily related to tooth position. More significant skeletal underbites may require additional treatment depending on the patient's age and jaw relationship.
Is an underbite a serious problem?
An underbite can range from mild to severe. Depending on its severity, it may affect chewing, tooth wear, speech, jaw comfort, or the overall function of the bite.
Our orthodontic team can help determine whether treatment is recommended.
Is it better to treat an underbite when you're young?
Some underbites can benefit from evaluation and treatment during childhood because the jaws are still growing.
Early evaluation gives an orthodontist an opportunity to monitor development and determine the appropriate timing for treatment.
Can adults fix an underbite?
Yes. Adults can receive orthodontic treatment for underbites.
Depending on the severity and cause, treatment may involve braces, Invisalign, or other orthodontic approaches.
Is Invisalign good for an underbite?
Invisalign can treat some underbites, particularly cases that can be improved through tooth movement.
An orthodontic evaluation is necessary to determine whether clear aligners are appropriate for a particular patient.
Do all underbites require surgery?
No. Many underbites can be treated without jaw surgery.
Surgery may be considered for some adults with significant skeletal jaw discrepancies when orthodontic tooth movement alone cannot adequately correct the underlying jaw relationship.
How do I know if I have an underbite?
If your lower front teeth sit in front of your upper front teeth when you close your mouth, you may have an underbite.
An orthodontist can evaluate your bite and determine whether treatment is recommended.
Schedule an Underbite Consultation in Pittsburgh
Yes, braces can fix many underbites - and the right treatment can do more than straighten your teeth.
Correcting an underbite can improve the relationship between your upper and lower teeth, support better bite function, and help create a healthier, more confident smile.
If you or your child has an underbite, you don't have to figure out the treatment options on your own.
At Cyterski Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontist provides personalized underbite treatment, braces, and Invisalign® for children, teens, and adults throughout the Pittsburgh area.
With more than 30 years of orthodontic experience, our team is here to evaluate your bite, explain your options, and create a treatment plan designed specifically for your smile.
Ready to learn more about braces or Invisalign? Book your free consultation on our website today or call either of our office locations!
Our Locations
📍 Allison Park Office
4485 William Flinn Highway
Allison Park, PA 15101
📞 (412) 492-8700
📍 Pleasant Hills Office
67 Old Clairton Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
📞 (412) 655-8200
Proudly Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area
North Hills: Allison Park, Fox Chapel, Hampton Township, McCandless, Glenshaw, Ross Township, Shaler, Wexford, Gibsonia
South Hills: Pleasant Hills, Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, Whitehall, Baldwin, Brentwood, South Park, Jefferson Hills, Castle Shannon, Dormont
Central & Surrounding Areas: Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, East Liberty, Greenfield, Oakland, Regent Square, Penn Hills, Point Breeze, Bloomfield, Lawrenceville, and more.
Comments