With the help of an orthodontist, even the most troubling orthodontic conditions do not have to permanently ruin your smile. One of the most common conditions that these professionals treat is an underbite. If you have one, you may feel embarrassed about smiling. You may even have pain and discomfort. But you do not have to worry because with your orthodontist’s help, you can correct this concern.
An orthodontist will address many challenges that patients have. Underbites are among the most frequent complaints that people bring to orthodontic offices. This condition occurs when a person’s lower teeth extend farther than the upper teeth. Some underbites are minor and barely noticeable. Others, though, make the jaw protrude outwardly so much that it can make the person feel self-conscious.
There are a few ways in which an underbite can happen. Genetics can be a factor; the size and shape of a person’s face can be an inherited trait. Injuries can also cause an underbite. More commonly, habits in childhood such as thumb-sucking and using a binky can cause a person to have an underbite.
Metal braces are often the first treatment that an orthodontist will consider to fix underbites. The brackets and wires will put pressure on the teeth to move them to the correct places. Braces will also realign the jaw correctly, pulling the lower jaw inwardly. The patient will have adjustments every few weeks. As an alternative, the patient may prefer ceramic braces. These do not stand out as much, as the brackets are the same color as the teeth.
This apparatus can correct misalignments such as underbites. The orthodontist may recommend this treatment in more severe cases. The facemask rests on the forehead and chin, with elastics attaching to the upper jaw and the apparatus. The patient should wear the device for 15 to 16 hours a day. Orthodontists usually use this treatment for young patients, though teenagers can benefit too.
Similar to facemask therapy is the use of elastics. This treatment will realign the jaw by pulling it forward. The orthodontist anchors plates to the skull and attaches the elastics to them. The patient puts on the elastics inside the mouth. The elastics then pull the upper jaw forward to correct the underbite.
In the most serious cases, surgery may be necessary. This process moves the jaw so that the upper and low portions line up correctly. The orthodontist would work with a surgeon to perform this procedure. This option is not meant for younger patients but should be for adolescents and adults.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontist in Frisco, TX
If you do not like the way your underbite affects your smile, help is available. You do not have to feel embarrassed or have pain and discomfort. With braces, elastics, a facemask, or surgery, you can enjoy properly aligned teeth. Make an appointment with the orthodontics office today so that you can get on the road to feeling and looking good.
Request an appointment or call Frisco Family Orthodontics at 214-771-7178 for an appointment in our Frisco office.
A board certified orthodontist is a dentist who has spent hundreds of additional hours studying and practicing the skills need to provide orthodontic care at the highest levels. They are certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association.Orthodontists do…
Wondering whether general dentists can provide orthodontics for their patients? Yes, they can. While not all dentists offer orthodontic services, having straight teeth is important to dental health. Fortunately, clear aligners are one of the more popular straightening options that dentists can offer.Learning more about orthodontics is a great idea for anyone who wants or…
Having an orthodontist treat your teeth can be a long and sometimes difficult journey, but seeing the result of a perfect smile is worth it. But after your braces are removed, it is important to remember that your teeth care does not end there. To ensure that your new smile stays healthy and beautiful, a…