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What is an Underbite?
What is an underbite? Orchard of Smiles Orthodontics would like to bring attention to this common malocclusion. An underbite is when the lower jaw and teeth sit ahead of the upper jaw and teeth.
Prolonged underbite can lead to numerous undesired consequences:
- Excessive dental wear
- Gum recession
- Restricted growth for the upper jaw
- Difficulty chewing
- Speech & articulation issues
- Excessive stress on the jaw joints (TMJ)
Correcting an underbite early - if possible during Early Treatment in mixed dentition - enables an orthodontist to take advantage of growth to obtain the desired results. Correcting this malocclusion tends to result in a more harmonious, balanced appearance and a healthier, more functional bite. Underbite can typically be corrected by appliances (such as expanders, retainers and headgear) or braces. In non-growing patients this malocclusion is much more challenging to correct, and may require orthognathic surgery.
Would you like to learn more? Please call us or schedule your COMPLIMENTARY orthodontic consultation directly from our website 24/7.
www.OrchardOfSmilesOrthodontics.com