If you have the dental problem referred to as an underbite and wonder how it can be treated, there may be some good news for you. Depending on the exact nature of your underbite and the cause, one of several non-surgical interventions performed by your neuromuscular dentists may be enough to correct the problem. One solution may be as simple as the use of Invisalign to treat underbite and realign teeth.
Complications Resulting from Underbite
Upper teeth that point backward or are set behind the lower teeth, or lower teeth that protrude outward, are not able to function properly as incisors. Consequently, they will wear faster, cause problems with chewing, and may even cause tissue damage to lips or gums.
Missing upper teeth can also worsen the effects of an underbite because teeth tend to drift into the open space to close the gap. When teeth move randomly, they no longer align with the opposing teeth. The tooth that is opposite from a missing tooth can continue to grow, extending beyond the plane of its adjacent teeth into the space left by the missing tooth.
Many problems can result from misaligned teeth including cracked, worn and broken teeth, jaw pain and even jaw joint problems. The Invisalign clear braces teeth straightening process may be the ideal solution to correct your underbite while preventing problems caused by crooked or missing teeth.
More Trouble from Underbite
Some people may require more work because underbite is often caused by either an upper jaw undergrowth or lower jaw overgrowth. Surgery may be necessary for some, or treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) may be necessary. Treatment for pain or discomfort may be helpful if you tend to have problems chewing because your bite does not align correctly. A neuromuscular dentist has the specialized training necessary to treat the cause of these problems.
Cosmetic Implications
While the health effects from an underbite are your primary concern, this malocclusion detracts from your smile and overall appearance. Correcting your underbite with Invisalign invisible braces can improve your health and physical comfort while improving your smile, self-image and confidence.