How to Fix an Underbite

Co-authored by Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE

Last Updated: May 21, 2021 References

There's no need to let a common orthodontic problem like an underbite stop you from smiling. While some underbites don’t cause problems, others may lead to eating difficulties, speaking challenges, jaw pain, headaches, and sleep apnea. The right treatment for an underbite depends on the severity of the situation and the age of the patient, but it will always require help from a dentist or orthodontist.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Treating Mild and Moderate Underbites

1
Ask your orthodontist about braces. Braces are a common fix for many underbite problems.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
Licensed Dentist
Expert Interview. 11 May 2021.} The amount of time that you need braces will depend on the level of your underbite, as well as any other dental complications you may have. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist to see if braces might be a good option for you.
- Metal braces are commonly used to treat underbites, but clear braces such as Invisalign may also be an option for mild to moderate underbite problems. Talk to both your orthodontist and your dental insurance provider to find the right option for you.
2
Talk to your dentist about tooth extractions. A tooth extraction is a common starting point for correcting underbites in adults. Getting rid of teeth crowding the jawline can decrease the overall pressure, allowing the remaining teeth to move into the correct alignment. This process is usually a quick procedure performed by your dentist in their office.^{[2]
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- For an extraction, your dentist will use a local anesthetic in the area of the tooth to be pulled. Once the area is numb, they use a series of tools to loosen the tooth in its socket and pull it out. Due to the anesthetic, you shouldn't feel anything beyond a slight pressure.^{[3]
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3
Look into an upper jaw expander. Upper jaw expanders are usually fitted across the top of your mouth and held into position using your upper molars. These mechanical devices are adjusted daily to help slowly pull the lower jaw into the correct alignment.^{[4]
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- An expander is fit by your orthodontist. After it’s in, you use a key to control the expansion. A key is made up of a plastic handle and a metal tip that fits into the expander. Your orthodontist will show you how to insert and use the key when to adjust the expander.
- You will still have regular appointments with your orthodontist to ensure that expansion is going properly.
- Generally, expanders are worn for about 3-6 months. They may be a little uncomfortable when they are first fitted, but many people say expanders are more comfortable than braces.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Correcting Severe Underbites

1
Wear a chin cap while you sleep. Chin caps are external devices that limit the growth of the lower jaw. These caps are fit to your individual chin, and wrap around to connect to straps that run from the side to the back of the head.^{[6]
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- Chin caps are generally only worn for a portion of the day. Often, they may only be worn while sleeping.
- Chin caps need to be prescribed and fit by your orthodontist.
2
Try a reverse face mask. Reverse face masks, or RFMs, are external devices with a forehead rest, a chin rest, and metal bar that attaches to the upper row of teeth. This device is prescribed by an orthodontist and worn part-time to pull the upper row of teeth into the correct position.^{[7]
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- RFMs are about as effective as chin caps for underbite corrections.
3
Talk to your dentist about surgical correction. In the case of very severe underbites or underbites in older patients, surgical correction may be necessary. The procedure will ultimately be done by an oral surgeon, but the process generally starts with a consultation at your dentist’s office to see you would be a strong candidate. If so, they will recommend you to a specialist in your area.^{[8]
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- You may also want to talk to your dental insurance provider to see how much of the surgery costs will be covered.
- The general process for surgically correcting an underbite involves separating the bone in the rear portion of the jaw and modifying it so that the lower, tooth-bearing portion can be moved for proper alignment.
- Surgical treatment may be performed as a singular correction, or as in addition to other corrections such as tooth extractions or braces.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Cosmetic Corrections

1
Practice good oral hygiene. Clean teeth won’t fix an underbite, but they can make it less conspicuous. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss every day, and go in for a dental cleaning every 6 months.^{[9]
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2
Consider veneers for a mild underbite. For a very mild underbite, adding veneers to the upper teeth may help correct the visual problems associated with an underbite. This won’t do anything to correct the actual bite or jaw alignment, it will only treat cosmetic issues.^{[10]
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- Veneers are very thin, white porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth to help adjust their color, size, shape, and/or length. Your dentist can adjust individual veneers to ensure they are the correct size and shape for your smile.
- It’s completely normal to be self-conscious about the appearance of an underbite. If your biggest concern is how your underbite impacts your smile, veneers may be a good choice for you.
- If your underbite impacts the alignment of your teeth or how you eat, or if it causes you any kind of pain, you will need a more intensive treatment than veneers.
3
See if your dentist offers “Facelift” dentistry. A process currently called “Facelift” technology uses a mix of reshaping the lower teeth and adding veneers to the upper teeth. Practicing dentists claim that this improves the appearance and the jaw function of mild to moderate underbites. ^{[11]
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- Since this is a new practice, it is not offered everywhere. It’s long-term results and effectiveness have also yet to be proven.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can you fix an underbite without surgery?

Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
Licensed Dentist
Dr. Lewis Chen is a licensed Dentist in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in providing high-quality oral care in the form of preventative care. He holds an Economics degree from New York University. Dr. Chen earned his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He graduated top of his class with the highest honors and distinction and was nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He then completed a comprehensive training program at the Bronx VA Medical Center and, shortly after, decided to pursue multiple practice ownership and management. Dr. Chen has acquired numerous accolades over the years, including New York Academy of Dentistry Exemplary Professional Conduct Award, Academy of General Dentistry Outstanding General Practitioner Award, American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award, and Pierre Fauchard Foundation Award.

Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE

Licensed Dentist

Expert Answer

Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to see what your options are. Depending the severity of your underbite, your orthodontist might recommend a more traditional treatment, like clear aligners or braces.
Question

Is it bad to have an underbite?

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon
Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim.

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS

Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon

Expert Answer

While a mild underbite might not cause serious problems, more severe underbites can create health issues. For example, you might have difficulty chewing food correctly, experience speech problems, or struggle with facial pain.
Question

Can Invisalign fix an underbite?

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS
Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon
Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim.

Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS

Board Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon

Expert Answer

Invisalign can fix relatively mild underbites, but you may need surgery to correct a severe underbite. Talk to your orthodontist about which option will work best for you.