An underbite—a pronounced lower jaw that sticks out beyond the upper jaw—is more than just a cosmetic issue. Also known as a Class III malocclusion or prognathism, an underbite occurs when the lower front teeth extend past the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed. While some cases are subtle, severe underbite can significantly disrupt daily life, affecting chewing, speech, facial aesthetics, and even oral health.
At AQR Orthodontics, under the guidance of Dr. AQR, a trusted underbite expert in Dubai, we focus on early detection and tailored treatment plans to help patients regain both function and confidence—whether through braces, clear aligners, growth appliances, or orthognathic surgery.
Understanding Underbite: What It Is and How It Develops
An underbite, clinically known as a Class III malocclusion or prognathism, occurs when the lower jaw protrudes past the upper jaw, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed. This dental misalignment isn’t just cosmetic—it often signals an underlying skeletal imbalance between the mandible (lower jaw) and maxilla (upper jaw).
Underbites can vary in severity from mild to significant and may emerge due to genetic factors, jaw development issues, childhood habits, or trauma. While underbites are less common than other malocclusions, they still affect a notable minority of individuals. Global data estimates that approximately 5–10% of people exhibit some form of underbite, although not all cases require treatment ([en.wikipedia.org][1]). Early identification of facial profile changes and bite patterns is essential, as untreated underbites can progress over time.
What Causes Underbite?
Understanding the root causes helps guide effective, personalized treatment:
- Genetic Factors: A strong family history of jaw misalignment is the most common cause.
- Jaw Size Discrepancy: When the lower jaw grows larger or forward more than the upper jaw, a skeletal underbite develops.
- Oral Habits in Childhood: Prolonged thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, pacifier use, or bottle-feeding past age 3 may contribute to jaw imbalance.
- Dental Misalignments: Early tooth loss, tooth crowding, or oversized lower teeth can compound jaw issues.
- Trauma or Tumors: Facial injury or growths in the jaw area can shift growth patterns.
Early Signs of a Developing Underbite
Detecting an underbite early—usually between the ages of 6 and 10—can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Parents and caregivers should watch for several key indicators:
- Lower teeth overlap upper teeth when the mouth is closed, signalling a shift in jaw alignment.
- Difficulty biting or chewing food, and frequent mouth breathing, which may indicate misalignment affecting oral function
- Speech irregularities, such as a lisp or unclear pronunciation of “s,” “z,” and “f” sounds, which often accompany jaw anomalies
- Visible chin protrusion or a concave facial profile, noticeable even when the face is at rest
- Jaw pain or TMJ discomfort, especially during chewing or speaking, may manifest as joint clicking, fatigue, or headaches around the jaw
Early intervention enables orthodontists to use less invasive methods—such as functional appliances—to guide jaw development and prevent the condition from worsening.
Underbite Early Treatment
Underbites tend not to resolve naturally. Without timely intervention, they often worsen with jaw growth. Early corrective work can be helpful for the following reasons:
- Growth-modifying appliances (e.g., expanders, facemasks, functional braces) can redirect jaw development while bones are still malleable, helping guide both upper and lower jaw position before serious misalignment sets in.
- Early orthodontic intervention typically prevents the need for future orthognathic surgery, thereby reducing the requirement for invasive procedures later in life.
- Treating underbites early can shorten treatment duration and simplify orthodontic care, typically allowing for less complex appliances and fewer complications.
- Preventative treatment minimises dental complications such as uneven wear, cavities, and gum issues, as well as functional problems like TMJ discomfort and speech difficulties.
- Fixing an underbite early helps create a healthier and more balanced face. This improves oral function and boosts self-confidence during important growing years.
Effects of an Untreated Underbite
- Dental Health & Stability
- Uneven wear on teeth, enamel erosion, chipping, and cracking.
- Higher risk of cavities and gum disease due to misaligned teeth and difficulty brushing.
- Functional Concerns
- Issues biting, chewing, or eating properly.
- Speech disorders, especially affecting sounds like “s”, “z”, and “f”.
- TMJ disorders, headaches, and chronic jaw pain.
- Aesthetic & Psychosocial Impact
- Facial appearance may be unbalanced or asymmetrical.
- Self-esteem may suffer, especially in social or professional settings.
Closing the Gap: Underbite Treatment Options at AQR Orthodontics
- Early Preventive Measures & Growth Modification
- Palatal expanders, reverse-pull headgear (facemask), or chin cups aim to support or redirect jaw growth during childhood.
- Typically used between the ages 7 and 10 in growing children for a non-surgical solution.
Functional Appliances
- Twin blocks, Frankel appliances, etc., help align when jaw growth can still be guided.
- Often paired with braces for aligning teeth alongside jaw correction.
- Braces/Clear Aligners (Dental Correction)
- Underbite braces use dental movements and elastics to fix crossbite-like dental misalignment.
- Clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign) suit mild-to-moderate cases. Known as a camouflage correction when skeletal discrepancy is minimal.
- TADs (temporary anchorage devices) can support tooth movement in more complex cases.
- Orthodontic + Surgical (Orthognathic) Approach
- For severe underbites, bone structure must be altered surgically:
• Single-Jaw Surgery:
- Mandibular setback (BSSO) to move the lower jaw back
- Maxillary advancement (Le Fort I) in some cases
Double-Jaw Surgery
- Involving both jaws—used for complex skeletal imbalance
Cost of Surgery
- Ranges from AED 15K to 20K+ per jaw, often covered by insurance for health-related correction.
- Recovery typically involves 2–6 weeks downtime; full bone healing may take several months.
Why Choose AQR Orthodontics & Dr. AQR?
- We offer comprehensive diagnostics, including 3D scanning, imaging, and growth assessments.
- Dr. AQR is a well-known expert in underbites in Dubai. He creates personalized treatment plans based on age, symptom severity, and treatment goals.
- AQR Orthodontics offers ways to achieve functional, beautiful, and stable smiles. This can be through early intervention, braces, aligners, or surgery.
Conclusion: The Power of Early Action and Informed Choices
Underbites are complex but treatable. With modern orthodontics and surgical technology, even severe underbites can be corrected to restore both function and aesthetics.
But timing is key. Finding problems early—ideally between ages 6 and 10—can help avoid future surgery. It can also reduce treatment time and prevent lifelong issues.
At AQR Orthodontics, we’re committed to empowering our patients. With precise diagnostics and personalized care from Dr. AQR, we help you fix underbite issues using proven methods.
Book a consultation today to learn about your underbite treatment options. Take the first step toward better function, improved facial harmony, and lasting confidence with Dr AQR.
