Underbite treatment
When the bottom front teeth sit in front of the top ones, that's an underbite. It's less common than an overbite and more important to catch early, because it's often about jaw growth. Here's what to know.
What an underbite is
Normally the top front teeth sit slightly in front of the bottom ones. In an underbite, it's reversed: the lower teeth and often the lower jaw sit forward. Sometimes it's just the teeth (a "dental" underbite). Often it's the jaws themselves (a "skeletal" underbite), where the lower jaw grew more than the upper, or the upper jaw grew less.
What causes it
- Genetics, most of the time. Jaw size and shape run in families.
- An upper jaw that's narrow or under-developed
- Childhood habits and mouth breathing that change how the jaws grow
- Missing upper teeth or extra lower teeth, occasionally
Why early treatment matters here
This is the one condition where timing really counts. In a growing child, we can widen or encourage the upper jaw forward with appliances (a palatal expander, sometimes a facemask) and often correct the bite before the growth spurt locks it in. Wait until the teens or adulthood, and a skeletal underbite becomes much harder to fix without surgery. If you see an underbite in a young child, get it checked around age 7. It's free.
How we treat underbites
Kids (6 to 10): guide the jaws
A palatal expander widens the upper jaw; growth appliances can encourage it forward. Short partial braces sometimes finish the front teeth. This is Phase 1 treatment, usually 9 to 12 months, followed by monitoring and a possible Phase 2 as a teen. Early treatment → · Airway-friendly planning →
Teens and adults: braces or Invisalign
Dental underbites and mild skeletal ones respond to braces with elastics, and some mild cases to Invisalign. The orthodontist moves the upper teeth forward and the lower teeth back to get the bite to meet correctly.
Severe adult cases
A significant skeletal underbite in an adult may need braces plus corrective jaw surgery. If that's your situation, we'll explain it plainly and coordinate with an oral surgeon.
Why it's worth treating
Underbites make it harder to chew and sometimes to speak clearly, cause uneven wear on the teeth, and strain the jaw joint over time. Correcting the bite protects the teeth and joints, not just the profile.
Timeline and cost
Phase 1 for kids: usually 9 to 12 months. Comprehensive treatment for teens and adults: 18 to 30 months for bite correction. Treatment is on the same interest-free in-house financing as all of our care, with payments as low as $99 a month. Financing →
Descriptions here are general. An exam and X-ray tell us what your specific bite needs, and both are free at Smile 4 Less.
Underbite FAQ
Can an underbite be fixed without surgery?
In children, very often, by guiding jaw growth early. In teens and adults, dental and mild skeletal underbites can be treated with braces or Invisalign. Severe adult skeletal cases may need surgery.
What's the best age to treat an underbite?
Early. Have it checked by age 7 so growth guidance is an option.
Can Invisalign fix an underbite?
Mild dental underbites, sometimes. Most underbites do better with braces and elastics.
Will my child grow out of it?
Underbites usually don't self-correct; they tend to become more pronounced with growth. That's why early evaluation matters.
Ready for a smile that fits your budget?
Your first visit is free, exam and X-ray included. We'll show you the plan and the price, no pressure.