What Does It Mean When I have An Underbite?

Having an underbite means the bottom teeth in the front of the mouth are in front of the top front teeth. This also means that the bite is not correct and will cause problems if not fitted with braces to correct the problem. When the teeth close rather than being able to close completely, they sit braced by each other and placing pressure on the jaw and muscles. Over time this can become a condition that can cause TMJ as one of the problems.

The underbite is caused by the horizontal underdevelopment of the upper jaw and the over development of the lower jaw. This combination of the difference in the upper and lower jaw growth is what causes the problem of the underbite. The underbite is also known as mandibular prognathism in the world of orthodontics and can be found in patients that have an extended chin and is usually due to genetics.

Along with problems of closing the bite without stress on the jaw it is also often uncomfortable chewing and long term it the underbite can damage the teeth making them wear or even chip.

Having the teeth with an underbite needs the correction of braces to alleviate the stress on the teeth and the jaw because as the person ages there will be dental problems because of the bite and also with the jaw and this can include things like the teeth beginning to cave in over time.