Tag: underbite

When does an underbite need surgery?

Did you know there’s more than one treatment alternative for deep underbites? Most people believe that these bite problems can only be solved with orthodontics. However, the truth is when there’s a skeletal compromise in underbites, the results with orthodontic treatment tend to fall short. Jawbone surgery is the ultimate treatment for severe underbites – read on to find out why!

 

Why do some people develop underbites?

 

Many different factors can lead to an underbite. Sometimes, it is caused by an alteration in jawbones during their development. Children with tongue thrusts, habits like thumb-sucking, or prolonged pacifier use are more likely to develop this jaw issue. In these cases, the jawbones had the “right information” when growing, but some external factors interfered with their development, causing this bite problem. The good news is that if these external factors are spotted on time, they can be eliminated or at least neutralized through dental procedures or conduct therapy. That’s why it’s crucial to have your children’s smiles examined by a dentist, orthodontist, or pediatrician at 7.

 

However, in most cases, underbites have a strong genetic component. This bite issue tends to run in families. In these cases, the information the jawbones receive while developing already has this tendency to cause an overbite. Still, although there are no habits to correct or tongue thrusts to be surgically treated if this abnormal growth tendency is detected on time, orthodontists can do something about it. Orthopedic appliances can guide the development of the jawbones and help them reach the correct position if worn at a certain age.

 

 

Treatment alternatives

 

If children don’t receive proper treatment while growing, the underbite will become more and more noticeable until they reach the growing peak (between 16 and 18 years old). From that moment onwards, no interceptive treatment can help. Adult patients have two treatment options, and to make a decision, they must consider multiple factors.

 

  • Orthodontic Treatment: orthodontic treatment can only correct the position of the teeth. It doesn’t affect the jawbones themselves, so patients who choose braces need to know the change in their facial appearance will be limited. Sometimes overbites are more related to teeth, so the final results with braces are satisfactory, but when the jawbones are involved, there’s no choice but to undergo surgery to improve function and facial aesthetics.

 

  • Jawbone Surgery: Jawbone surgery is technically known as orthognathic surgery. This surgical procedure involves both a traditional orthodontic treatment and a major surgery, so the treatment plan must be outlined by both an orthodontist and an orthognathic surgeon. Jawbone surgery is highly convenient for patients with a severe underbite, as this skeletal alteration can cause functional problems besides the apparent aesthetic compromise. Patients with deep underbites tend to have difficulties chewing, speaking, and even breathing (the upper airway’s permeability is intimately related to the position of the jawbone).

 

 

Jaw Surgery in Austin, TX

There are various causes and treatments for underbites, so it’s essential you learn about your case and possibilities before taking any course of action. Consult with one of Hill Country Oral Surgery’s oral surgeons to find which option is right for you!

 

Do You Need Corrective Jaw Surgery for Your Underbite?

Over your underbite? You’re not the only one. For many Americans, even a slight underbite can seem extremely noticeable. While many patients with this type of malocclusion can address their concerns through braces or other treatments, some individuals with more severe cases may find that corrective jaw surgery is a better long-term solution. Here’s what you need to know before investing in corrective surgery for your underbite. 

What Causes an Underbite?

Underbites are a form of malocclusion often rooted in jaw misalignment. This misalignment causes the lower teeth to extend farther than the upper teeth. However, the causes behind jaw misalignment can vary between:

  • Genetics
  • Early childhood behaviors such as thumb sucking or extended pacifier use
  • Injuries such as broken jawbones
  • Tumors

Depending on the severity and cause of the underbite, corrective jaw surgery may be the best course of action for an individual.

Evaluating the Impact of an Underbite 

In addition to evaluating the cause behind an underbite, most oral surgeons pay close attention to the impact an underbite may have on an individual’s overall oral health. For most mild cases, the mismatch is relatively unnoticeable or causes mostly cosmetic concerns. In these instances, an expert may recommend less invasive options such as orthodontia to help improve a patient’s appearance.  

In contrast, severe underbites can more seriously impact a person’s ability to bite, chew, and even speak. These individuals may also experience abnormal dental wear or find it more challenging to maintain proper oral hygiene due to their underbite. This increases the risk of periodontal disease or cavities. In these instances, correcting the underbite via corrective jaw surgery is the best solution. 

What is Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, is typically reserved for the most severe malocclusions. Corrective jaw surgery is highly tailored to each patient based on the cause and severity of their underbite. For some, surgery can require moving the upper jaw forward to meet the protruding lower jaw. For others, the lower jaw needs to be rotated and repositioned in order to sit flush against the upper jaw. 

As multiple surgeries are sometimes required in order to achieve the desired result, the overall process of getting corrective jaw surgery can take longer than most other procedures. Furthermore, your jaw surgery specialist may recommend combining orthognathic surgery with braces to correct the teeth’s position. However, this holistic approach to care can yield life-changing results for the patient. With corrective jaw surgery, individuals can gain a newfound sense of confidence in their appearance as well as improved quality of life. 

Schedule Your Oral Surgery Consultation Today

At Hill Country Oral Surgery, we believe that your smile can be your best asset. If your underbite is causing you grief or impacting your oral health, give us a call. Our expert oral surgeons would be happy to sit down with you and discuss your treatment options. Together, we’ll find the best solution for your malocclusion. Call 512-327-7233 or schedule your consultation online with our maxillofacial specialists in Austin, Tx today!