Adult Braces for Underbite – What to Expect
An underbite is a common form of tooth misalignment caused by numerous factors, some genetic and out of your control and some controllable. This misalignment is typically characterized by lower teeth and jaw that are further in front of the upper teeth. The complications of underbite depend on the degree of the misalignment. They could include chronic jaw pain, eating and chewing difficulties, headaches, toothaches, earaches, and hearing problems.
In addition to the above complications, an underbite may lower the confidence of an individual. Fortunately, underbites can be corrected in numerous ways, with metal braces being commonly used.
At Boley Braces, Dr. Boley, a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, can help you determine the right underbite correction method if you’re in the Cincinnati & Harrison, OH, area. Continue reading to learn what to expect in an underbite correction, including more about braces for underbite.
What Causes Adult Underbites?
Underbites are caused by several factors, some avoidable and some not. These factors include:
- Genetics: Hereditary plays a significant role in causing an underbite. In most cases, underbites run in the family, meaning if one parent had an underbite, there is a high chance that their children will develop one.
- Injury: Trauma to the jaw, like in an accident, can cause tooth misalignment. Jaw injuries are common among kids and adults and can come from anything, including sporting incidents or just plain accidents.
- Childhood habits: Some of the childhood behaviors that may cause underbite include thumb sucking, using a pacifier or bottle for an extended period, tongue thrusting against the teeth, and mouth breathing.
Why it’s Important to Take Care of Your Underbite
Correcting an underbite helps eliminate temporomandibular (TMJ) pain and discomfort experienced during activities like eating or speaking.
Another reason for correcting an underbite is to improve the symmetry or appearance of the face, which ultimately helps maintain your beautiful smile and boosts self-confidence. The last main reason why adults should take care of their underbite is to improve speech clarity and communication. Severe underbites may affect how one pronounces certain sounds or words.
Can an Underbite Be Fixed Without Surgery?
Yes. In numerous cases, it is possible to correct an underbite without the need for surgery, especially if it is detected and treated early. This means that the specific treatment to select will highly depend on the severity of the underbite and the patient’s age. There are several modern son-surgical underbite treatments that are highly effective in correcting underbite.
The most advanced, less invasive treatments include Invisalign, as well as braces for underbites. Unlike surgical treatments, non-surgical underbite treatments are cost-effective and also have less downtime, allowing you to resume your daily routine quickly.
At Boleys Braces, Dr. Boley will help you determine the most appropriate treatment plan according to the severity of the jaw size problem and your specific needs and goals.
How Braces Can Help With An Underbite
Braces are among the most effective modern non-surgical treatments for correcting underbites. They offer excellent corrective results for mild to severe underbite cases.
At Boleys Braces, our braces are built with current technology for the patient’s benefit. Some of our braces options for adults include metal braces, clear aligners, and ceramic braces.
Typically, braces correct underbite by moving or repositioning the teeth into their proper alignment. The resting of the upper jaw and the lower jaw depends on how the teeth interconnect, which your dentist might refer to as occlusion.
Braces gently and consistently push misaligned teeth into their proper alignment.
You might experience some pain and discomfort after wearing braces. If you are wearing Invisalign, you may experience dry mouth or irritation and discomfort on your lips, tongue and inside of your cheeks. For the best income, it is advisable to follow the instructions of your orthodontics.
Options For Your Underbite Are Available
An adult underbite can cause numerous uncomfortable social and functional problems, which may affect self-esteem or cause pain from TMJ. Correcting an underbite early prevents further complications, which may lead to jaw surgery. Non-surgical underbite treatments such as braces are highly recommended as they utilize modern technology for better results, have less downtime, and are cost-effective.
At Boley Braces, we offer numerous treatment options for adult underbites.
Dr. Boley, a board-certified orthodontic specialist, will help you develop a personalized underbite correction plan to ensure you get the results you want.
Contact us now at our Muddy Creek or Harrison, OH, office to learn more about our orthodontic treatment for underbite.
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