Underbite Treatment

A Head Start for a Healthier Smile

What Is an Underbite?

An underbite is a bite misalignment where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth instead of behind them. Orthodontists sometimes call this a Class III bite or Class III malocclusion. The cause varies from person to person. Some underbites come down to tooth position. Others trace back to how the upper and lower jaws grew relative to each other. Many are a mix of both. Knowing the actual cause matters, because it's what determines which treatment will actually work.

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Overbite

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth too much. Orthodontic treatment can improve alignment, bite function, and tooth wear.

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. Treatment can improve chewing, jaw alignment, and overall bite function.

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Orthodontic treatment can correct alignment and help prevent uneven wear and jaw problems.

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Pure Orthodontics — Early Treatment FAQ

Pure Orthodontics / FAQ

Underbite questions, answered.

Underbites can have a strong genetic component. Jaw size, jaw position, facial development, and tooth alignment can all be influenced by genetics, which is why underbites may sometimes appear in several members of the same family.

An underbite can become more noticeable as a child grows, particularly when differences in upper and lower jaw growth are involved. In adults, changes in tooth position, tooth wear, or dental health can also affect how the bite fits together over time.

It can. Teeth naturally shift throughout life, and tooth wear, missing teeth, gum changes and other factors can alter the bite over time. However, not every overbite will progressively worsen.

There is no single best age for every underbite. Children with an underbite should be assessed while they are still growing so an orthodontist can determine whether early treatment would be beneficial. Other cases may be better treated later when more permanent teeth have erupted.

Not exactly. An underbite generally describes a bite where the lower front teeth sit ahead of the upper front teeth. A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth and can affect the front teeth, back teeth, or both.

Yes. Many underbites can be treated without jaw surgery, particularly when tooth position is a major contributor or treatment begins while a patient is still growing. Surgery may be considered for some severe skeletal underbites in adults.

Treatment time varies depending on the severity of the underbite, the patient's age, the underlying cause, and whether other orthodontic concerns need to be corrected. An orthodontic assessment is needed to provide an accurate treatment timeline.

A significant underbite may contribute to uneven tooth wear, difficulty biting or chewing, and increased stress on certain teeth. However, every bite is different, and an orthodontist can determine whether treatment is recommended.

What Causes an Underbite?

Most underbites come from genetics, jaw growth, tooth position, or some combination of the three. A lower jaw that grows too far forward, an upper jaw that develops differently, or teeth that erupt at odd angles can all push the lower teeth ahead of the uppers. An orthodontic exam is the only reliable way to pin down the cause and severity.

What Does an Underbite Look Like?

The clearest sign is the bite itself: the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth, instead of tucking slightly behind them like they normally would. It can be barely noticeable or dramatic enough to change the profile of the face, often making the lower jaw look more prominent and the chin appear to jut forward. Other signs include the lower jaw extending past the upper jaw from the side, a sunken look to the upper lip, trouble getting the front teeth to meet, and uneven tooth wear. Since underbites vary widely in cause and severity, an orthodontic evaluation is the best way to know what's really going on.

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Does an Underbite Need to Be Treated?

Treatment depends on whether the issue is mainly the teeth, the jaws, or both. An orthodontist might reposition teeth, create space, use elastics or other appliances, guide jaw growth in a still-developing patient, or combine several of these strategies. In adults, more severe skeletal underbites often need a different approach, since jaw growth has already finished by that point.