An underbite is one of the types of oral malformations that can cause tooth decay, gum infection, broken teeth, difficulty speaking and eating, and pain in the face and head.
An underbite is a type of tooth and jaw disorder that destroys a person’s physical beauty and attractiveness and causes countless problems. If left untreated, this type of abnormality can cause more and more serious damage to the teeth and jaw, as well as to the person. There are several treatments for mandibular protrusion. Dental orthodontics and jaw surgery are the two main methods that we will explain in detail below. In addition to these two methods, composite, laminate, special braces, or tooth extraction are sometimes used.
In this article, we want to introduce you to underbite or mandibular prognathism and explain the treatment methods for this complication.
What is an underbite?
As we have said, underbite or Class 3 malocclusion is a type of disorder or malformation of the jaw and teeth. In this type of disorder, the mandible deviates from normal and moves forward. In general, this anomaly causes the mandible to be placed on the maxilla, in other words, the mandibular teeth cover the maxilla. Mild cases of the disorder may not be a problem, but severe cases can cause many problems, including chewing, talking, jaw pain, and more.
What are the causes of underbite?
Underbite, or protrusion of the mandible and teeth, occurs for a variety of reasons, and as a result, various problems occur in the jaw and teeth. Of course, it should be noted that the causes of this complication are not yet known for sure. But some factors affect the incidence and extent of this complication, which are:
- Inheritance or genetics
As you know, many diseases, including cleft lip and palate, are genetic. The same goes for creating Underbite. One of the most important reasons for the formation and shape of the jaw bones and the position of the teeth (overbite or class 3 malocclusion) is a person’s genetics. This means that if a family member of the patient has the disorder, the risk of developing underbite will also increase. - Lack of fit and order between the jaws and teeth
We mean the lack of fit and order between the jaws and teeth; It is smaller, shorter, or taller, and there is a bony deviation in the mandible with the teeth. These can occur for a variety of reasons, including trauma in accidents, falls from high altitudes, and other such accidents. As we said, these cases cause the mandibular teeth to protrude. - Problems with the jawbone
Problems with the jawbone are another factor in the development of an underbite. These problems include tumour growth in the mandible, abnormal growth of bones in the jaw area, the protrusion in the mandible, as well as a setback in the maxilla, fractures, and bone deviation. - Wrong habits of childhood and adulthood
One of the reasons for the occurrence of malocclusion is related to wrong habits in childhood and even adulthood. These bad habits include:
- Suck thumb and other fingers too
- Excessive pacifier sucking
- Applying pressure to the mandibular teeth with the tongue
- Improper eating results in gastric reflux
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Dental ImplantUnderbite Detection
If symptoms occur, the person should see an orthodontist immediately to determine the condition of his jaw and teeth. In this referral, the condition of the teeth, the severity of the jaw protrusion, the shape and form of the face, etc. should be examined. It should be noted that after radiology of the teeth and jaw, the extent and severity of the abnormality as well as its cause should be identified and the necessary measures should be taken to treat the patient. The younger the patient, the easier it should be to treat. Patients in the age group of 7 to 12 years are easily treated, but adults are more difficult and later to treat due to the completion of bone growth.
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What are the Signs and Symptoms of Underbite?
These abnormalities are accompanied by symptoms and complications that cause many problems in the jaw and face. These symptoms include:
- Do not place the teeth correctly on each other
- Covering the upper teeth with the lower teeth
- Disrupting the balance of the face
- Difficulty biting all kinds of food
- Problems with speaking and speech
- Protrusion and dislocation of mandibular teeth
Other complications of this anomaly include the following:
- Impaired appearance and beauty as well as decreased self-confidence
In this anomaly, the teeth are irregular and the shape of the jaw and face changes, which leads to the loss of facial beauty and reduced self-confidence. These people cannot speak properly, laugh, and in some cases even feel ashamed of their appearance. - Problems swallowing and chewing food
In this complication, the person has difficulty chewing, biting, and even swallowing food. These problems are more noticeable in the back teeth and occur over time in the teeth. - Increase the vulnerability of teeth
Protruding and irregular teeth cause more damage to the teeth, bad breath, and more sensitivity. Sensitive teeth can be seriously damaged if something like an accident, an injury in sports, a fall on the face, etc. occurs.
How is underbite treated?
For the treatment of underbite due to the severity of the anomaly, the patient’s age and از can be used as two methods of home treatment and dental treatment.
- Home treatment
This is a method that is usually used to treat very mild anomalies and does not require orthodontics. In this way, you should brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day for 2 minutes. At this time, brush the inner, outer, plain, and gum lines carefully. Under no circumstances forget to floss. Finally, visit the dentist twice a year for professional and proper examination and brushing of teeth.
Another method is dental treatment, which fortunately due to advances in medical science, different methods are available to treat mandibular prognathism. To diagnose and choose the right method, you must first see a dentist or orthodontist. Then, one of the best and most appropriate methods is selected by considering factors such as the extent and severity of the injury, the patient’s age, the complications of trauma, and the injury. Underbite treatment and beauty methods include:
Another method is dental treatment, which fortunately due to advances in medical science, different methods are available to treat mandibular prognathism. To diagnose and choose the right method, you must first see a dentist or orthodontist. Then, one of the best and most appropriate methods is selected by considering factors such as the extent and severity of the injury, the patient’s age, the complications of trauma, and the injury. Underbite treatment and beauty methods include:
- Treatment of underbite with fixed orthodontics and other orthodontic appliances
One of the most effective treatments for mild orthodontic disorders, including mild underbite, is fixed or fixed orthodontics. Orthodontics is effective for adults and children when, in addition to the severity of the complication, the patient is of childbearing age (7 to 12 years old). The procedure is performed by the orthodontist using fixed or removable orthodontics to treat jaw protrusion and irregular alignment of the teeth. During the orthodontic procedure, wires of different materials are used, both visible and invisible, and special equipment that not only fixes the teeth in place but also causes the mandible to recede. In this way, the orthodontist puts a lot of pressure on the jaws and teeth by using orthodontic wires and other equipment. This improves the condition of the teeth and returns the jaw to its original position. It should be noted that the cost of orthodontics varies depending on the severity of the anomaly, the type and type of wire, and the equipment used.
- Underbite surgery
Jaw surgery is one of the invasive methods for the treatment of class 3 malocclusion, which is performed with the help of anesthesia. Maxillofacial surgery is used as a treatment for mandibular prognathism when the patient is older, the bones of the jaw area are unable to grow, and the rate of mandibular protrusion is acute and severe, and orthodontic treatment does not work. The procedure is such that the surgeon moves the mandible to its correct location and then fixes it using special equipment such as screws and plates.
In general, you will enjoy these benefits with timely treatment of Class 3 malocclusion:
- Significant reduction of pressure on the teeth, jaw, and facial muscles
- Reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Easier brushing and cleaning of teeth
- Reduce the risk of fractures in the teeth
- No temporomandibular joint disorder
Does Underbite Affect the Appearance of a Person's Face?
This anomaly disturbs the balance of the face, which can affect the appearance of beauty and lower people’s self-esteem. As a result, treating this disorder at a young or old age is not important and should be started to prevent more serious injuries.
- Conclusion
As we have said, mandibular or underbite prognathism means the protrusion of the mandible and the covering of the upper teeth by the lower teeth. This type of anomaly that occurs in the jaw and face has very severe complications that in some cases can lead to indigestion. These people also get chronic headaches, which in some cases are very painful. Take Class 3 malocclusion treatment seriously, because any negligence in treating this disorder will lead to more costs and irreparable consequences in the future.
