There's no need for an underbite to stop you from smiling.Eating difficulties, speaking challenges, jaw pain, headaches, and sleep apnea can be caused by underbites.The treatment for an underbite depends on the severity of the situation and the patient's age, but it will always require help from a dentist or orthodontist.
Step 1: Discuss braces with your orthodontist.
Many underbite problems can be solved with braces.The level of your underbite, as well as any other dental problems you may have, will affect the amount of time that you need braces.If braces are a good option for you, you should talk to your dentist or orthodontist.Clear braces may be an option for mild to moderate underbite problems.Talk to your orthodontist and your dental insurance provider to find out which option is right for you.
Step 2: Talk to your dentist about what to do with your teeth.
Correcting underbites in adults starts with a tooth removal.Reducing the overall pressure by getting rid of teeth crowding the jawline will allow the remaining teeth to move into the correct alignment.A quick procedure is performed by your dentist.Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to pull the tooth.They use a series of tools to loosen the tooth in its sockets after the area is numb.You shouldn't feel anything more than a slight pressure due to the anesthesia.
Step 3: Look into the jaw.
The upper jaw expanders are held into position using your upper molars.The lower jaw is slowly pulled into the correct alignment with the help of mechanical devices.An orthodontist can fit an expander.You use a key to control the expansion after it's in.A plastic handle and metal tip are used to make a key.Your orthodontist will show you how to use the key to adjust the expander.Regular appointments with your orthodontist are necessary to make sure expansion is going well.Expansions are usually worn for 3-6 months.Many people say that expanders are more comfortable than braces, even though they are a little uncomfortable when first fitted.
Step 4: While you sleep wear a chin cap.
Chin caps limit the growth of the lower jaw.Wrap around your chin and connect the straps that run from the side to the back of the head with these caps.Chin caps are only worn for a portion of the day.They can only be worn while sleeping.Chin caps should be prescribed by your orthodontist.
Step 5: You can try a reverse face mask.
A reverse face mask is an external device with a forehead rest, chin rest and metal bar that attach to the upper row of teeth.An orthodontist prescribes this device to pull the upper row of teeth into the correct position.RFMs are comparable to chin caps for underbite correction.
Step 6: Discuss surgical correction with your dentist.
In the case of severe underbites in older patients, surgical correction may be necessary.The procedure will be done by an oral surgeon, but the process usually starts with a consultation at your dentist's office to see you are a strong candidate.They will recommend you to a specialist if that's the case.To find out how much of the surgery costs will be covered, you should speak to your dental insurance provider.Separating the bone in the rear portion of the jaw and modifying it so that the lower, tooth-bearing portion can be moved for proper alignment is a general process for surgery to correct an underbite.It is possible to perform surgical treatment as a singular correction as well as other correction such as tooth removal or braces.
Step 7: Good oral hygiene is important.
Clean teeth can make an underbite less noticeable.Go in for a dental cleaning every 6 months and brush your teeth twice daily.
Step 8: Consider a veneer with a mild underbite.
Adding veneer to the upper teeth may help correct visual problems associated with an underbite.This won't fix the actual bite or jaw alignment, it will just treat the issues.A veneer is a thin, white porcelain shell that is placed on the front of your teeth to adjust their color, size, shape, and/or length.The size and shape of your veneer can be adjusted by your dentist.It is normal to be concerned about the appearance of an underbite.If your biggest concern is how your underbite affects your smile, veneering may be a good choice for you.If your underbite affects the alignment of your teeth or causes you pain, you will need a more intensive treatment.
Step 9: If your dentist offers facial rejuvenation, you should check it out.
The Facelift technology uses a mix of reshaping the lower teeth and adding veneer to the upper teeth.According to dentists, this improves the appearance and jaw function of mild to moderate underbites.Since this is a new practice, it is not offered everywhere.Long-term results and effectiveness have not been proven.