In our previous article, we explored overbites—what they are, their causes, and treatment options. Now, let’s shift our focus to the underbite, another common dental misalignment that can impact oral health and facial aesthetics. While some cases of underbite are mild and barely noticeable, others can lead to significant issues with chewing, speech, and jaw function.
It’s critical to diagnose and treat early to minimise the risk of long-term problems. With advancements in dental technology, more Australians in 2025 are seeking effective solutions for underbite correction.
Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s developing bite or an adult exploring treatment options, understanding your choices is the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Table of Contents
Understanding Underbite and Its Impact
What is an Underbite?
An underbite is a dental condition where the lower jaw grows further forward than the upper jaw, resulting in the lower teeth overlapping the upper teeth. This misalignment can range from mild to severe, depending on the degree of jaw discrepancy.
Common signs of an underbite include
- A protruding lower jaw
- Difficulty biting or chewing food properly
- Speech issues due to misaligned teeth
- Uneven tooth wear and jaw strain
Underbite vs Overbite
While an overbite involves upper teeth extending too far over the lower teeth, an underbite is the opposite—the lower teeth jut out past the upper teeth.
Both conditions can cause discomfort, dental wear, and self-consciousness about appearance, but underbites tend to be less common in Australians compared to overbites. Understanding the differences helps in choosing the right treatment approach.
Underbites in Infants and Children
Many parents wonder whether an underbite can be detected in infancy. While mild cases may not be obvious early on, some signs include:
- An extended lower jaw
- Difficulty latching onto a bottle or breastfeeding
- Early signs of irregular bite patterns
Early detection is key, as addressing jaw alignment issues in infancy or early childhood can prevent more serious complications later. Paediatric dentists may recommend simple interventions, such as myofunctional therapy or specialised orthodontic appliances, to guide proper jaw development.
If you’re noticing these symptoms in your baby or toddler, it’s best to seek professional advice from a paediatric dentist or orthodontist as early as possible to ensure proper treatment and avoid long-term issues.
Causes of an Underbite
Several contributing factors can lead to an underbite:
- Genetics: If parents or grandparents have an underbite, there’s a higher chance their children may inherit it.
- Jaw Growth Discrepancies: If the lower jaw grows at a faster rate than the upper jaw, an underbite may develop.
- Childhood Habits: Prolonged thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and bottle-feeding can impact jaw alignment.
- Missing or Misaligned Teeth: The positioning of teeth, crowding, or missing teeth can influence jaw alignment over time.
How to Fix an Underbite
Braces and Orthodontic Treatments
For mild to moderate cases, underbite and braces go hand in hand. Traditional braces can gradually shift teeth into proper alignment, while clear aligners offer a discreet alternative.
How to Fix an Underbite Naturally
For minor underbites, non-surgical approaches can sometimes help in improving jaw alignment. These methods include:
- Facial exercises to strengthen jaw muscles and encourage proper positioning.
- Jaw posture correction to help train the muscles to rest in a more natural alignment.
- Myofunctional therapy which involves targeted exercises to improve tongue posture and oral muscle function.
- Specialised orthodontic appliances, such as chin caps or headgear, are designed to gently guide the jaw into place.
However, it’s important to note that these natural methods are generally most effective for younger patients whose jaws are still developing.
In moderate to severe cases, these techniques may provide some support but are unlikely to fully correct the underbite without professional orthodontic treatment.
Advanced Treatments for Severe Cases
For more severe underbites, dentists may recommend:
- Jaw expanders and orthodontic appliances for younger patients
- Surgical options for adults where the jaw needs repositioning
- New 2025 treatment innovations – Aussie dentists now use advanced techniques like digitally guided jaw surgery and AI-driven orthodontic planning for more precise results.
Underbite Before and After – What to Expect
The length of treatment depends on the severity of the underbite and the chosen method:
- Braces and aligners – Typically 12 to 24 months
- Jaw expanders – Several months to a year
- Surgery – Immediate results but requires a recovery period
Retainers are crucial after treatment to prevent relapse and maintain results.
Why Early Underbite Treatment Matters
Treating an underbite in childhood or adolescence is often easier and more effective because the jaw is still growing.
Ignoring an underbite can have these outcomes:
- Jaw pain and discomfort
- Difficulty with speech and pronunciation
- Tooth wear and gum recession
With new advancements in 2025, underbite treatments in Australia are becoming more accessible and affordable, making now a great time to explore your options.
Aftercare & Long-Term Maintenance
To maintain results after treatment:
- Wear your retainer as recommended
- Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor jaw alignment
- Maintain good oral hygiene to protect your teeth and gums
Fixing an underbite is more than just improving your smile—it’s about enhancing your overall dental health and quality of life. At Parkmore Family Dental, our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalised solutions to correct underbites effectively.
If you’re experiencing underbite concerns, the best step is to consult with our expert dentists, who will assess your case and recommend the best treatment options, whether it’s braces, Invisalign, or other corrective procedures.
Investing in treatment now means a healthier, more confident future! Book a consultation at Parkmore Family Dental today and take the first step toward a better smile.
