How to Fix an Underbite: Causes & Orthodontic Treatment Options

If you or your child has been diagnosed with an underbite, you're not alone. In fact, many people live with this common condition. The good news? Underbites are treatable—often with a range of accessible, effective options. 

At Beam Dental, we believe dental care should be easy to understand, personalized to your individual needs, as accessible and affordable as possible, and focused on your long-term health and wellness. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about underbites and underbite treatment, from causes and concerns to best treatment practices and effective solutions. 

What Is an Underbite?

Often described as a type of "malocclusion," or misalignment of the teeth and jaw, an underbite is a dental condition in which the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. 

While the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth in a healthy bite, the relationship is reversed with an underbite. This can affect everything from your smile to how you speak or chew.

What Causes an Underbite?

Several factors can contribute to the development of an underbite, including the following: 

1. Genetics

Underbites often run in families and may be linked to inherited jaw shapes or sizes.

2. Childhood habits

Prolonged thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, and extended pacifier use can lead to misalignment.

3. Injury or trauma

An incorrectly healed jaw injury may result in a misaligned bite.

4. Jaw growth discrepancies

When the lower jaw grows more rapidly than the upper jaw, an underbite can form.

Do Underbites Get Worse With Age?

In many cases, yes. Over time, underbites can become more pronounced, particularly during growth spurts in children and teens. 

Without treatment, misalignments can lead to increased wear and tear on teeth, pain and discomfort, and more serious oral health problems. 

One additional thing to keep in mind? While early intervention is important, it’s also never too late to explore treatment options for an underbite. 

Can an Underbite Go Away Naturally?

It’s highly unlikely that an underbite will resolve on its own. Unlike minor alignment issues that can shift slightly with age, underbites usually require intentional treatment to correct. 

Delaying treatment in the hopes that the condition will improve can actually make it more difficult to treat down the line. As mentioned earlier, many underbites get progressively worse. The longer you wait to fix an underbite, the more intensive your treatment is likely to become. 

Why Is Fixing an Underbite Worth It?

Correcting an underbite isn't just about aesthetics. It can also improve your oral and overall health in the following ways: 

• Improved chewing and digestion
• Reduced jaw pain or tension
• Decreased risk of tooth damage or uneven wear
• Better speech clarity
• More balanced facial appearance

The takeaway? Whether you’re looking to improve eating, speaking, and other everyday activities or just searching for a confidence booster, underbite treatment may be the solution you’re looking for. 

Can You Fix an Underbite Without Surgery?

Especially if caught early, underbites are often correctable without surgery. Non-surgical options include the following: 

Braces or clear aligners

Both braces and clear aligners like Invisalign are used to gradually move the teeth into proper alignment.

Expanders or retainers

Especially in children whose jaws are still growing, palatal expanders can guide jaw development and correct bite issues.

Tooth reshaping or bonding

In milder underbite cases, adjusting the size or shape of certain teeth can help balance the bite.

Beam Dental offers a range of advanced orthodontic solutions in New York City, including non-invasive aligner therapy tailored to your smile. It is always our team’s pleasure to go over all of your options with you—non-surgical and otherwise—with you and to provide our recommendations regarding the best path forward. 

What About Severe Underbites?

Especially in adults with pronounced underbites, underbite surgery may be the most effective treatment method. Also known as orthognathic surgery, this procedure involves repositioning the jawbone into proper alignment. 

“While surgery may sound intimidating, underbite surgery is a safe and effective procedure typically done in collaboration with an orthodontist and an oral surgeon,” said Dr. Charles Wei, prosthodontist at Beam Dental Jersey City.

At Beam Dental, we make sure you are comfortable and understand every step of the process. If surgery is recommended, we work with trusted specialists to ensure you receive seamless, coordinated care.

How Long Does It Take to Fix an Underbite?

Treatment time depends on the severity of the underbite and the method used. Here are some ballpark figures regarding underbite treatment times, although your dentist will offer a more precise figure based on your unique situation. 

• Mild cases with aligners or braces: 12–18 months
• Moderate cases with orthodontic appliances, such as expanders and retainers: 18–24 months
• Surgical cases: including orthodontics likely to be required before and/or after surgery: 2–3 years

Keep in mind that the earlier you start, the more treatment options you’ll have—and the more control you’ll have over the outcome.

What to Expect from Underbite Treatment at Beam Dental in NY and NJ

At Beam Dental, we specialize in delivering modern, health-focused care in a welcoming, accessible environment. When you come in for underbite treatment, here’s what you can expect:

A comprehensive evaluation 

Our professional and friendly team will conduct a thorough assessment of your teeth and jaw, including advanced imaging. 

A clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan

We consider ourselves your partners in oral health here at Beam Dental. It’s important to us to make sure you understand your diagnosis and that the treatment plan meets your unique needs and goals. 

Transparent and fair pricing

We know that the cost of dental care can be overwhelming, which is why we take great care to make treatment costs and payments as simple and straightforward as possible. 

Consistent care 

Choosing the right dental care providers is as important as selecting the right treatment plan for your underbite. As trusted dental professionals, the Beam Dental care team offers years of experience, an abundance of expertise, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing we’re not just your dental practitioners, we’re also your advocates. 

Whether you’re ready to move forward with underbite treatment in NJ and NY or just starting to explore your options, we’re here to make sure you feel supported on your journey. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Underbites

Read on for a roundup of some of the most common questions we hear from patients about underbites and underbite treatment: 

Is there a way to treat jaw misalignment without surgery?

Absolutely. For many patients, especially children and teens, non-surgical options like aligners, braces, and expanders are useful for shifting the bite over time. Even adults may benefit from orthodontic treatments that allow for gradual alignment corrections without surgery.

What if my bite issue is more serious?

In situations where jaw positioning is significantly off and in other extreme cases, corrective surgery may be the most effective approach. However, this option is typically reserved for severe underbites or instances when other treatments have failed to deliver the desired results.

How long will I need to wear braces or aligners?

While treatment times vary from person to person, most orthodontic corrections for underbites are completed within 12 to 24 months. Severe cases may require longer treatment, especially when combined with jaw surgery.

Can jaw alignment problems go away as a child grows?

Unfortunately, underbites don’t typically resolve with age or correct themselves over time. In fact, they can become more noticeable if left untreated. The best way to determine if and when to start treatment for an overbite? Seek out an early evaluation by a reputable dental professional.  

What benefits can I expect after correcting my bite?

Patients report benefits including reduced strain when chewing, improved speech, fewer headaches and jaw issues, and greater confidence in their smile. Once again, correcting an underbite isn’t just about cosmetics. It’s also about dental health, overall comfort, and restored confidence. 

Is treatment different for kids and adults?

Kids and teens often have more flexibility in terms of their treatment options because their bones are still growing, which opens the door to approaches like expanders.

Meanwhile, adults may require more comprehensive orthodontics or surgical solutions depending on the severity of the case.

Correct Your Underbite with Beam Dental

Living with an underbite can affect everything from your smile to your overall sense of well-being. But addressing this issue doesn’t have to be a complicated process, especially when you choose Beam Dental. We’re proud to offer expert modern underbite treatment in New Jersey and New York that always puts your and your family’s comfort, health, and confidence first.

To discover how simple, transparent care can help you achieve a healthier, more balanced smile, contact us today.