Underbite
An underbite is when your bottom teeth overlap your front teeth. Generally, your front upper teeth should slightly overlap your lower teeth and your back teeth should fit into one another.
The diagram shows what an underbite might look like..
What causes an underbite?
There are many reasons why you may develop an underbite. These include:
- Genetics: the way your jaw naturally develops can cause an underbite
- Crowded teeth
- Sucking a dummy or sucking your thumb for too long as a child
- Facial or jaw injuries which may have pushed your lower jaw forward
- A tumour in the mouth or jaw (in extremely rare cases)
What problems can an underbite cause?
An underbite can affect your self-esteem and your quality of life. Some of the problems they cause include:
- A lack of self-confidence: many people choose to get their underbite fixed for cosmetic reasons
- Difficulty chewing
- Issues with your speech
- An increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Difficulty sleeping: the position of your jaw can cause discomfort when laying down
- An increased risk of TMJ dysfunction: A condition that causes jaw pain, headaches and earaches)
You’ll need to see an orthodontist to officially diagnose you with an underbite. If you’re interested in getting your underbite corrected, your orthodontist can help you decide which treatment is best for you.
How can braces fix an underbite?
Teeth straightening treatment is the only way to correct an underbite. An underbite won’t correct itself and they generally worsen with time.
At Total Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of braces that can help correct an underbite. Your orthodontist will examine your mouth and decide on the best solution for you. Some of the options include fixed braces (including metal, clear or lingual) and removable aligners such as Invisalign treatment.
0% finance for up to 36 months*
Finance applicant must be a UK resident aged 18 or over, have a UK bank account and be in permanent employment. All loans subject to eligibility, status, affordability and a credit check. T&Cs apply.
What to expect
At your consultation, we will chat through your options and suitability for different teeth straightening treatments.
*Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
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Find out more
Overbites
Underbites are when your top teeth significantly overlap your lower teeth. Overbites are commonly corrected using braces.
Teeth straightening
Everything you need to know about getting a straighter, healthier and more confident smile.
Orthodontic treatments
Discover all the teeth straightening treatments offered at Total Orthodontics, from fixed braces to discreet options.
*Finance terms and conditions:
Finance applicant must be aged 18 or over, a UK resident, have a UK bank account and be in permanent employment. All loans are subject to eligibility, status, affordability and a credit check. T&Cs apply. Finance is available on private dental treatments only.
The minimum spend for finance is £250 and the maximum is £50,000. 0% APR representative is available on repayment terms of up to 36 months subject to the amount of credit. Finance taken at repayment terms of 48 or 60 months is subject to 7.9% APR representative.
Total Orthodontics is a trading name of Oasis Dental Care Limited, Vantage Office Park, Bristol, BS16 1GW, whose company registered number is 00478127. Oasis Dental Care Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA registration number 710559. Oasis Dental Care Limited is a credit broker and not a lender.
Finance is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register no. 704348. Registered Office: Novuna House, Thorpe Road, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW18 3HP. Registered in Cardiff under company no. 1630491. The register can be accessed through fca.org.uk.
Our orthodontists
*Form Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
