Underbites are one of the more common things we see in kids, and they are very treatable. At Shine Orthodontics, we lean hard on early check-ups so we can catch an underbite before it has a chance to grow into a bigger issue. Spotting it early lets us guide your child toward a smile that feels healthy and gives their confidence a real lift. Here is a closer look at how starting orthodontic treatment early can help correct underbites in children.
The Basics of Underbites
An underbite is more than a cosmetic thing. It is a real bite problem worth addressing. You can spot one when the lower teeth sit out in front of the upper teeth as the mouth closes, so the bottom front teeth land ahead of the top ones. There are two main types.
- Dental underbite. The teeth cause the misalignment rather than the jaw. You may also hear this called a crossbite.
- Skeletal underbite. The lower jaw is larger than the upper jaw, so the bite shifts forward.
How Underbites Are Diagnosed
At Shine Orthodontics, we walk you and your child through every step of the exam so nothing feels like a mystery.
We start with an initial exam. Dr. McGrogan looks at your child’s facial structure, jaw alignment, and how the teeth meet when the mouth is closed. A lot of this first read is visual.
From there we take a set of X-rays and photographs. Panoramic X-rays give us a full view of the teeth, the jawbone, and the temporomandibular joint, better known as the TMJ. Photos taken from a few angles help us read overall facial symmetry and see how far the jaw is protruding.
In some cases we go a step further with imaging like a CT scan or 3D modeling, which gives us a much more detailed picture of the jaw and tooth structure.
Treatments for Your Child’s Underbite
To get ahead of an underbite, we suggest a first visit by around age 7, in line with what the AAO recommends. There is a good reason kids should see an orthodontist by age 7. This visit is a consultation and evaluation, not the start of treatment. The point is to get to know your child and build a baseline, so we can track growth and pick the right moment to begin. It also gives your child a chance to get comfortable with our office before anything happens.
Once that first consultation is done, we move into Phase One when the timing is right. Phase One is our first step toward keeping an underbite from turning into a bigger problem, and we usually begin somewhere between ages 6 and 10 while your child is still growing.
The goal of Phase One is to set the stage for a healthier smile. Starting early often means we can avoid more involved treatment down the road. We want the teeth and jaw growing in harmony, which leads to a comfortable bite and a confident smile. If you want the full picture, here is how two-phase treatment works and why early treatment matters.
Depending on how involved your child’s case is, we have a few tools to kick off Phase One. Here are the ones we reach for most.
Braces
Braces are our main tool for correcting underbites. They are more than brackets and wires. They apply gentle, steady pressure that moves teeth and helps guide jaw growth over time. Depending on what your child needs, we might add spacers or rubber bands to the plan. If you are curious about the hardware, here is a closer look at how braces work.
Appliances
Sometimes an appliance is the better fit. An expander widens the upper jaw so the teeth have room to line up properly. When an underbite is more pronounced, we may use headgear, which gently adjusts the jaw’s position by applying a steady pull.
Spotting Underbites
Here is what we tend to look for.
Teeth
- Lower teeth overlap the upper ones.
- Teeth that look crowded or have noticeable gaps.
Face and Jaw
- The lower jaw sticks out.
- One side of the face looks a little different from the other.
Symptoms
- A hard time speaking clearly.
- Trouble biting or chewing.
- Teeth that wear down quickly.
- Mouth breathing or snoring.
- Jaw pain, especially after a lot of talking or eating.
Catching these signs early helps us land on the best way to correct your child’s underbite, which means a healthier and happier smile sooner.
The Causes of Underbites in Children
Knowing why an underbite shows up helps us treat it well. It usually comes down to two things, family history and everyday habits.
Genetic Factors
If one or both parents have or had an underbite, there is a much higher chance their child will develop one too.
Environmental Factors
Certain habits and events can also lead to an underbite over time.
- Premature loss of baby teeth. When baby teeth come out early from decay or injury, it can throw off how the permanent teeth come in. Kids usually start losing baby teeth around five and have all their permanent teeth by about 13.
- Pacifiers and thumb sucking. When these stick around past the toddler years, they can push teeth and jaws out of position.
- Chewing patterns. Always chewing on one side can pull the jaw and teeth out of alignment.
- Tongue thrusting. Pushing the tongue against the teeth while talking or swallowing can shape an underbite.
Transforming Smiles at Shine Orthodontics
At Shine Orthodontics, we are with you and your child at every step. The goal is not only to correct an underbite. We want to help your child land on their most confident smile. If you are wondering whether your child has an underbite, or you think they might need orthodontic care, come in and chat with us. Book a free consultation today and let’s get that healthy, happy smile started.