A small underbite adds character to a smile, but sometimes, it’s not that easy to live with. From chewing to speech, it can introduce plenty of challenges. Luckily, the question of how to fix an underbite has its solutions – multiple treatment options at that. Our team at Aspire Dental Wellness is here to help you find your path to a comfortable, confident smile!
How to Fix an Underbite – A Brief Overview of Treatments
Traditional braces have been a go-to solution for teeth alignment, but recently, clear aligners have been gaining popularity as a more comfortable and convenient alternative. Fixing an underbite doesn’t always require surgery – in fact, non-surgical options are much more common. But before we discuss the options in more detail, let’s talk about the condition itself.
What Is an Underbite Exactly?
An underbite, also known as prognathism or a Class III malocclusion, is a unique dental condition. It’s characterized by the lower set of teeth extending further forward than the upper set. This could be barely noticeable and not require dental treatment, or it could seriously compromise your oral health and everyday life.
Why Do People Have Underbites?
Most of the time, underbites are inherited. Actually, your genetics play a big part in not just the shape and size of your teeth but also in the structure of your jaw. Other than that, childhood habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and using the pacifier past the age of 3 increase the risk of underbite development. In other cases, it’s a result of a dental injury. But no matter the exact cause, our Charlotte, NC, dentist can find an effective solution for your smile.
Why Is Correcting an Underbite Important?
Even though our practice of cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte, NC, can handle underbites, the treatment isn’t just about aesthetics. While you might be able to live with a mild case, it’s still a good idea to schedule a dentist appointment and talk about how to correct an underbite. Why? Well, it can result in other oral health issues, including:
- Difficulty chewing food,
- Speech impediment,
- Issues with breathing,
- Excessive wear and tear on the front teeth,
- Bad breath (halitosis),
- Sleep apnea,
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
What Does the Ideal Teeth Alignment Look Like?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, 5-10% of people have an underbite. Everyone else? The other way around – overbite. And if you think there’s been some sort of a mistake, you should know that having a slight overbite is actually a characteristic of the “perfect” teeth alignment.
In a picture-perfect smile, your molars, the sturdy back teeth, should fit together like puzzle pieces with the ones on the opposite jaw. Up front, your incisors should align neatly between the top and bottom rows. Medically speaking, this is what makes a smile “perfect.” Of course, fixing an overbite is needed when it’s a significant one, but in most cases, it’s a completely normal alignment.
Can You Fix an Underbite Without Surgery in Charlotte, NC?
Yes, you can fix an underbite in Charlotte, NC, without oral surgery. This type of procedure is reserved only for extreme cases. Underbite correction without surgery is much more common, so you don’t have to dread getting in touch with your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark.
Can Braces Fix an Underbite?
Braces have long been the classic solution for underbites, overbites, crowded teeth, and other misalignments. They work by applying gentle, consistent pressure that gradually shifts teeth into their proper positions.
Because the teeth and jaw are still growing, making adjustments during childhood is the easiest. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends getting kids checked by age 7. However, while braces can deliver an amazing smile makeover, they do take some time to get used to. That’s where clear aligners come into the picture.
How to Fix an Underbite Naturally in Charlotte, NC – The Most Comfortable Solution
How to correct an underbite in Charlotte, NC, without the uncomfortable brackets and wires? Is it even possible? Absolutely! As advanced cosmetic & laser dentistry is getting more widespread, clear and nighttime aligners are becoming quite popular solutions. They are just as effective as traditional braces, and on top of that, they’re much more comfortable, entirely removable, and the treatment is quicker.
Aspire Dental Wellness Offers a Wide Range of Options
With our cosmetic dentist in Charlotte, NC, your smile is in expert hands! We offer a couple of top-tier brands of clear aligners, including OrthoFX™ and Spark™. We’ll work together to find the perfect match for your dental condition and overall lifestyle.
Led by the experienced Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, our team prides itself on our holistic approach, crafting treatments as unique as your one-of-a-kind smile. Underbites can take a toll on a person’s self-esteem, so comfort and confidence are always our top priorities, from the moment you step through our doors right up until you walk out beaming with that new, radiant smile.
OrthoFX™ Is the Perfect Choice for a Straighter, Whiter Smile
The OrthoFX™ are nearly invisible aligners that are custom-made to fit your pearly whites like a glove, offering unmatched comfort. Made from a polymer called FXTetra Bright™, they don’t just straighten your teeth – they also give them a natural boost in brightness. Teeth whitening and straightening at the same time? The journey to a more radiant smile has never been so effortless!
Bite Back Into Confidence With Aspire Dental Wellness
An underbite or any other type of misalignment doesn’t have to hold you back! Our team at Aspire Dental Wellness will make sure to find the perfect solution for your smile. We are not just another practice of general dentistry in Charlotte, NC. Our team will guide you through every step, providing a treatment that is as comfortable as it is effective. Contact us today, and let’s get to work on transforming your bite – and your confidence!
