1. What is an underbite?
2. What effects does an underbite have?
3. Snoring
4. Sleep apnoea
5. Halitosis (bad breath)
6. TMJ/TMD
7. Reasons why you may have an underbite
8. Genetics
9. Bad childhood habits
10. Tumours
11. How to treat an underbite
12. Traditional braces
13. Clear aligners
14. How much do clear braces cost?

Crooked teeth leading to a misaligned jaw may cause various problems, including a mild or severe underbite. Mild cases may not need any work, while severe cases may have the jaw protruding so far that it looks unnatural. The cost to straighten teeth for adults can run into thousands of pounds for traditional braces. However, there is a more affordable alternative with clear braces—and you don’t even have to leave home!

What is an underbite?

An underbite is when the lower teeth project out past the upper teeth. It is more than a cosmetic issue as it can cause physical problems when biting food and even talking. It may also lead to dental health problems, including chipping or breaking your front teeth.

What effects does an underbite have?

The effects of an underbite can be serious. It is often the case that individuals with underbites feel self-conscious, which, in turn, can lead to low self-esteem and anxiety. Not only can the problem take a toll on mental health, but it can cause other health issues such as:

Snoring

An underbite can cause heavy snoring and mouth breathing.

Sleep apnoea

When the jaw is incorrectly aligned, it may obstruct breathing, which in some cases may lead to sleep apnoea. In this potentially serious condition, individuals can stop breathing hundreds of times a night, making it difficult to sleep well. Poor sleep can lead to daytime fatigue and over the long term, depression. Sleep apnea is more common than you might think.

Halitosis (bad breath)

Halitosis is a chronic condition that an underbite can cause. Heavy mouth breathing and mouth snoring are two symptoms related to the problem, causing dryness in the mouth and throat, which allows the bacteria that cause bad breath to grow.

TMJ/TMD

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is another potential symptom of an underbite. The TMJs are the jaw joints that can become painful if the jaws are misaligned.

Reasons why you may have an underbite

You may develop an underbite due to:

Genetics

You primarily inherit the shape and size of your teeth and how they grow from your parents or relatives. If someone else in your family has had an underbite, it’s more likely a genetic condition.

Bad childhood habits

A habit in childhood can cause a problem in the future. For most children, occasional habits don’t cause any issues, but extended habits like thumb sucking or using a dummy long-term can lead to an underbite.

Tumours

A tumour is an abnormal growth of cells that can cause the jaw to change shape. This change could also lead to an underbite.

How to treat an underbite

Thankfully, underbites can be effectively treated using orthodontic methods, such as braces or aligners. While most cases can be addressed without surgery, severe underbites might necessitate surgical intervention. It’s worth noting that treatment for underbites is not limited to children; adults can also benefit significantly from underbite correction. All the treatments available require commitment as there is no quick-fix solution.

Traditional braces

Traditional braces are one of the ways of clearing up issues with teeth alignment or underbites. Traditional braces consist of brackets that are cemented to the teeth. A wire is threaded through the brackets and tightened regularly (typically every month) to move the teeth into their correct positions. Treatment may take around two years, and you’ll have to wear a retainer for some time afterward to keep teeth in their new straightened positions.

Although effective, braces are uncomfortable and are not very attractive. Also, they cannot be removed, so cleaning teeth properly can become difficult. Additionally, every month, braces must be tightened, which requires setting aside time and making an effort for patients to visit the dentist as needed.

Clear aligners

Underbite correction is possible with clear aligners. One of the benefits of transparent aligners, including those available from Caspersmile, is that they are virtually invisible and undetectable. For adults who may be self-conscious about wearing braces, clear aligners are a great solution.

Furthermore, as they are tailor-made to fit over your teeth, they are much more comfortable to wear than metal braces. No more rubbing the soft tissues in your mouth, causing ulcers and soreness.

How much do clear braces cost?

If you have done your research, you will be aware that costs vary significantly for clear braces in the UK, with prices ranging from £2,000 to £6,000. However, with Caspersmile’s clear aligners, you can drastically reduce this cost.