How Much Does It Cost to Correct an Underbite?

An underbite is a malocclusion in which the lower teeth rest in front of the upper teeth. It is a cosmetic matter, usually. However, when the misalignment gets severe, it causes difficulties with chewing, speech, and even breathing. And it does more than that. It also produces chronic jaw pain, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Now, people with this condition are often concerned about the cost of an underbite fix. And as the treatments for an underbite vary, so do the costs. So, to help you figure out, here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs of an underbite fix.

Average Cost Range of Underbite Fix

The cost of correcting an underbite varies widely, depending on the treatment method. Here’s a low-down on it:

• Braces can cost anywhere between £1,800 and £3,900. It depends upon severity. Plus, the cost varies for teens and adults. Here’s more on how much do braces cost for teens vs adults .
• In-office clear aligners can range from £2,300 to £4,600. Again, depending upon severity.
• There are also more affordable clear aligners like Caspersmile . They can fix an underbite in the range of £925 to £1295.
• Severe cases need jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery). And underbite surgery cost in the UK is between £18,000 and £30,000.

Now, which treatment will suit you best depends on your case severity and your budget. We’ll be exploring that in more detail later.

Additional Expenses to Consider

Beyond the primary treatment cost, patients should budget for:

• Consultations and diagnostic imaging (£50 - £250)
• Retainers post-treatment (around £150)
• Follow-up visits and adjustments (varies)
• Pain management or medication after surgery (if applicable)

These smaller expenses can add up, so it’s important to factor them into the total budget.

Does Insurance Cover Underbite Correction?

Insurance coverage depends on whether the correction is deemed medical or cosmetic. If the underbite affects chewing, speech, or breathing, medical insurance may cover a portion of orthodontics or surgery. If it’s purely aesthetic, patients usually pay out of pocket.

Overall, an underbite surgery cost in the UK is covered by the NHS. It is free for children below 18 years of age. Adults, however, have to pay a band 3 charge of £326.70. Your dentist can confirm if you are eligible for treatment under the NHS.

Factors That Influence Underbrite Fix Cost

Several variables play a role in determining the total cost of underbite correction:

Type of Treatment Chosen

This one matters the most:

• Clear aligners are typically less expensive than traditional braces or surgery.
• Braces might cost more if worn for several years.
• Surgery dramatically increases the cost due to hospital, anesthesia, and surgeon fees.

Severity of the Underbite

A mild misalignment requiring only dental movement costs less, for obvious reasons. Whereas a severe skeletal issue needing surgical correction costs quite a lot.

Geographic Location

Prices vary widely between urban centers and smaller towns. For example, treatment in London will typically cost more than in rural areas.

Orthodontist or Surgeon Expertise

Highly experienced specialists may charge higher fees. That said, their skill often leads to better outcomes.

Length of Treatment

Braces or aligners worn for 2–3 years will cost more than short-term corrective treatment.

These are the factors that ultimately decide the cost of your underbite fix.

Best Treatment Options by Underbite Severity

Here’s a breakdown of what typically works best for each level of severity:

Mild Underbites

Mild underbite cases have slight dental misalignment. There’s no major jaw discrepancy. And so, these are often easier to treat and may not require invasive procedures.

Invisible Braces (e.g., Invisalign or at-home aligners)

Invisible braces, or clear aligners, are great for mild underbites. They gradually shift the teeth into proper alignment while being discreet and comfortable. They are especially popular with adults who want a less noticeable treatment option.

Best for: Adults and teens with slight dental underbites.

Advantages: Nearly invisible, removable for eating and cleaning, less disruptive to daily life.

Braces (in mild cases)

So, do braces fix underbite? Traditional braces can fix an underbite perfectly, especially in younger patients. They provide more control over tooth movement compared to aligners.

Best for: Children and teens, where early correction prevents future complications.

Advantages: Reliable, widely available, and effective even in borderline moderate cases.

Now, many people are not sure about how these two differ. So, check out What’s Different in Braces and Invisible Braces .

Moderate Underbites

Moderate cases usually involve a mix of dental and slight skeletal issues. These require more robust orthodontic intervention.

Braces (Traditional or Ceramic)

People usually ask: Can braces fix underbite in moderate cases? Well, they very well can. Actually, braces are the typical treatment for moderate underbites. They provide precise adjustments over time.

Best for: Children, teens, and adults with noticeable but manageable underbites.

Advantages: Versatile and effective for both dental and minor jaw alignment.

Clear Aligners (for selected moderate cases)

Clear aligners are slowly taking over as the go-to treatment for moderate underbite cases. Their discreet method and ease of use, combined with good results, make them attractive.

Best for: Adults wanting a discreet option without severe skeletal issues.

Advantages: More aesthetic than braces, though not suitable for all moderate underbites.

Severe Underbites

Severe cases typically involve significant skeletal discrepancies, where the lower jaw protrudes far beyond the upper jaw. Orthodontics alone usually cannot resolve these.

Orthodontic Appliances (for children only)

Palatal expanders, reverse-pull face masks, or chin caps can guide jaw growth in young patients, since their bones are still developing. Thus, starting treatment early may prevent the need for surgery later.

Best for: Children (ages 6–12) with developing skeletal underbites.

Advantages: Non-invasive, can reduce or eliminate the need for surgery later in life.

Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

In adults or in severe cases where jaw growth is complete, surgery is often necessary. This procedure repositions the jaw to create a balanced bite. It is usually combined with orthodontic treatment before and after surgery.

Best for: Adults with significant skeletal underbites not correctable by orthodontics alone.

Advantages: Permanent solution, dramatically improves both function and facial appearance.

This is just to give you an idea of which type of underbite fix usually works for a certain case severity. Individually, your dentist or aligner provider can better guide you if you are a good candidate for a particular treatment.

Now, some of us might be a bit “intimidated” by the costs of an underbite fix. And perhaps we’re thinking about how to fix underbite naturally. Well, some people recommend mewing for that. It’s absolutely free to do. But does it work?

Can Mewing Fix Underbite?

Mewing is a facial posture technique that involves pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth. It is said to maintain proper tongue placement and improve overall oral posture. Being quite popular in the online communities, many claim it can reshape the jawline and even correct certain bite problems.

However, when it comes to fixing an underbite, the evidence is lacking:

Bone Growth Limitations

Mewing may impact jaw development in children and teens. That’s because their bones are still growing and adaptable. However, in adults, mewing is unlikely to reverse or correct an established underbite. The facial bones are already fused and cannot be significantly reshaped through posture alone.

Severity of the Underbite

An underbite caused by minor dental misalignment might respond to orthodontic treatment, but not to mewing. Skeletal underbites, where the lower jaw is physically larger or protrudes forward, require orthodontics or surgery for real correction.

Lack of Scientific Evidence

While mewing enthusiasts share anecdotal before-and-after photos, there are no peer-reviewed studies proving that mewing can correct malocclusions such as an underbite. Professional orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons generally consider it ineffective for anything beyond improving posture or breathing habits.

Possible Benefits

That said, mewing may encourage better oral posture, which can support proper breathing, reduce tongue thrusting, and promote healthier habits in children. But these effects are preventative at best, not corrective.

The verdict? Mewing cannot fix an underbite. Especially in adults. So, the search for how to fix underbite naturally might not lead you anywhere. If you’re hoping to correct an underbite, the proven paths remain orthodontic treatments (like braces or clear aligners) for mild to moderate cases, and surgery for severe skeletal ones.

Is Fixing an Underbite Worth It?

Absolutely.

Yes, the cost and time commitment can be problematic. However, correcting an underbite has long-term benefits that go far beyond appearance. It will improve chewing efficiency, reduce wear and tear on teeth, ease jaw pain, and can even prevent speech and breathing issues.

On top of the health benefits, many people notice a boost in confidence and self-esteem after treatment.

Thus, fixing an underbite is an investment not only in your smile but also in your overall health and quality of life.

Finally, Choosing the Right Underbite Fix

Correcting an underbite is worth every penny. However, it is also understandable how costs can become a hurdle.

For people with mild to moderate cases, affordable clear aligners can get the job done at fairly low prices. And for severe cases, you can get NHS coverage to make the treatment easier on your pocket.

Everything considered, to get clarity on treatment and costs, consult an orthodontist or take a clear aligner assessment. That way, you’ll get a personalized treatment plan, cost estimate, and financing options that will make your journey to a healthier smile more affordable.

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