Underbite is when the lower front teeth bite ahead of the upper front teeth. It can be due to the posturing of lower jaw caused by tilted and crooked teeth. In more severe cases, this may be due to jaw growth problem such as longer lower jaw and/or a shorter upper jaw.
Children with developing underbite should be assessed if early intervention is necessary.
Timely treatment in children can reduce the severity or even prevent the development of Class III malocclusion.
With good treatment compliance, it can guide the jaw growth and improve the facial profile.
Children with underbite can be affected by
- teasing from other children because of their facial appearance
- speech problems
- difficulties in chewing
- discomfort in the jaw joints
- abnormal and uneven teeth wear