Can Braces Fix a Teen Underbite in Lake Orion, MI?
An underbite happens when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when the mouth closes. Some cases mainly affect appearance. Others can make biting or chewing harder, wear down teeth unevenly, or change how the jaws meet.
At DeHaan Orthodontics, Dr. Andrew DeHaan checks the teeth, bite, jaw position, and growth before recommending treatment. For families in Lake Orion, MI and surrounding communities, this exam can show whether braces are likely to improve the bite or whether another option may be needed.
Why Should a Teen Underbite Be Evaluated?
An underbite changes the way the upper and lower teeth meet. When the lower teeth sit too far forward, some teeth can take more pressure during biting and chewing. Over time, that pressure can lead to uneven wear or make some foods harder to bite.
Parents may first notice that the lower front teeth close ahead of the upper teeth. A teen may also feel that the bite is uneven, notice the jaw shift when closing, or feel that some teeth touch before others. Some teens also become more aware of how the bite affects their smile or profile.
The teen years can be a useful time to check these problems. Most permanent teeth have erupted, but the face and jaws may still be growing. An exam can help show whether treatment should start now or whether it makes sense to watch the bite for a while.
Understanding the cause early can also help the orthodontist choose the right treatment and timing.
When Can Braces Help a Teen Underbite?
Braces are often useful when tooth position is the main cause of an underbite. Brackets and wires place steady pressure on the teeth. This moves them little by little and can help the upper and lower teeth meet in a better way.
For example, braces can help when the upper front teeth sit too far back or the lower front teeth tip too far forward. They can also help when crowding affects the bite. Moving these teeth can improve how the bite works while also straightening the smile.
Some teens also wear elastics with braces. These small rubber bands pull in set directions to help guide the bite. Elastics can be used for bite problems such as underbites, overbites, and crossbites.
The American Association of Orthodontists explains in its underbite treatment guidance that care depends on age, jaw growth, and whether the cause is dental or skeletal. Braces often work well when tooth position is the main issue. Cases tied more closely to jaw growth may need other tools as part of treatment.
How Do Tooth Position and Jaw Growth Change Treatment?
The cause of the underbite has a major effect on treatment. A dental underbite is mostly caused by tooth position. The jaws may be fairly balanced, but the front teeth still meet in a reversed pattern because of their angle or placement.
A skeletal underbite is linked to the way the upper and lower jaws relate to each other. The lower jaw may sit farther forward, the upper jaw may sit farther back, or both may play a role. Some teens have both dental and skeletal causes.
This is why two teens with similar-looking bites may need different plans. One may do well with braces that move the teeth. Another may need treatment that also takes jaw growth into account.
Growth matters because many teens are still developing. The amount of growth left can affect when treatment starts and which tools are used. In some cases, an appliance may be used with braces to help improve the bite.
Clear aligners can also work for some mild underbites when the main problem is tooth position. They are not the right choice for every teen. Braces can give the orthodontist more control when certain tooth movements are needed.
What Should Parents Know Before Deciding on Treatment?
Parents should first understand what is causing the underbite. Tooth position, jaw growth, or both can shape the treatment plan. This helps explain what braces can fix and when another method may be useful.
Timing is also important. Some teens benefit from starting treatment while they are still growing. Others may be watched for a period so the orthodontist can see how the jaws continue to develop. There is no single plan that fits every underbite.
Pay attention to how the bite affects daily life. Trouble biting into food, uneven tooth wear, jaw shifting, or pain while chewing are all worth mentioning during an exam. Appearance can matter too, especially if a teen feels self-conscious about the smile or profile.
The goal is not only to make the teeth look straighter. Treatment also aims to improve how the upper and lower teeth meet and how well the bite works over time.
How Can You Find Out Whether Braces Can Help Your Teen?
The best way to know whether braces are right for your teen is to have the bite checked by an orthodontist.
At DeHaan Orthodontics in Lake Orion, MI, Dr. Andrew provides orthodontic care for teens with bite and alignment concerns. Each plan is based on the patient’s teeth, bite, jaw growth, and treatment needs.
If your teen’s lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth or you are worried about how the bite is developing, schedule a consultation. A personal exam can help you understand whether braces are a good fit and what steps may help improve the bite, function, and smile.