What Is an Underbite? Causes, Risks and Treatment Options
A confident smile can change the way you feel about yourself every single day. But for many people, dental conditions like an underbite can affect not just their appearance, but their overall oral health and quality of life. The good news? Underbites are very treatable — and the earlier you act, the better the outcome. In this article, we break down everything you need to know about underbites: what causes them, the risks of leaving them untreated, and the most effective ways to correct them for a healthier, happier smile. What Is an Underbite? An underbite is a type of dental misalignment where the lower teeth and jaw protrude in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. Also referred to as a Class III malocclusion or a ‘reverse bite’, an underbite can range from very mild — where the misalignment is barely visible — to quite severe, where the lower jaw juts noticeably forward, creating a concave facial profile. While underbites are relatively uncommon compared to other...