Do I need to consult an orthodontist to treat my underbite? Dealing with a severe underbite can be difficult both mentally and physically. It can make everyday activities like chewing and eating difficult and can affect your appearance and self-esteem as well. The good news is that an underbite can be fixed with professional help. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common treatments for underbites to see which ones is the best for you.

Braces

Braces are usually the first treatment option that will be proposed to fix an underbite. Braces work by putting pressure on the teeth so they can move in a position where the lower and upper set of teeth don’t overlap severely when closing your mouth. A lot of people prefer going for braces since the change happens gradually and gives the bone the time needed to develop correctly.

Jaw Surgery

In extreme cases, patients will have no choice but to undergo jaw surgery to correct their underbite. While it’s not the number one choice for patients because of how intrusive the procedure is, it is also the one that provides the fastest results. Doctors will often recommend that surgery is followed by wearing braces for a period of time to make sure that the teeth stay aligned and don’t result in forming an underbite later on.

Jaw Expanders and Retainers

There are cases when braces cannot be used, and you have to use other alternatives instead. In these cases, jaw expanders and retainers might be recommended. This is often the case when the patient is just too young to get braces. Retainers work similarly to braces in many ways and prevent teeth from protruding by allowing them to grow the right way. While they may take more time to act then braces, they have similar results.

Jaw expanders, on the other hand, will stretch the cartilage and bone of the palate to expand the growing child’s arch and reduce the chance of them forming an underbite. They’re also very efficient in preventing underbites and will take about a year to work.

If you have an underbite, all these methods can help correct the situation. However, before you make your decision, you should ask your orthodontist which method would be the best for you. If you want to know more information on how to treat your underbite, contact us today to talk with the best orthodontist in New York.

Make the right decision and call the best orthodontist in NYC. Contact us at 646-760-8028 to schedule a consultation.