An underbite, where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed, can affect a child’s smile, oral health, and even speech development. If left untreated, an underbite can lead to issues like jaw pain, uneven tooth wear, and difficulty chewing.
If you're a parent in Mississauga, ON, wondering how to address an underbite early, you're not alone. The good news is that with proper orthodontic care, underbites can often be corrected effectively—especially when caught at a young age.
Here’s what you need to know about how to fix an underbite for kids.
What Causes an Underbite?
Several factors can contribute to the development of an underbite in children, including:
- Genetics — Underbites often run in families. If a parent or grandparent had an underbite, a child may be more likely to develop one.
- Jaw Development Issues — Sometimes, the lower jaw grows faster than the upper jaw, leading to a misalignment.
- Early Habits — Prolonged thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or the early loss of baby teeth can also influence how a child's jaw and teeth develop.
Understanding the cause can help orthodontists tailor the right treatment plan for each child.
Why Early Treatment Is Important
Early evaluation and intervention are critical when it comes to correcting an underbite. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening by age seven. At this age, an orthodontist can assess jaw growth and bite alignment, and determine if early treatment would be beneficial. Addressing an underbite while a child’s jaw is still developing often leads to more successful and less invasive treatments than waiting until adulthood.
Treatment Options for Fixing an Underbite in Kids
There are several ways orthodontists can correct an underbite, depending on the severity and the child's age:
1. Orthodontic Appliances
In younger children, orthodontists may use appliances to guide jaw growth and correct bite alignment before all adult teeth come in.
Common options include:
- Palatal Expanders — A palatal expander gradually widens the upper jaw, helping to correct the relationship between the upper and lower teeth.
- Reverse-Pull Headgear (Facemask) — This appliance gently pulls the upper jaw forward to align properly with the lower jaw, especially effective in children under 10.
Orthodontic appliances are most effective when used early while the jawbones are still growing and flexible.
2. Braces
Traditional braces can also be used to fix an underbite by gradually moving teeth into better alignment. Braces can be combined with elastics (rubber bands) to apply the right amount of pressure to shift the bite over time.
3. Clear Aligners
For mild to moderate underbites, clear aligners like Invisalign may be an option for older kids and teens. Clear aligners can move teeth effectively while offering a more discreet alternative to traditional braces. However, eligibility depends on the complexity of the underbite and the child's level of maturity and compliance.
4. Jaw Surgery (Severe Cases)
In rare, severe cases where the underbite is due to significant skeletal differences and not corrected early, jaw surgery may be necessary in late adolescence or adulthood. However, early orthodontic treatment usually helps avoid the need for surgical correction later on.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of the underbite and the method used.
Mild underbites corrected with braces or aligners may take around 12–24 months, while more complex cases requiring appliances might involve a two-phase approach:
- Phase 1 — Early intervention with appliances during childhood
- Phase 2 — Final tooth alignment with braces or aligners during teenage years
Your orthodontist will create a customized treatment timeline based on your child's specific needs.
Benefits of Correcting an Underbite Early
Fixing an underbite early can offer several long-term benefits, including:
- Improved facial symmetry and aesthetics
- Better chewing and speech function
- Reduced risk of tooth wear and jaw joint issues
- Greater confidence and self-esteem
Investing in early orthodontic treatment sets your child up for a healthier, happier future.
Choose Vivid Smiles Orthodontics for Your Child’s Care
If you’re concerned about your child's bite or jaw development, Vivid Smiles Orthodontics in Mississauga is here to help. Our team specializes in early orthodontic evaluations and personalized treatment plans designed to address underbites and other bite issues with care and precision.
Led by a Canadian board-certified orthodontist, we use the latest technology and child-friendly techniques to make orthodontic care a positive experience for families.
Schedule a free consultation with Vivid Smiles Orthodontics today and let’s get your child’s smile on the right track!
