Acquiring that perfect smile is a battle of the ages for a lot of people, especially when they have an orthodontic problem. However, that doesn’t mean that the problem is untreatable. With the evolution of dental technology, the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa is able to fix these kinds of problems with ease. One of the most common orthodontic problems is an underbite. But what is it? Is it treatable? Continue reading to learn more about underbites, what causes them, the risks they pose and how to treat them.


What is an Underbite?

An underbite is when a person’s lower teeth are extended further than the front teeth, creating a bulldog-like appearance. This condition is also referred to as malocclusion or prognathism. In some cases, underbites may be severe to the point where they extend forward. However, underbites are very mild and unnoticeable. Keep in mind that underbites are more than an appearance issue. 



Most people are able to cope with it when the situation is mild, but in severe cases, it can cause oral health issues. These issues include:

• A hard time chewing food
• Difficulty speaking
• Pain in the face and mouth because of the misalignment

What Are The Causes of an Underbite?

In most cases, teeth grow in a way that a person’s upper teeth are extended a little over the bottom teeth. The molars, which are located in the back of the mouth, usually aligned with each other. Having the proper tooth alignment is what prevents people from biting their lips, tongue and cheeks while eating. How a person’s teeth align depend on a few factors:


• Childhood habits such as thumb sucking
• Using a pacifier after the age of three
• Bottle feeding after infancy

It is also worth mentioning that an underbite can be caused by genetics, tumours, or by an injury.

What Are The Risks of an Underbite?

Unfortunately, underbites aren’t without risks. As we mentioned before, underbites can be very mild, but in some cases, they can become severe, causing both pain and difficulty with eating. If left untreated, the condition can get a lot worse and cause unnecessary issues. These issues may include:


• Difficulty with eating
• Having trouble with proper speech
• Pain in the joints and jaw
• Suffering from headaches
• Dealing with earaches
• Developing tooth decay
• Tooth enamel wearing down
• Vulnerability to bacterial infections
• Incessant mouth breathing
• Halitosis
• Sleep apnea
• Chronic snoring


If you have any of these problems, you will have to visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa for evaluation. 



What Are The Treatment Options For an Underbite?

Many people aren’t born with “perfect teeth”. In fact, any teeth that are slightly misaligned don’t require medical attention. But when it comes to treating a severe underbite, it’s a different story.  Correction an underbite comes with a variety of benefits:

• Your teeth will become easier to clean
• The risk for tooth decay is decreased
• Reduced risk for gum disease
• Less strain on your teeth


With the dental technology available nowadays, there are a few methods of treatment for an underbite. These include:

• Braces
• Tooth removal
• Surgery

On a side note, children with an underbite are a bit different. Of course, the sooner the problem is tackled, the better. However, if the underbite is mild, parents won’t have to worry about it until their child turns seven. Some treatment options for children include dental appliances such as:

• Retainers
• Expanders
• Headgear

Underbites are relatively harmless even when they are at their worse. However, that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. If you're experiencing symptoms or any complications, visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa immediately. It is also important to remember that treatment options may differ depending on the severity of the underbite, age of the patient, and whether or not there are other oral health problems.  


Whether you are dealing with oral health problems or are just looking to get a check up, the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa is here for any of your dental needs. We offer services ranging from cosmetic dentistry to wisdom tooth extraction. If you wish to know more or want to schedule an appointment, contact us today!