Not All Underbite Clients Need Jaw Surgery

In many underbite cases, jaw surgery is the last resort.  With modern orthodontics and appliances the jaw and bite can usually be corrected enough to be satisfied and not go the surgery route.

In a recent case, a user with a mild underbite where the lower teeth protruded slightly out from the uppers, the user was refereed to a surgeon by 3 orthodontist.   This was more of an edge to edge case, however still considered and underbite. The orthodontist did not even consider taking on this case without seeking a surgeon.  This left the user rather unsatisfied as the cost of surgery was not an option and insurance deemed this procedure as cosmetic.

To the patient the underbite was causing talking and chewing issues, however it was not severe enough to warrant dishing out over five thousand dollars for each jaw to be fixed.  In this case it was the lack of growth of the upper jaw that caused the underbite.  So the surgery would have most likely been to correct and widen the upper jaw to fit properly over the lower jaw.

Finally the patient decided to seek one more opinion.  Upon sitting in the chair, the orthodontist immediately looked at the bite and said he could fix it.  Surgery was not even mentioned and he said he could get the bite about 80% corrected to the point to where the patient will be very satisfied.

This was all the patient wanted to hear and the process begun.  Using a palatal expander to widen the jaw, the jaw began to wide and come forward.  Shortly after the braces along with elastics were applied to help correct a crossbite and midline alignment.

About two and half years later, the patients under bite and teeth look amazing.  The braces came off and into retainers full time for about a year before he could start to wear them just at nights.  By using a retainer cleaner, the retainers stay clean and the patient can wear then while sleeping for life to ensure the teeth don’t more post braces.

Bottom line is if you have an underbite, get several opinions.  Severe underbites will need surgery, however you should still seek several orthodontist opinions and have them show you pictures and results before signing with any one of them.