Thanks for the question. An underbite (mandibular prognathism) is a type of dental misalignment (malocclusion) in which one’s lower jaw protrudes or extends further than the upper jaw.
Depending on the severity of the protrusion, an underbite affects a person functionally and aesthetically in the following ways:
- Unable to chew foods efficiently
- Worn down tooth enamel, increasing susceptibility to tooth decay, sensitivity and other dental issues
- Chronic headaches and temporomandibular joint disorder
- Affected speech clarity
- Extended or prominent chin
Possible treatment options for an adult with underbite include orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery. That will help to correct your bite, change your facial profile and improve the symptoms associated with an underbite.
It is recommended that you consult with an oral & maxillofacial surgeon so that he/she can assess your dental condition, advise on the appropriate treatment for you and go through the benefits and risks so that you can make an informed decision.
