Vancouver invisible braces specialist Dr. Aly Kanani recommends the first orthodontic screening by the age of 7. The reason is to advise you if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time for your child to be treated.
- Jaw pain
- Higher chance of wearing down the enamel
- Chance of getting tooth decay is higher
- Speech impediments
- Lower self-esteem
Correcting an underbite can depend on the severity of the case and the age of your child. Dr. Kanani, an elite Invisalign provider, discusses a few ways of correcting an underbite.
Expanders
Expanders are cemented to the top molars and premolars with metal bands. The metal bands are attached to a bar that runs across the roof of the mouth. In the middle of the bar is a key hole for the child to insert a turnkey into, activating the expander.
"The device is used to widen the upper jaw and help the bite fit better," says Dr. Kanani, an Invisalign removable braces expert. "With your child's cooperation, this can help their bite."
Reverse-Pull Headgear
This device is a metal vertical bar, which is attached to pads for the forehead and chin. The pads are for the comfort of your child. Little elastic bands are attached to the vertical bar and metal bands around the molars.
"This helps the upper jaw move forward gradually," says Dr. Kanani. "It is more effective when worn between the ages of 5 and 7, so early intervention is key."
This appliance requires complete cooperation from your child because it has to be worn for an absolute minimum of 12 hours per day.
Chin Cap
Chin caps can be added to the reverse-pull headgear for severe underbite cases. It wraps around the chin and top of the head. This is to prevent any movement in the lower jaw.
Surgery tends to be the only option for teenagers and adults because their jaw bones have fused together leaving limited room for simple correction. Occasionally, depending on the severity of the underbite, extractions of teeth in combination with braces may improve the situation; however, the jaw positions generally do not improve even though the teeth may fit better. Underbite surgery has to be performed by an oral surgeon and consists of fracturing and repositioning the jaw to where it should be.
A liquid diet is required, since jaw movement is difficult during the initial healing phases. In very rare cases, the jaw could move back into its original position.
Underbites cannot be left alone and will not correct itself over time. While your child is still young, an examination should be done as soon as possible to prevent the pain of surgery later.
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