Orthodontic Treatments for Underbites: Bournemouth Clinic's Expertise
An underbite is a dental condition where the lower teeth usually sit in front of the upper teeth when the jaw is closed. This condition can lead to several dental problems like bite issues, TMJ disorder, difficulty in chewing or speaking, and even facial appearance changes. Orthodontic treatments are the ideal solutions to this problem. In the UK, one of the most trusted and reputable clinics orthodontist bournemouth that provide orthodontic treatments for underbites is the Bournemouth Clinic.
What is an Underbite?
Before we delve into the orthodontic treatments for an underbite, let's first understand what it is. As mentioned earlier, an underbite is a dental condition characterized by the lower teeth sitting in front of the upper teeth when the jaw is closed. There are different types of underbites, and the most common one is called a skeletal underbite. This occurs when the lower jaw is larger than the upper jaw. A dental underbite, on the other hand, happens due to misaligned or crooked teeth that may make the lower teeth protrude further outward than the upper teeth.
Untreated underbites can lead to several dental problems, including:
- Speech difficulties: Underbites may cause slurred or unclear speech due to the teeth's abnormal biting position.
- Facial appearance change: If left untreated, the underbite can cause the jaw to grow abnormally, leading to a distorted facial appearance.
- Dental decay: The abnormal biting position makes it challenging to clean the teeth, leading to severe dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder: The abnormal bite can stress the jaw muscles leading to headaches, earaches, or pain in the jawbone's joint (TMJ disorder).
Orthodontic Treatments for Underbites
Orthodontic treatments for underbites aim to correct the alignment of your teeth and jaws to prevent dental problems like those mentioned above. The most common orthodontic treatments used in Bournemouth Clinic include:
1. Braces
Braces are arguably the most effective orthodontic treatment for underbites. They work by gradually shifting the teeth and jaws to their correct positions. The braces used by Bournemouth Clinic are made of metal or clear materials and are customized to the patient's teeth. The duration of treatment may range from a few months to a few years, depending on the severity of the underbite.
2. Invisalign
Invisalign is a relatively new orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten the teeth and fix any bite issues like underbites. They are an excellent alternative to braces since they are virtually invisible, making them suitable for adults and individuals who may feel self-conscious about wearing braces.
3. Jaw Surgery
Severe underbites that can't be corrected by braces or aligners may require a surgical intervention. The surgery aims to move the jaw to its correct position, creating a balance between the jaws and teeth. The surgical procedure is usually done under general anesthesia and may take several hours. Patients may have to stay in the hospital for a few days after the procedure and require a few weeks to recover fully.
Conclusion
Underbites are a common dental problem that can lead to several dental issues and affect your overall appearance and confidence. Fortunately, orthodontic treatments like braces, Invisalign, or jaw surgery can help correct these bite issues effectively. Bournemouth Clinic has an experienced team of orthodontists who specialize in underbite treatment and can provide you with the appropriate treatment to fix your bite problems. So, if you have an underbite or any other dental issues that need orthodontic attention, don't hesitate to contact Bournemouth Clinic today.
An underbite is a dental condition where the lower teeth usually sit in front of the upper teeth when the jaw is closed. This condition can lead to several dental problems like bite issues, TMJ disorder, difficulty in chewing or speaking, and even facial appearance changes. Orthodontic treatments are the ideal solutions to this problem. In the UK, one of the most trusted and reputable clinics orthodontist bournemouth that provide orthodontic treatments for underbites is the Bournemouth Clinic.
What is an Underbite?
Before we delve into the orthodontic treatments for an underbite, let's first understand what it is. As mentioned earlier, an underbite is a dental condition characterized by the lower teeth sitting in front of the upper teeth when the jaw is closed. There are different types of underbites, and the most common one is called a skeletal underbite. This occurs when the lower jaw is larger than the upper jaw. A dental underbite, on the other hand, happens due to misaligned or crooked teeth that may make the lower teeth protrude further outward than the upper teeth.
Untreated underbites can lead to several dental problems, including:
- Speech difficulties: Underbites may cause slurred or unclear speech due to the teeth's abnormal biting position.
- Facial appearance change: If left untreated, the underbite can cause the jaw to grow abnormally, leading to a distorted facial appearance.
- Dental decay: The abnormal biting position makes it challenging to clean the teeth, leading to severe dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder: The abnormal bite can stress the jaw muscles leading to headaches, earaches, or pain in the jawbone's joint (TMJ disorder).
Orthodontic Treatments for Underbites
Orthodontic treatments for underbites aim to correct the alignment of your teeth and jaws to prevent dental problems like those mentioned above. The most common orthodontic treatments used in Bournemouth Clinic include:
1. Braces
Braces are arguably the most effective orthodontic treatment for underbites. They work by gradually shifting the teeth and jaws to their correct positions. The braces used by Bournemouth Clinic are made of metal or clear materials and are customized to the patient's teeth. The duration of treatment may range from a few months to a few years, depending on the severity of the underbite.
2. Invisalign
Invisalign is a relatively new orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten the teeth and fix any bite issues like underbites. They are an excellent alternative to braces since they are virtually invisible, making them suitable for adults and individuals who may feel self-conscious about wearing braces.
3. Jaw Surgery
Severe underbites that can't be corrected by braces or aligners may require a surgical intervention. The surgery aims to move the jaw to its correct position, creating a balance between the jaws and teeth. The surgical procedure is usually done under general anesthesia and may take several hours. Patients may have to stay in the hospital for a few days after the procedure and require a few weeks to recover fully.
Conclusion
Underbites are a common dental problem that can lead to several dental issues and affect your overall appearance and confidence. Fortunately, orthodontic treatments like braces, Invisalign, or jaw surgery can help correct these bite issues effectively. Bournemouth Clinic has an experienced team of orthodontists who specialize in underbite treatment and can provide you with the appropriate treatment to fix your bite problems. So, if you have an underbite or any other dental issues that need orthodontic attention, don't hesitate to contact Bournemouth Clinic today.