How to correct an underbite
Nov 15, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
Underbite refers to malocclusion, a type of dental deformity. Malocclusion may be caused by genetic factors, bad oral habits, abnormal tooth alignment, sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, or other reasons. It is recommended to visit a正规 hospital and, under the guidance of a doctor, correct the condition using methods such as invisible brace-free orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, maxillary advancement surgery, or medication.
Under normal circumstances, "兜齿" (dōu chǐ) refers to malocclusion, specifically an underbite or reverse overjet, which is a type of dental deformity. An underbite may be caused by genetic factors,不良 oral habits, abnormal tooth alignment, sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, and other reasons. It is recommended to visit a正规 medical institution where, under the guidance of a physician, treatments such as invisible aligners, orthognathic surgery, maxillary advancement surgery, or medication can be used for correction. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Genetics
If there is a family history of underbite, the individual's risk of developing the condition increases. Genetic factors can influence the development of the jawbone and teeth, leading to excessive protrusion of the lower jaw or underdevelopment of the upper jaw, resulting in an underbite. Maintaining good oral hygiene and undergoing regular dental checkups are important preventive measures. Under medical supervision, invisible aligner treatment may be performed. This involves wearing transparent, custom-made aligners made from high-molecular materials that apply gentle and continuous force on the teeth, gradually guiding them into proper alignment to improve tooth positioning and occlusion, thereby correcting the underbite. The typical reference cost for invisible aligner treatment ranges from 2,000 to 10,000 yuan per course. Improvement is generally seen within 1–2 years after treatment initiation, although side effects such as tooth pain may occur.
2. Poor Oral Habits
Long-term不良 oral habits—such as finger-sucking, lip-biting, or tongue-thrusting—can interfere with the normal development of teeth and jaws, potentially leading to an underbite. Regular dental examinations are essential to detect and correct problems early. Orthognathic surgery, performed under medical guidance, directly adjusts the position and shape of the upper or lower jaw through surgical intervention to correct skeletal discrepancies causing the underbite. The typical reference cost for orthognathic surgery ranges from 20,000 to 100,000 yuan per procedure. Symptoms usually begin to improve within 1–2 weeks post-surgery, though complications such as bleeding or nerve damage may occur.
3. Abnormal Tooth Alignment
During the mixed dentition stage, premature loss or retention of primary teeth, delayed eruption, or ectopic eruption of permanent teeth may lead to abnormal tooth alignment and subsequently cause an underbite. Avoid biting hard objects with teeth to prevent dental injury. Maxillary advancement surgery, conducted under medical supervision, involves surgically moving the entire upper jaw forward to correct underbites caused by maxillary hypoplasia (underdeveloped upper jaw). The typical reference cost for maxillary advancement surgery ranges from 40,000 to 80,000 yuan per procedure. Improvement is typically observed within 2–3 weeks after surgery, but possible side effects include bleeding, facial numbness, and tooth loosening.
4. Sinusitis
Sinusitis is usually caused by bacterial infection of the sinuses, leading to chronic mouth breathing. Prolonged forward positioning of the lower jaw due to mouth breathing may result in an underbite. Additional symptoms may include facial tenderness, reduced sense of smell, and coughing. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as Amoxicillin Capsules, *Bi Yuan Tong Qiao* Granules, and Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride Nasal Spray for treatment.
5. Chronic Rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis occurs when the nasal mucosa is persistently inflamed. Long-term stimulation by inflammatory factors in the nasal area can lead to nasal congestion and breathing difficulties, which may contribute to the development of an underbite. Common accompanying symptoms include sneezing, reduced olfaction, and headaches. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as *Cang Er Zi* Rhinitis Capsules, Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets, and Budesonide Nasal Spray for management.
In daily life, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene, correct不良 oral habits, and actively treat nasal conditions such as sinusitis and chronic rhinitis to reduce the risk of developing an underbite.
