What happens when you have an underbite?

Introduction

No matter how careful you are with your teeth, certain dental problems can be caused by genetics. Some of them cannot be prevented and a good example is an underbite. Many cases of underbites are genetically caused. Just because you have an underbite doesn’t mean that you have to live with it. Today, many dentists and experts have specialized in correcting conditions such as underbites. There are also more sophisticated tools that can be used in correcting an underbite. That means you do not have to suffer just because you have an underbite. An underbite occurs when the lowers jaws of a person extend out further than the upper jaw. The misalignment can range from severe to barely being noticed. According to statistics, it has been found that underbites affect less than ten percent of a population. For those affected, Long term activities and daily encounters can be very difficult. To know that you have an underbite, you must have a glimpse of what to expect or what it’s like. Here are some of the things to know

Appearance

When you have an underbite, it is much easier for people to notice you. This is because underbites are less common than overbites. Because of being noticed easily, people who have overbites tend to become self-conscious. It is also very possible for people with underbites to have protruding chins and this can result in being ridiculed especially by children. Because of that, patients with underbites can alienate themselves from society and end up feeling lonely. Their social life can be affected and it might be very difficult for them to have a relationship. This is because underbites have a way of interfering with someone’s self-esteem. To solve the issue, it is better to go for underbite correction

Speech

Another thing that will be affected when you are having an underbite is your speech. For you to speak well, your top and bottom teeth need to be aligned properly. This is very important, especially when producing sounds such as ‘s’ and ‘f.’ If your teeth are not aligned properly, pronouncing such sounds will be very difficult. When your speech is problematic, you will develop a feeling of self-consciousness. This can affect those who are going through adolescent stages and teenage years. Underbites must be corrected as soon as possible. 

Jaw pain

Jaw pains also occur as a result of misaligned teeth or underbites. Your jaws are always working on trying to make sure that your teeth are aligned properly. If the jaws don’t achieve aligning your teeth as they are supposed to be, there will be pressure exerted on the jaws making the patient feel headaches as well as jaw pains. Those people who have underbites are also prone to experiencing TMJ. This is also as a result of added pressure to the jaw. Underbites impacts daily activities including smiling, chewing as well as mental health. Luckily for those experiencing underbites, there are several treatments for them.