{"id":7418,"date":"2019-07-06T05:39:32","date_gmt":"2019-07-06T04:39:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/?page_id=7418"},"modified":"2026-05-06T14:06:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T13:06:06","slug":"underbite","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/malocclusion-crooked-teeth\/underbite\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is an Underbite and What Are the Treatment Options?"},"content":{"rendered":"

An underbite<\/strong> occurs when the lower teeth sit further forward than the upper teeth<\/strong>. This condition is often genetic, and underbite correction with orthodontics<\/a> is usually recommended to avoid problems later in life.<\/p>

It is possible to fix an underbite; surgery and braces<\/strong> are common options, along with some other treatments. Here, we\u2019ll talk you through everything that you need to know about this type of dental malocclusion<\/a> and how it may affect you or your child.<\/p>

What is an underbite?<\/h2>

An underbite occurs when the lower jaw sits further forward than the upper jaw, causing the bottom front teeth to stick out. This condition, which is classed as a type of crossbite<\/a>, occurs in around 5-10% of the population.<\/p>

\"underbite
Braces are a common underbite treatment<\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div>

In lots of people, an underbite jaw is barely noticeable, with the bottom teeth resting just slightly in front of the top teeth. In more severe underbite cases, there can be a very noticeable gap between the sets of teeth. No matter the severity of the bite misalignment, underbite correction is generally recommended because of the problems it can lead to if untreated.<\/p>

What causes an underbite?<\/h3>

Most cases of underbite teeth are genetic<\/strong>; if at least one parent has (or had) an underbite then the chances of their children having an underbite increase. The condition is also linked to cleft lips and palates. It may also result from certain childhood behaviors such as:<\/p>