Underbite Correction

An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth, often because of how the jaws have grown. Some children and teens are identified early during a routine checkup, while others notice the pattern as adult teeth come in. At Crystal Clear Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry in Wilmington, Dr. Aesha Chaudhry, an orthodontist and board-certified pediatric dentist, evaluates the bite and jaw relationship to plan an appropriate course of treatment.

How Underbites Are Evaluated

Panoramic X-Rays — show the developing teeth, roots, and jaw joints in one image.
Cephalometric X-Rays — a side-profile view used to measure how the jaws and facial bones relate to each other.
Digital Treatment Planning — combines scans and X-rays into a single plan that maps each stage of correction.

Treatment Options

Headgear — used in growing patients to help guide jaw growth and correct how the upper and lower teeth meet.
Palatal Expanders — widen a narrow upper jaw, which can help create better alignment between the arches.
Traditional Metal Braces or Clear Braces — move the teeth into better position once jaw growth has been addressed.

Because underbites vary in cause and severity, Dr. Chaudhry reviews each child's growth pattern before recommending a plan.