In some cases, headgear will need to be worn at nighttime as part of your child’s underbite treatment plan. It’s an important appliance, attaching to the expander plate to help gently correct discrepancies in length between the top and bottom jaws. Headgear is comfortable and is well tolerated by most children.
Underbite Treatment for Kids
An underbite is when the lower front teeth overlap the upper front teeth when biting together. In children, this can happen when the lower jaw grows longer than the upper jaw, or when the upper jaw is too narrow. It’s a common orthodontic condition in kids that can impact their speech development, cause jaw discomfort and make biting and chewing food tricky.
How is an underbite corrected in children?
Every child’s smile is unique, so we design their underbite treatment plan for their comfort, with long-term results in mind.
- Treatment usually starts with a custom-made expansion plate bonded to the upper back teeth. This gently widens the upper jaw, creating the space needed to move their teeth into their ideal position.
- Once the jaw is in the right place, braces may be placed across the upper front teeth to fine-tune alignment.
- In some cases, night-time headgear is added to guide the jaw into a balanced position while your child sleeps.
When treatment is finished, your child will wear a removable retainer at night to help keep their new bite and smile just the way we want it. As they progress, we will celebrate every win together so they feel safe, supported and confident at each stage of their smile journey.
Underbite Examples
Why do you need to treat an underbite?
An underbite can affect how your child eats, speaks and how their jaw develops as they grow. Because children’s jaws are still developing, early treatment can gently guide everything into balance and make the process far more comfortable.
Treating an underbite early can:
- Prevent jaw growth differences from becoming more noticeable over time
- Support balanced facial development for a natural, proportionate profile
- Avoid the need for more complex orthodontic or surgical treatment later on in life
- Help your child feel more comfortable and confident when eating, speaking and smiling
EXPANSION PLATE
Book an underbite consultation for your children today
Book your child’s consultation at Smiles Orthodontic Practice, where we will assess their underbite with the care and expertise that makes them feel safe and supported. Our friendly team will guide you through every step, making sure the plan feels clear, comfortable and right for your family.
FAQ:
Underbite treatment for kids usually takes about 12-24 months, depending on their age and the complexity of their bite issue. Dr. Emma will prepare a tailored treatment plan at the beginning of your child’s journey, so you both know what to expect every step of the way.
No, it’s not painful. There may be a feeling of mild pressure when appliances are first fitted at the start of your child’s underbite treatment, and sometimes after adjustments are made. But this usually eases within a few days. Keeping little ones comfortable is important to us, and we focus on supporting them with gentle care throughout their experience with our practice.