Reverse relationship.
Jaw growth diagnosis.

Undershot - what is worth knowing?

In an underbite, the lower front teeth are in front of the upper teeth. The cause may be due to the alignment of individual teeth, underdevelopment of the jaw, excessive growth of the jaw, or a combination of these factors.

Orthodontic evaluation does not end with naming the malocclusion. The same visible problem may have different causes in a growing child, a teenager and an adult. Therefore, the plan covers tooth alignment, jaw relationship, function, periodontal health, and the impact of treatment on the profile and smile.

An underbite is diagnosed when the lower front teeth position themselves in front of the upper ones. The visible image may result from incorrect tilt of the teeth, insufficient development of the jaw, stronger growth of the jaw or forced displacement during biting. Each of these variants requires a different approach and has different prognoses. Especially in growing patients, it is important to observe the direction of facial development, also after early improvement. At Orto Smile, we diagnose underbite based on examination, documentation and profile analysis, so that the patient from Katowice or Chorzów receives clear information about the possibilities of orthodontics and the possible need for interdisciplinary treatment.

What might attract attention?

• the lower incisors overlap the upper ones
• a concave profile or a strongly defined chin
• shifting of the jaw when closing
• difficulty biting and uneven tooth wear

The list helps you recognize the signals, but is not intended for self-diagnosis. Some problems are only visible during a bite examination or an X-ray.

Why might the problem occur?

• skeletal disproportion of the maxilla and mandible
• abnormal inclination of the incisors
• family pattern of facial growth
• premature contacts forcing the jaw to protrude

Most often, several factors act at the same time. Recognizing the cause helps assess the stability of the planned effect and the possible need for cooperation with other specialists.

What does the orthodontist analyze?

The visit begins with a conversation about health, previous treatment and expectations. The face, profile, smile, tooth alignment, occlusal contacts and function are then assessed. The scope of photographs, scans and radiological tests is selected individually.

What might a treatment plan look like?

• checking whether functional displacement of the mandible occurs
• analysis of the growth, profile and position of the incisors
• assessment of the possibility of orthodontic or growth treatment
• in severe skeletal malocclusions, considering interdisciplinary treatment

Fixed braces, aligners, removable braces or team treatment are not an end in themselves. These are tools selected for recognition. The final scope, time, costs and possible alternatives can only be determined once the diagnostics are completed.

When is it worth coming for a consultation?

An undershot bite requires monitoring growth even after early improvement in tooth relationship. For an adult, the plan should realistically represent the limits of tooth movement itself.

It is also worth making an appointment if the change progresses, makes hygiene or biting difficult, causes tissue injuries or raises concerns about the development of the child's bite.