Should protruding or underbite teeth get braces or surgery?

Protruding teeth and an underbite not only severely impact aesthetics but also cause various daily challenges, such as chewing, swallowing, speaking, and communication. So, what is the most effective solution to address this issue—braces or surgery? In this article, The East Rose Dental Clinic will help you better understand both treatment options and choose the most suitable one based on your condition.

Causes of Protruding and Underbite Teeth

Protruding teeth occur when the upper jaw extends excessively compared to the lower jaw, creating an unbalanced facial appearance. Severe cases may prevent individuals from closing their mouths completely, causing not only a loss of confidence but also difficulties in chewing, swallowing, and speaking. On the other hand, an underbite happens when the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw, leading to facial structure imbalance and potential oral health problems.
Statistics in Vietnam indicate that 70% of individuals with protruding or underbite teeth attribute the condition to genetic factors. The remaining 30% experience these issues due to common causes, such as:

• Genetic factors are the most common cause, where an imbalanced jaw structure is inherited from family members.
• Childhood habits: Habits like thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or prolonged use of pacifiers can affect the development of teeth and jaws.
• Jaw growth disorders: Certain medical conditions or injuries during development can result in abnormal jawbone growth.
• Oral health issues: Early tooth loss or teeth growing in improper positions can also lead to protruding or underbite teeth.

3 Cases of Protruding and Underbite Teeth

Before deciding on braces or surgery, the dentist will examine and determine which of the following conditions applies to your case:

Protruding and Underbite Teeth Caused by Dental Structure

Due to dental structure, protruding or underbite teeth occur when the upper or lower teeth grow out of alignment with their standard position. Teeth may overlap or protrude outward, causing imbalance. A typical sign is that the upper or lower front teeth stick out, altering the facial aesthetics. Individuals with this condition may experience difficulty closing their mouths and impaired chewing function.

Protruding and underbite teeth due to jaw bones

If the structure of the jawbones is the primary cause of the overbite or underbite, the issue is usually more complex and requires specialised intervention. Jawbones cause an overbite or underbite when they develop excessively or insufficiently, resulting in an overbite or underbite condition. The upper jaw may protrude (overbite), or the lower jaw may grow excessively (underbite). A clear sign is facial asymmetry, with one jaw protruding compared to the other.

This can make chewing difficult and cause pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Traditional braces alone cannot resolve the issue in this case, and surgery is required to adjust the jawbone structure.

Protruding and Underbite Teeth Due to Both Jawbone and Dental Structure

Individuals with severe abnormalities in both jawbone development and tooth alignment often exhibit this condition. When both factors coexist, the face can become significantly asymmetrical, leading to a loss of confidence and affecting quality of life. Symptoms such as temporomandibular joint pain, jaw muscle fatigue during chewing, and even severe bite misalignment, which can damage soft tissue inside the mouth, typically accompany protruding and underbite teeth caused by these two factors.

Should You Choose Braces or Surgery for Protruding or Underbite Teeth?

Treatment for protruding or underbite teeth depends on the cause and severity of each case. The dentist will take X-rays to determine the most effective treatment plan. Specifically:

• Braces are the ideal solution for teeth that protrude or underbite due to their misaligned dental structure. The dentist will use orthodontic appliances to move the teeth into the correct position, improving aesthetics and bite alignment. Braces typically take 1-3 years, depending on the individual's condition.
• Jawbone-induced protruding or underbite teeth occur when the jawbone develops unevenly, leading to a misalignment of the bite. Jaw surgery is the most effective method to adjust the bone structure, improving both aesthetics and chewing function.
• When teeth protrude or underbite due to a combination of dental structure and jawbone, the dentist will combine braces with jaw surgery. After surgery, braces are essential to stabilize the teeth and prevent them from shifting incorrectly or leaning into gaps created by the procedure.  This combination ensures long-lasting aesthetic and functional results.

Why Should You Treat Overbite and Underbite as Soon as Possible?

Overbites and underbites not only severely affect the aesthetics of your face but also cause inconvenience in daily life, from chewing food to pronunciation and communication. However, the earlier you treat it, the more you can improve both your appearance and prevent long-term negative effects on your oral health. Early intervention reduces risks during treatment and maximizes the effectiveness of orthodontic methods.

When treated during the growth phase, the jaw and teeth are easier to adjust. Shortening the treatment time allows you to achieve a straight, natural-looking smile without undergoing complicated surgeries.

Additionally, early intervention can prevent issues related to the temporomandibular joint, such as pain or stiffness. Moreover, timely resolution of the issue typically results in more affordable costs.

Whether you opt for braces or surgery, it's crucial to seek the examination and consultation of experienced doctors. The team at The East Rose Dental Clinic is confident in being a trusted dental care provider, always ready to accompany you, offer effective solutions, and bring you a confident smile and comprehensive oral health.