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Underbite (Class III Malocclusion)

What’s commonly referred to as an “underbite” is a clearly noticeable condition where the lower teeth extend significantly in front of the upper dental arch. This makes biting down difficult, as the upper teeth slide behind the lower teeth.

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Underbite – FAQ

What Is an Underbite and What Causes It?

An underbite—also known as prognathism—is a dental and/or jaw discrepancy where the lower teeth bite in front of the upper teeth. It is primarily rooted in genetics: either the lower jaw grows excessively, or the upper jaw’s development is insufficient. Sometimes both conditions are present simultaneously. In certain cases, however, the issue is functional, meaning that jaw positioning shifts forward during closure without an actual bone anomaly.

At What Age Does an Underbite Typically Develop?

Signs of this condition can be observed as early as ages 7–8, particularly if the growth of the upper jaw is insufficient. The lower jaw tends to become noticeably prominent during adolescence, which is why underbites often become more apparent in those years.

What Type of Appliance Is Needed for Treatment?

In younger children, if bone development can still be guided, removable or combination braces are used to encourage upper jaw growth. For adolescents and adults, fixed braces are typically applied to precisely align the teeth. If the main issue is excessive lower jaw growth, lasting and aesthetic results often require a combined surgical and orthodontic approach.

Is Surgery Always Required in Adulthood?

If the underlying issue is an oversized lower jaw, orthodontic treatment alone is no longer sufficient in adulthood due to completed bone development. Surgical intervention is then necessary to reposition the jaw. In milder cases, however, bite correction may be possible without surgery—by aligning the teeth in a way that masks the skeletal discrepancy.

What Happens If the Bite Is Left Untreated?

A persistent bite misalignment can damage the teeth over time due to abnormal wear, potentially leading to dental issues. In some cases, the jaw joint may also become overstrained. Furthermore, an underbite noticeably alters the facial profile—an overly prominent jaw can negatively impact self-confidence for many individuals.

What Are the Benefits of Treatment?

Treating an underbite improves not only appearance but also protects the teeth and jaw joint over the long term. Establishing a correct bite helps prevent excessive tooth wear, jaw dysfunction, and tooth sensitivity. Improved facial harmony positively influences confidence and overall quality of life. A well-planned, timely treatment safeguards dental health while restoring aesthetic balance to the entire facial profile.

Book Your Appointment Now!

If you’re struggling with a similar issue, visit us for a consultation where our specialist will thoroughly assess your condition.
Following the diagnosis, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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Paying in installments

At the Dr. Borbély Orthodontic Studio, our goal is to make the transformation brought by our treatments accessible to as many people as possible. A liberated smile shouldn’t be a matter of money! That’s why we offer our services with unusually low monthly installment options.

During the first year of treatment, the monthly payment ranges between HUF 90,000 and 130,000—this includes the cost of the appliance and its adjustments. Following that, each visit entails a fee of HUF 45,000. For simpler treatments, the total costs may be even lower. After planning your treatment, we provide a detailed quote so that your expenses are easy to anticipate and manage.

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1072 Budapest, Rákóczi út 4. IV. emelet (32-es kapucsengő)

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