Conditions
Underbite
An underbite is when the lower front teeth stick out past the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed.
An underbite occurs when your bottom teeth extend beyond your top front teeth. It is a form of malocclusion.
A more severe underbite can lead to jaw pain and problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
You can reduce a child's chances of developing an underbite by limiting thumb sucking and pacifier use past age 3, according to Cleveland Clinic. A dentist can check a child's bite as the teeth come in. In adults, treatment depends on how large the difference is between the jaws. See also overbite, crossbite and thumb sucking. Our office describes straightening on its teeth straightening page.