Do you often find yourself in a debate with your parents about whether your teeth meet when you close your mouth? If so, you may have an underbite.
This is a common issue in which your upper teeth fall forward and meet your lower teeth, causing your bottom jaw to be pushed out of place. While it’s a frequent issue in children, adult cases are becoming more common as well.
Do you or a loved one have an uneven jaw or teeth, and wondering what caused your underbite? We’ve got all the answers in this guide, so keep reading to learn more about underbite causes!
1. Dental Trauma
This occurs when the upper and lower jaws don’t come together correctly. Dental trauma factors include jawbone fractures, facial injuries, premature loss of baby teeth, and early loss of adult teeth.
Each of these can alter the way the upper and lower jaws come together, resulting in an underbite. As the teeth and jawbones don’t fit together as they should, the lower teeth protrude further than the upper teeth, causing an underbite.
2. Genetics
Genetic components, such as a person’s genetic makeup and the environment, can play a role in underbite manifestation. Genetics can affect what kind and degree of underbite a person has.
A person’s genetic code can predetermine the size of their jaw and even the angle at which their teeth come together. Some families may have a genetic disposition towards underbites, causing their children to inherit a lower jaw, or even unnecessary teeth, causing an underbite.
3. Unstable Jaw Development
Unstable jaw development is the most common cause of underbite disorders, which cause the lower teeth to extend outwards and the top teeth to sit lower than usual.
It can stem from conditions such as mandibular prognathism and maxillary retrusion, which are common in individuals with craniofacial disorders, growth in the face and jaw structure, or simply not enough space in the oral cavity for the teeth to fit upright.
4. Hormonal Imbalances
When hormones become unbalanced, the teeth and jaws can be negatively affected. An excessive amount of male hormones like testosterone or decreased amounts of female hormones like estrogen have been linked to underbite formation.
These imbalances can cause the lower jaw to grow at a faster rate than the upper jaw which can lead to an underbite. It can also cause other facial developments such as large lips, protruding brows, and a flat nasal bridge.
With the right underbite treatment, your hormones can be brought back into balance and the effects on your teeth and jaw can start to be reversed.
5. Improper Habits in Childhood
An improper swallowing pattern can be caused by incorrect positioning of the tongue, jaw, teeth, and lips. This can create a misalignment of teeth, as well as put pressure on the lower jaw and teeth, to push forward.
Poor oral posture can gradually lead to a misalignment or underbite. Parents, and children, should be mindful of the importance of correct oral habits to avoid the development of an underbite.
If you have any of these problems, check out these dentists today!
Learn More About Underbite Causes Today
Underbite causes are usually caused by genetics, incorrect jaw growth, or thumb-sucking habits. To prevent and fix underbite complications, it’s recommended to visit your local dentist or orthodontist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Don’t wait any longer and schedule an appointment with a doctor today to protect you and your little one’s dental health!
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