How Much Does It Cost to Correct an Underbite?

Your Common Questions About Retainers Answered!
Published Date:
September 14, 2023
Updated Date:
September 14, 2023
Reading Time: 7:min
Published Date:
September 14, 2023
Updated Date:
September 14, 2023
Reading Time: 7:min

Table of contents

  1. What is an underbite?
  2. What effects does an underbite have?
  3. Snoring
  4. Sleep apnoea
  5. Halitosis (bad breath)
  6. TMJ/TMD
  7. Reasons why you may have an underbite
  8. Genetics
  9. Bad childhood habits
  10. Tumours
  11. How to treat an underbite
  12. Traditional braces
  13. Clear aligners
  14. How much do clear braces cost?

Crooked teeth leading to a misaligned jaw may cause various problems, including a mild or severe underbite. Mild cases may not need any work, while severe cases may have the jaw protruding so far that it looks unnatural. The cost to straighten teeth for adults can run into thousands of pounds for traditional braces. However, there is a more affordable alternative with clear braces—and you don’t even have to leave home!

What is an underbite?

An underbite is when the lower teeth project out past the upper teeth. It is more than a cosmetic issue as it can cause physical problems when biting food and even talking. It may also lead to dental health problems, including chipping or breaking your front teeth.

What effects does an underbite have?

The effects of an underbite can be serious. It is often the case that individuals with underbites feel self-conscious, which, in turn, can lead to low self-esteem and anxiety. Not only can the problem take a toll on mental health, but it can cause other health issues such as:

Snoring

An underbite can cause heavy snoring and mouth breathing.

Sleep apnoea

When the jaw is incorrectly aligned, it may obstruct breathing, which in some cases may lead to sleep apnoea. In this potentially serious condition, individuals can stop breathing hundreds of times a night, making it difficult to sleep well. Poor sleep can lead to daytime fatigue and over the long term, depression. Sleep apnea is more common than you might think.

Halitosis (bad breath)

Halitosis is a chronic condition that an underbite can cause. Heavy mouth breathing and mouth snoring are two symptoms related to the problem, causing dryness in the mouth and throat, which allows the bacteria that cause bad breath to grow.

TMJ/TMD

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is another potential symptom of an underbite. The TMJs are the jaw joints that can become painful if the jaws are misaligned.

Reasons why you may have an underbite

You may develop an underbite due to:

Genetics

You primarily inherit the shape and size of your teeth and how they grow from your parents or relatives. If someone else in your family has had an underbite, it’s more likely a genetic condition.

Bad childhood habits

A habit in childhood can cause a problem in the future. For most children, occasional habits don’t cause any issues, but extended habits like thumb sucking or using a dummy long-term can lead to an underbite.

Tumours

A tumour is an abnormal growth of cells that can cause the jaw to change shape. This change could also lead to an underbite.

How to treat an underbite

Thankfully, underbites can be effectively treated using orthodontic methods, such as braces or aligners. While most cases can be addressed without surgery, severe underbites might necessitate surgical intervention. It’s worth noting that treatment for underbites is not limited to children; adults can also benefit significantly from underbite correction. All the treatments available require commitment as there is no quick-fix solution.

Traditional braces

Traditional braces are one of the ways of clearing up issues with teeth alignment or underbites. Traditional braces consist of brackets that are cemented to the teeth. A wire is threaded through the brackets and tightened regularly (typically every month) to move the teeth into their correct positions. Treatment may take around two years, and you’ll have to wear a retainer for some time afterward to keep teeth in their new straightened positions.

Although effective, braces are uncomfortable and are not very attractive. Also, they cannot be removed, so cleaning teeth properly can become difficult. Additionally, every month, braces must be tightened, which requires setting aside time and making an effort for patients to visit the dentist as needed.

Clear aligners

Underbite correction is possible with clear aligners. One of the benefits of transparent aligners, including those available from Caspersmile, is that they are virtually invisible and undetectable. For adults who may be self-conscious about wearing braces, clear aligners are a great solution.

Furthermore, as they are tailor-made to fit over your teeth, they are much more comfortable to wear than metal braces. No more rubbing the soft tissues in your mouth, causing ulcers and soreness.

How much do clear braces cost?

If you have done your research, you will be aware that costs vary significantly for clear braces in the UK, with prices ranging from £2,000 to £6,000. However, with Caspersmile’s clear aligners, you can drastically reduce this cost.

References:

Related Posts

Curated the best for your knowledge

 A girl getting her metal braces examined.Can You Get Braces On The NHS

If you or your child may need orthodontic treatment, you might be asking: Can you get braces on the NHS? The answer is yes, but it comes with some conditions. In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) offers free or reduced-cost dental care. However, access to orthodontic services like braces isn't guaranteed for everyone, it depends on specific eligibility criteria. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including who qualifies for NHS braces, the types of braces available, how long you might wait, and when private treatment could be a better option.

Read More
A person smiling to show their severely crooked teeth with braces on.Can You Straighten Crooked Teeth without Braces?

Anyone who ever wants to straighten their teeth thinks braces are the way to go. And this thought can sometimes make you retract and think, do I even want to wear metal wires for months, if not years? You're not alone. More and more people are looking for alternative ways to fix crooked teeth without braces, and the good news is, it's absolutely possible. Whether you're put off by the look of traditional braces, worried about the discomfort, or just want a faster, more discreet solution, there are non-braces teeth straightening options that can help. In this blog, we'll explore the best alternatives, what works (and what doesn't), and how to decide what's right for your smile.

Read More
An illustration of showing overbiteWhat is Diastema? Treatment Options and More

A perfect smile is often viewed as one where the teeth are straight and close together (in nature's perfect design). One of the most obvious traits that deviates from this image is the spacing between the teeth, which usually appears in the upper front teeth. This dental spacing condition is called diastema. And people often ask questions like: Is diastema normal? Yes, it is. It is much more common than people typically think. While some people rock their diastema as a badge of uniqueness and charm, for others, it can put a hamper on self-confidence, speech, or oral health in general. Whether you just want some clarity around this condition or you want to do something about it, this complete guide covers everything from causes and possible concerns associated with diastema to treatment options, including the leading brands of clear aligners.

Read More
View All

Comments

No items found.

Heading

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Find Your Provider