Underbite Correction in Leicester
An underbite — where the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when you close your mouth — is less common than an overbite, but it can have a bigger impact on both function and appearance. Because it affects how your teeth meet, an underbite is worth taking seriously, but it's also very treatable with the right plan. This page explains what an underbite is, why correcting it matters for your teeth and jaw, and the options available to put it right.
What Is an Underbite?
In a typical bite, the upper front teeth close slightly over the lower ones. With an underbite, that relationship is reversed — the lower teeth protrude past the uppers, so the jaw looks and feels like it juts forward. Imagine a drawer that closes with the front panel sitting proud of the cabinet rather than flush inside it; the parts don't meet as they were designed to. Underbites range from mild, where only a slight reversal is visible, to pronounced cases involving a significant difference in jaw position. The degree matters, because it influences both the impact on your daily life and the best way to treat it.
Why Correcting an Underbite Matters
An underbite is more than a cosmetic concern. Because the teeth don't meet as they should, chewing and biting can be less efficient, and some people find speech is affected. The uneven contact often leads to accelerated wear on certain teeth, and the abnormal strain on the jaw joints can contribute to jaw pain, clicking and headaches over time. Many people are also self-conscious about the effect on their profile. Correcting an underbite improves how your teeth function and share the load — protecting them from wear — as well as how your smile looks.
What Causes an Underbite?
Underbites are largely genetic and usually relate to jaw development — most often a lower jaw that has grown longer or further forward than the upper jaw, or an upper jaw that's underdeveloped. Because it's frequently a jaw-size and position issue rather than just a tooth issue, an underbite can be more involved to correct than a simple tooth misalignment. Childhood habits such as prolonged thumb-sucking or dummy use can also contribute. As with other bite issues, understanding the underlying cause is essential to planning effective treatment.
How We Correct an Underbite
The right treatment depends heavily on whether the underbite is mainly a dental issue or involves the jaw position, and we'll always give you an honest assessment.
Invisalign for Milder Cases
Where an underbite is mild to moderate and primarily about tooth position, Invisalign clear aligners can gradually reposition the teeth to improve how they meet — discreetly and comfortably. We'll assess carefully whether your case is well suited to aligners.
Braces and Combined Treatment
More pronounced underbites, particularly those driven by jaw differences, may need fixed braces and, in significant cases, referral for specialist or surgical input alongside orthodontics. We won't overpromise — if your case needs more than aligners, we'll tell you plainly and guide you to the right care.
Holding the Result
Once corrected, a retainer keeps the teeth in their new, improved position, protecting the outcome of your treatment.
What to Expect From Treatment
Because underbites vary so much, we start with a thorough assessment of both your teeth and your jaw relationship. This tells us whether Invisalign is a good fit or whether another approach would serve you better. Whatever the plan, you'll get a clear, honest explanation of what's involved, the likely timeframe and the cost, along with any finance options — and we'll never recommend a treatment that isn't right for your situation.
Book a Free Invisalign Consultation in Leicester
If you have an underbite that's affecting how you eat, speak or feel about your smile, the first step is simply finding out what's possible for your particular case.
Want to know your options? Book your free Invisalign consultation at Smile Serenity in Leicester — we'll assess your bite honestly and explain the best route forward for you. Book online or call our friendly team on 0116 4030109
