Underbite
Conditions We Assess and Treat with Invisible Aligners
An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit forward of the upper front teeth. Instead of the upper arch overlapping the lower teeth—as in a normal bite—the lower jaw extends further outward, creating a reversed bite relationship known as a Class III malocclusion. Underbites can affect chewing, speech, facial balance, and long-term dental health. At Pro Aligners, we treat mild to moderate underbites using advanced clear aligner technology, giving patients a discreet alternative to fixed metal braces.
Underbites are less common than overbites but may present functional challenges if not addressed. With modern digital orthodontics, many underbite cases that once required braces can now be corrected using clear aligners—provided treatment is planned and monitored by experienced clinicians.
What Causes an Underbite?
Underbites may develop in childhood or emerge later in life due to shifting teeth or bite changes.
1. Genetics and Jaw Growth
Jaw shape is heavily influenced by genetics. If the lower jaw grows larger or projects further forward than the upper jaw, it can create an underbite. Family history plays a strong role.
2. Childhood Habits
Early habits such as prolonged use of bottles or dummies, or tongue thrusting, can influence the jaw’s growth direction and contribute to an underbite.
3. Missing Upper Teeth
When upper teeth are missing or extracted, the remaining teeth may drift backwards, making the lower teeth appear further forward.
4. Tooth Misalignment
Sometimes the issue is dental, not skeletal. If the lower front teeth angle forward or the upper teeth angle inward, the bite may appear reversed even if the jaw positions are normal.
5. Trauma or Injury
In rare cases, facial trauma can cause the lower jaw to heal in a forward position.
6. Natural Ageing
Teeth naturally shift with age. If they drift inward or outward improperly, they can create a functional underbite.
Common Symptoms
Patients with an underbite often experience:
- Lower front teeth sitting in front of the upper teeth
- Difficulty biting into foods
- Premature wear on front teeth
- Jaw discomfort or increased tension
- Speech changes or slight lisping
- Gum recession around lower front teeth
- Asymmetry in lower facial profile
- Reduced confidence due to smile appearance
Even a mild underbite may benefit from professional assessment.
Why Treating an Underbite Matters
Correcting an underbite is important not only for aesthetics but also for long-term functional and dental health.
Functional Benefits
- May improve chewing and bite alignment
- May reduce jaw strain and TMJ-related discomfort
- Can help distribute pressure more evenly across teeth
- May reduce the risk of enamel wear
Aesthetic Benefits
- May enhance facial balance
- Can help create a more harmonious smile profile
- May reduce the appearance of a protruding lower jaw
- May improve overall symmetry
Early treatment often leads to better and faster results.
How Pro Aligners Correct an Underbite
Our treatment approach combines precision scanning, expert planning, and carefully sequenced aligner movements.
3D Digital Bite Analysis
Your journey begins with a digital scan that maps your teeth and bite in high resolution. This allows us to assess whether the underbite is dental or skeletal and determine the most effective treatment path.
Arch Alignment & Tooth Positioning
Aligners gradually move the upper and lower teeth to create a healthier bite relationship. This may include moving upper teeth forward, lower teeth backward, and rotating misaligned teeth.
Targeted Bite Correction
Clear aligners can improve the bite by adjusting individual tooth positions and guiding both arches into alignment. Attachments (small tooth-coloured buttons) may be used to support more complex movements.
Unlimited Refinements
Underbites often require fine-tuning, especially toward the end of treatment. At Pro Aligners, unlimited refinements are included to help support improved bite accuracy and stability.
Retainers for Long-Term Stability
At the end of treatment, two complimentary retainers are provided to help maintain your improved bite alignment and support long-term stability.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate?
You may be suitable for underbite correction with Pro Aligners if you have:
- A mild or moderate underbite
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Uneven wear on front teeth
- A reversed bite affecting smile appearance
- Teeth that have drifted into an underbite after braces
- Lower teeth that protrude slightly forward
How Long Does Underbite Treatment Take?
Treatment time varies depending on severity, but most cases take:
10 to 20 months
Milder cases may finish sooner.
Why Choose Pro Aligners for Underbite Correction?
Expert-Led Treatment
By aligner-focused clinicians
Clear & Discreet
Removable aligners for daily life
Digitally Planned
Precision tooth movement
Unlimited Refinements
Included for optimal results
Complimentary Extras Included:
Begin Your Smile Assessment
Addressing an underbite may help improve both your smile and your overall comfort. With Pro Aligners, treatment is discreet, comfortable and designed around your lifestyle.
Find out if Pro Aligners can correct your underbite.
Contact Us
We're here to help you achieve your perfect smile. Reach out to us today.
Call Us
020 3137 5212Email Us
info@proaligners.co.ukVisit Our Clinic
20 Old Brompton Road
South Kensington, London
SW7 3DL
- Monday9am - 6pm
- Tuesday9am - 8pm
- Wednesday9am - 6pm
- Thursday9am - 8pm
- Friday8am - 5pm
- Saturday10am - 4pm
- SundayClosed
How to find us
We are conveniently located in the heart of South Kensington, just a short walk from the station. Our clinic is easily accessible via public transport from all parts of London.
Nearest Tube Station
South Kensington (1 min walk)
Bus Routes
Stops nearby: 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430, C1
Parking
Pay & Display parking is available on Old Brompton Road. Nearest car park: Harrington Road Car Park (5 min walk).
Regulated & Registered
ProAligners is proudly part of Medical and Dental Ltd. registered with the UK's leading healthcare regulatory bodies, ensuring the highest standards of care, safety, and professionalism.
