When it comes to your child’s smile, timing matters. An underbite—when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth—can affect more than just appearance. Left untreated, it may impact jaw growth, speech, chewing, and long-term oral health. The good news? Early orthodontic treatment can make a lasting difference.
At Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics, with convenient locations in Baton Rouge, Addis, Prairieville, and Central, LA, we specialize in identifying and treating bite concerns like underbites early—when treatment can be most effective.
What Is an Underbite?
An underbite (also called a Class III malocclusion) occurs when the lower jaw sits too far forward relative to the upper jaw. This can be caused by genetics, jaw growth discrepancies, or dental alignment issues.
Some signs your child may have an underbite include:
- The lower teeth overlap the upper teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Speech challenges
- Jaw pain or popping
- A prominent lower jaw appearance
While mild cases may seem purely cosmetic, more significant underbites can affect jaw development and overall oral health.
Why Early Treatment Matters
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7. At this age, your child’s jaw is still growing, making it an ideal time to detect and correct developing issues like underbites.
Early orthodontic treatment—often called Phase 1 treatment—can:
- Guide proper jaw growth
- Reduce the need for more invasive treatment later
- Improve facial balance
- Prevent excessive tooth wear
- Support clearer speech development
- Boost your child’s confidence
By addressing an underbite early, we can often minimize the need for jaw surgery in the future.
How Braces for Kids Help Correct Underbites
Every child’s smile is unique, which is why treatment plans at Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics are customized to each patient’s needs.
Depending on the severity and cause of the underbite, treatment options may include:
Early Braces
Braces can gradually shift teeth into better alignment, correcting the bite and improving function. Traditional metal braces remain a highly effective and durable option for kids, while clear ceramic braces may be appropriate in certain cases.
Growth-Guiding Appliances
In younger children, orthodontic appliances can help guide jaw development as they grow. These devices work with your child’s natural growth patterns to bring the upper and lower jaws into better alignment.
Two-Phase Treatment
Some children benefit from a two-phase approach:
- Phase 1: Early intervention to address jaw growth and bite concerns
- Phase 2: Comprehensive braces treatment during the teen years to fine-tune alignment
This proactive strategy helps create a healthier foundation for long-term smile stability.
Benefits Beyond a Straighter Smile
Correcting an underbite early does more than improve appearance. It can:
- Enhance chewing efficiency
- Reduce strain on the jaw joints (TMJ)
- Lower the risk of chipped or worn teeth
- Improve speech clarity
- Promote better long-term oral health
Most importantly, early treatment can help your child feel more confident in their smile during important developmental years.
When Should You Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation?
Even if your child’s teeth appear straight, bite issues can still be present. An early orthodontic evaluation allows our team to monitor jaw growth and recommend treatment at the ideal time—if needed.
At Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics, we make the process comfortable and informative for both parents and kids. With four convenient locations in Baton Rouge, Addis, Prairieville, and Central, LA, expert orthodontic care is always close to home.
Give Your Child a Healthy Start
Addressing an underbite early can prevent more complex problems later. If you’ve noticed signs of a bite issue—or if your child is around age 7—it’s the perfect time to schedule a consultation.
Our experienced team is here to guide your family every step of the way, creating healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime.