Do You Need Jaw Surgery for an Underbite?
Introduction
Patients diagnosed with an underbite are often told that jaw surgery is the only way to correct the problem. Orthognathic surgery has traditionally been the primary treatment for severe underbites, particularly when the position of the jaw bones is responsible for the bite discrepancy.
However, not every underbite requires surgical correction. In some cases, the condition may be improved through orthodontic or restorative approaches that do not involve repositioning the jaw.
Understanding when jaw surgery is necessary — and when other options may exist — is an important step in making informed treatment decisions.
What Is Orthognathic Jaw Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a procedure used to reposition the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct significant skeletal discrepancies.
The procedure is typically performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and may involve:
• repositioning the lower jaw
• repositioning the upper jaw
• adjusting both jaws for proper alignment
Orthognathic surgery is often combined with orthodontic treatment before and after the procedure.
When Jaw Surgery May Be Necessary
Jaw surgery is commonly recommended when the underbite is caused by a significant skeletal discrepancy between the upper and lower jaws.
Situations where surgery may be necessary include:
• a severely protruding lower jaw
• major facial asymmetry
• significant functional bite problems
• severe jaw misalignment affecting speech or chewing
In these cases, orthodontics or restorative dentistry alone may not be sufficient to correct the bite relationship.
When Surgery May Not Be Necessary
Not all underbites are skeletal in nature.
Some underbites are primarily dental, meaning the relationship between the teeth — rather than the jaw bones — creates the appearance of the underbite.
In these cases, treatment options may include:
• orthodontic treatment
• restorative dentistry
• bite redesign using restorative materials
For certain adults, restorative dentistry may provide a way to improve the bite relationship without repositioning the jaw.
A Restorative Approach to Underbite Correction
Advances in restorative dentistry have made it possible to improve some bite relationships by carefully redesigning the surfaces and alignment of the teeth.
This approach focuses on:
• bite harmony
• tooth position
• smile aesthetics
• facial balance
Rather than moving the jaw bones, the dentist adjusts how the teeth meet when the mouth closes.
When properly planned, this can significantly change both the appearance and function of the bite.
The Kurpis Non-Surgical Underbite Correction Method™
Dr. Albert J. Kurpis of Ridgewood, New Jersey developed the Kurpis Non-Surgical Underbite Correction Method™ to help certain adult patients explore alternatives to jaw surgery.
The method uses advanced restorative treatment planning to improve bite relationships and smile aesthetics for patients who may qualify for a non-surgical approach.
For some patients, treatment may be completed in a relatively short timeframe compared with traditional surgical treatment.
Why Many Adults Seek Alternatives to Jaw Surgery
Many adults who learn they have an underbite begin researching alternatives to orthognathic surgery.
Common concerns include:
• surgical risks
• recovery time
• hospital procedures
• extended orthodontic treatment
• overall treatment complexity
Because of these concerns, many patients seek a second opinion before proceeding with surgery.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Evaluation
Determining the best treatment for an underbite requires careful diagnosis.
A comprehensive evaluation may include:
• bite analysis
• dental examination
• facial evaluation
• diagnostic imaging
This allows the dentist to determine whether the underbite is primarily skeletal, dental, or a combination of both.
Exploring Your Treatment Options
If you have been told that jaw surgery is required for your underbite, it may be beneficial to explore all available treatment options.
Some patients may discover that a non-surgical underbite correction approach is possible for their specific situation.
Consultation
Patients interested in learning whether their underbite may be corrected without surgery can schedule a consultation at the Kurpis Center for Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
During the consultation, Dr. Kurpis evaluates the bite relationship and discusses potential treatment options based on the individual case.
Learn more about non-surgical underbite correction and the Kurpis Method™.