Underbite Treatment in Jacksonville Beach
Our Jacksonville Beach specialists offer advanced underbite treatment with personalized care and modern techniques, helping patients achieve balanced, confident smiles backed by years of orthodontic expertise.
An underbite occurs when your lower jaw extends beyond your upper jaw, creating a misaligned bite that can affect both function and appearance. This dental condition ranges from mild cases where only a few lower teeth protrude to severe situations where the entire lower jaw sits noticeably forward, potentially impacting your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
Our Jacksonville Beach orthodontic team understands that an underbite represents more than just a cosmetic concern. We provide comprehensive treatment options designed to correct jaw alignment, improve oral function, and help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.
Understanding Underbite Classifications
Orthodontists classify underbites into three primary categories based on their underlying cause. Dental underbites result from tooth positioning issues, where individual teeth tilt or shift into incorrect positions. Skeletal underbites stem from jaw structure problems, typically involving a lower jaw that grows too large or an upper jaw that develops insufficiently. Functional underbites occur when the jaw shifts into an abnormal position due to habits or other factors, even though the bone structure remains normal.
Each type requires a different treatment approach. Dental underbites often respond well to traditional orthodontic methods, while skeletal underbites may need more comprehensive intervention. Functional underbites frequently improve once the underlying cause is addressed.
Treatment Options for Underbite Correction
Early intervention provides the most effective treatment outcomes for underbite correction. When we identify underbites during childhood, we can often guide jaw growth using various orthodontic appliances. Palatal expanders help widen the upper jaw, while chin caps can limit lower jaw growth in growing children.
Traditional braces remain one of the most reliable methods for correcting underbites in both children and adults. Metal braces apply consistent pressure to gradually move teeth into the proper position and can work in conjunction with other appliances to address jaw alignment issues.
Invisalign clear aligners and Clarity clear aligners offer an alternative treatment option for mild to moderate underbites. These removable aligners, worn for 18-20 hours daily, provide a discreet way to correct tooth positioning while maintaining your normal lifestyle and appearance.
For patients seeking a balance between effectiveness and aesthetics, ceramic braces provide the reliable correction of traditional braces with tooth-colored brackets that blend naturally with your smile.
Trust your smile to our team with years of advanced orthodontic training.
The Treatment Process and Timeline
Underbite treatment begins with a comprehensive examination and digital imaging to assess your jaw structure and bite alignment. We design a treatment plan based on your age, the severity of your underbite, and your treatment preferences.
Treatment timelines vary significantly depending on the complexity of your case. Mild underbites may require 12-18 months of treatment, while more complex cases can take 24-36 months to achieve optimal results. Adults typically require longer treatment periods than children since jaw growth has completed.
Throughout treatment, regular appointments allow us to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments. We track tooth movement and jaw alignment to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
Benefits of Underbite Correction
Correcting an underbite improves more than just your appearance. Proper jaw alignment enhances your chewing function, making it easier to break down food effectively and reducing strain on your jaw muscles. Many patients experience improved speech clarity as their teeth and jaw move into correct positions.
Underbite treatment also provides long-term oral health benefits. When your bite aligns properly, you distribute chewing forces evenly across all teeth, reducing excessive wear on specific teeth. This balanced approach to oral function can prevent premature tooth loss and reduce your risk of developing temporomandibular joint disorders.
Advanced Surgical Options
Severe skeletal underbites may require orthognathic surgery in combination with orthodontic treatment. This surgical approach involves repositioning the jaw bones to create proper alignment and function. Surgical treatment typically follows a coordinated plan between orthodontic and oral surgery teams.
Pre-surgical orthodontics prepare your teeth for optimal positioning following surgery, while post-surgical orthodontics fine-tune the final result. The combined approach can dramatically improve both function and facial aesthetics for patients with severe underbites.
Post-Treatment Care and Retention
Completing active underbite treatment marks the beginning of your retention phase. Retainers maintain your newly aligned bite and prevent teeth from moving back to their original positions. We provide detailed instructions for retainer care and wear schedules to protect your treatment investment.
Routine follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your bite stability and address any concerns that arise during the retention phase. Consistent retainer use, especially during the first year after treatment completion, plays a crucial role in maintaining your corrected bite long-term.
Schedule Your Jacksonville Beach Underbite Consultation With Lazzara Orthodontics
Dr. John Lazzara and Dr. Amy Bouvier Poblenz bring exceptional qualifications and extensive training to every underbite treatment case. After completing dental school, both doctors received years of additional orthodontic training, providing them with advanced knowledge in jaw alignment and bite correction techniques. Dr. Lazzara earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from LSU School of Dentistry in 1996 and completed a 30-month orthodontic residency at St. Louis University, where he earned his Master of Science degree.
Our Jacksonville Beach practice serves patients from Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach with personalized underbite treatment plans designed to achieve optimal function and aesthetics. We combine state-of-the-art technology with proven treatments to deliver exceptional results in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Contact our office today at (904) 270-8750 or schedule your consultation online to start your journey toward a properly aligned, confident smile.
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- Dr. John Lazzara
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- Dr. Amy Bouvier Poblenz
Testimonials from Our Ponte Vedra Patients
We’re conveniently located in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, at 190 Marketside Avenue, in the heart of Nocatee. Enjoy our modern, welcoming office space with plenty of parking available, and easy access from throughout Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, and surrounding communities for a comfortable and convenient orthodontic experience.
- (904) 270-8750
- 190 Marketside Avenue, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
- Monday–Thursday: 8 AM–5 PM, Friday: 9 AM–1PM
