Diagnosis and Treatment of Underbite in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL

Featuring two concentric curved lines—one orange and one blue—resembling minimalist arcs or a smiling face on a transparent background, this design represents Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Lehigh Acres, FL.
A woman with long dark hair, hoop earrings, and a light pink sweater—showing a warm smile with a slight underbite—appears against a plain yellow background at Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.

An underbite happens when your lower teeth extend past your upper teeth when your mouth is closed. At Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres, Dr. Alex Levine is a specialist in treating this condition, which can impact both your dental health and self-esteem. If left untreated, an underbite can lead to challenges with talking, eating and can even cause persistent jaw pain.

Causes and Risk Factors

Featuring two concentric curved lines—one orange and one blue—resembling minimalist arcs or a smiling face on a transparent background, this design represents Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Lehigh Acres, FL.
A woman playfully holds a paper with a cartoon smile featuring an underbite over her mouth against a gray background at Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.

Genetics factors of underbite

Genetics play an important role in the development of an underbite and it’s often a condition seen in families. If a parent has an underbite, their child may likely develop one due to inherited traits.

A bearded young man with an underbite, wearing braces, a black hoodie, and a yellow jacket, smiles outdoors an example of the confident results achieved at Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.

The role of environmental 
factors in underbite

Environmental factors can greatly influence the growth of an underbite. Mouth breathing, for instance, caused by respiratory problems or allergies, can disturb normal jaw growth.

Against a plain white background, a man in a white shirt and glasses discreetly covers his mouth, possibly to avoid revealing any mouth breathing. If you're experiencing similar concerns in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL, Levine Orthodontics can help.

Mouth breathing and its relationship to underbite

Breathing through the mouth due to allergies or respiratory issues can disrupt proper jaw development. This may lead to jaw growth issues, resulting in an underbite.

Types and Severity of Underbite

Featuring two concentric curved lines—one orange and one blue—resembling minimalist arcs or a smiling face on a transparent background, this design represents Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Lehigh Acres, FL.

At Levine Orthodontics, we classify bites into three types: Class I (normal bite with slight overlap), Class II (overbite), and Class III (underbite). Each case is carefully evaluated to determine the best treatment. We also check for TMJ issues, which can affect how we plan your care.

Effects and Complications

of an Underbite

Featuring two concentric curved lines—one orange and one blue—resembling minimalist arcs or a smiling face on a transparent background, this design represents Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Lehigh Acres, FL.

Many patients at Levine Orthodontics seek help for complications associated with an underbite. These may include:

Facial appearance changes

Difficulty maintaining 
proper oral hygiene

Speech impediments

Challenges with chewing and digestion

Increased risk of tooth wear

Potential development of sleep apnea

TMJ disorders and associated pain

Treatment Options for Underbite in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL at Levine Orthodontics

Featuring two concentric curved lines—one orange and one blue—resembling minimalist arcs or a smiling face on a transparent background, this design represents Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Lehigh Acres, FL.

Our clinic offers various types of care and services, each tailored to meet specific patient needs.

Non-surgical Approaches

We provide several non-surgical methods at our clinics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres, such as:

A green background features a blue arrow pointing up and to the right, as seen in Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.Traditional braces
A green background features a blue arrow pointing up and to the right, as seen in Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.Clear aligners
A green background features a blue arrow pointing up and to the right, as seen in Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.Palatal expanders
A green background features a blue arrow pointing up and to the right, as seen in Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Lehigh Acres, FL.Reverse-pull headgear

These treatments can be customized to fit patient preferences and their lifestyle. Many patients in the area have successfully corrected their underbites with these conservative solutions.

Surgical Intervention

In more severe cases where surgical correction may be necessary, we refer patients to trusted local orthodontists who collaborate with oral surgeons to manage treatment. These surgical options are typically considered for adults or patients with significant jaw misalignment that cannot be corrected with braces or aligners alone. Although we do not provide orthodontic care for surgical cases at our office, we ensure patients are connected with experienced specialists for comprehensive, well-coordinated care.

FAQ

Featuring two concentric curved lines—one orange and one blue—resembling minimalist arcs or a smiling face on a transparent background, this design represents Levine Orthodontics in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Lehigh Acres, FL.

What causes an underbite?

Underbites can develop due to genetic factors, habits during childhood, or environmental influences. At Levine Orthodontics, we perform detailed evaluations to figure out the exact cause of your underbite. This helps us create the most effective treatment plan. Treating the problem early often results in better outcomes.

Can braces fix an underbite in adults?

Yes, adults can have their underbites corrected with braces or other orthodontic treatments. At our Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres locations, Dr. Alex Levine has successfully treated many adults, regardless of their underbite severity. Treatment length generally ranges from 18-36 months, depending on the complexity of the case. We offer different types of braces, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces and clear aligners, so patients can choose options that fit their personal and lifestyle needs.
Español