An underbite is one of those dental issues that’s hard to ignore. It affects the way your teeth fit together, how your face looks, and even how you chew or speak. If you have an underbite or were recently told you might need orthodontic treatment, one big question probably comes to mind: Can braces alone fix it, or will surgery be required?

It’s a common concern, and many people wonder, Can Braces Fix an Underbite? The short answer is that braces can correct certain types of underbites without surgery, especially when caught early or when the bite issue is related to the teeth rather than the jawbone.

In this article, we explore what orthodontists reveal about non-surgical underbite treatment using braces and how to know what option is best for you.

What Is an Underbite?

An underbite happens when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth while the mouth is closed. In a normal bite, the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower ones. When the opposite occurs, it’s known as a Class III malocclusion, or simply, an underbite.

Underbites vary in severity. In mild cases, the misalignment may be subtle and cause no pain. In more severe cases, it can lead to:

• Difficulty biting or chewing

• Speech issues like lisps

• Excess wear on teeth

• Jaw joint discomfort

• Changes in facial structure

Orthodontists evaluate both the teeth and jawbones to determine the cause and best treatment approach.

What Causes an Underbite?

Several factors can lead to the development of an underbite:

• Genetics: The most common cause. Jaw shape and size often run in families

• Early childhood habits: Thumb sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrusting

• Tooth problems: Crowding, missing teeth, or spacing issues that shift bite alignment

• Jaw growth imbalance: One jawbone grows faster or larger than the other

Understanding the root cause is essential because it determines whether braces alone can be effective or if surgery may be needed.

Can Braces Treat an Underbite Without Surgery?

In many cases, yes. Braces are highly effective at treating underbites when the issue lies in how the teeth are aligned. By applying steady pressure over time, braces can gradually move the upper and lower teeth into better positions.

Braces may help:

• Retract lower front teeth

• Advance upper front teeth

• Improve the way the upper and lower arches fit together

• Correct tooth crowding or spacing contributing to the misalignment

Braces can be even more effective when treatment starts during childhood or the teenage years, as the jaw is still growing and easier to guide.

When Are Braces Enough?

Orthodontists typically recommend braces without surgery in these situations:

• The underbite is mild to moderate

• The jawbones are not severely misaligned

• The misalignment is mostly dental, not skeletal

• The patient is still growing, allowing jaw guidance

• The patient is consistent with treatment, such as rubber bands or other tools

Children and teens often have more non-surgical options due to flexible bone growth. However, many adults with dental-based underbites can also avoid surgery with braces alone.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

For more serious underbite cases, especially those involving significant jaw bone imbalance, braces alone may not be enough. Surgical intervention may be required when:

• The lower jaw is too large or the upper jaw is too small

• The bite cannot be corrected with braces or appliances alone

• Jaw joint pain, breathing problems, or facial imbalance are present

• The patient is an adult and jaw growth has already stopped

Orthognathic (jaw) surgery repositions the jaws to correct their relationship. Braces are often used before and after surgery to align the teeth properly.

What Are the Alternatives to Surgery?

If you want to avoid surgery and braces seem insufficient on their own, orthodontists may suggest additional non-surgical tools such as:

• Elastics (rubber bands): These help adjust the bite by pulling the jaw into a better position

• Palatal expanders: Used in growing children to widen the upper jaw

• Clear aligners: Can treat very mild underbites, though braces are typically more effective

• Functional appliances: These can guide jaw growth during early development

The effectiveness of these methods depends on your age, dental health, and the structure of your bite.

How the Treatment Process Works

If your orthodontist determines braces are right for you, the treatment generally includes:

1. Consultation and evaluation: A full examination with photos, X-rays, or 3D scans

2. Custom treatment plan: Your orthodontist maps out how the teeth will move over time

3. Wearing braces: Metal or ceramic brackets are placed and adjusted regularly

4. Rubber bands or appliances: May be added to assist with bite correction

5. Retention: After braces are removed, retainers are worn to keep your new bite in place

Treatment time varies but often lasts 18 to 30 months, depending on how complex the case is.

Benefits of Braces for Underbite Correction

Using braces to fix an underbite without surgery offers several key advantages:

• Non-invasive: No hospital stay or surgical recovery needed

• Lower cost: Braces are usually less expensive than surgery

• Effective: When used correctly, braces deliver long-term bite improvement

• More options: Different tools can be added to support your braces

• Less downtime: You can maintain your routine while receiving treatment

Many patients find braces to be a convenient and confidence-boosting solution.

Final Thoughts

Braces can absolutely treat many underbite cases without surgery, especially when the problem is related to the alignment of the teeth rather than the structure of the jaw. The key is a personalized treatment plan from an experienced orthodontist who understands your unique needs.

If you’re wondering whether you can skip the scalpel and go with braces alone, the best thing to do is schedule a consultation. With early treatment, consistent follow-up, and expert care, you may not need surgery to get the comfortable, confident smile you want.