Maybe a dentist told you an underbite means jaw surgery, though it often does not. Mild and moderate underbites usually move into place with clear aligners or braces. You can correct the bite without an operation and improve how your face looks. This guide walks you through how non-surgical underbite correction works and when it fits.
Dr. Joseph Goodman has corrected bites in Beverly Hills for 27 years, trained in Germany and the US. Patients travel to him from Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Holmby Hills for this care. He treats the bite and the face together rather than one tooth at a time. His bite correction work centers on balance, comfort, and a natural, lasting result.
What Is an Underbite, and Can You Fix It Without Surgery?
An underbite is when your lower front teeth sit ahead of your upper teeth when you close. Around 5 to 10 percent of people have one to some degree. Mild and moderate cases often correct without surgery, using clear aligners or braces. Severe cases rooted in the jaw can still call for a surgical fix.
The cause of your underbite decides the right fix for it. A dental underbite means the teeth themselves sit out of line. A skeletal underbite means the lower jaw grew too far forward, and some people have both. Dr. Goodman checks which type you have before he recommends any treatment. A quick exam and X-ray usually make the difference clear.
What Happens If You Leave an Underbite Untreated?
An untreated underbite tends to worsen over time and can wear your teeth down early. The lower teeth grind against the uppers with nearly every bite you take. Across 10 to 20 years, worn teeth may chip, crack, or turn sensitive. You might also notice jaw pain, headaches, and clicking as the joint strains.
An underbite affects more than your smile and how it looks in photos. It can make chewing harder and leave your speech slightly less clear. Ongoing strain on the jaw joint sometimes grows into a long-term problem. Early care keeps the fix simple, since a mild case today may need only aligners. Years of delay, though, can turn the same case surgical.
What Causes an Underbite?
Most underbites trace back to jaw growth and family genes rather than bad habits. Knowing your cause helps Dr. Goodman pick the right plan for you. Here are the most common reasons an underbite forms in the first place.
- Genetics, since the shape and size of the jaw often run in families
- A lower jaw that grew longer or further forward than the upper jaw
- An upper jaw that grew too small or settled too far back
- Childhood habits like long-term thumb sucking or pushing the tongue forward
- Losing baby teeth too early or crowding among the adult teeth
- Mouth breathing and a low tongue posture during the growing years
Many of these causes begin in childhood, which is why early care works so well. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests a first orthodontic visit by age 7. Catching an underbite young lets the dentist guide the jaw while it still grows. A narrow upper jaw often creates a crossbite too, and non-surgical crossbite correction covers that case. Adults can still correct one, though the plan usually takes a little longer.
How Do You Fix an Underbite Without Surgery?
Non-surgical underbite correction moves your teeth with clear aligners, braces, or bite appliances. Most cases run about 12 to 24 months from start to finish. In growing children, expanders and facemasks guide the jaw during that early window. This early treatment often prevents the need for surgery down the road. In adults, aligners realign the teeth around the jaw you already have.
Dr. Goodman often pairs clear aligners with FACE dentistry for the best outcome. This approach reads your whole face, not the teeth alone, so your bite and features stay balanced. Every plan begins with a digital scan and a close look at how you bite. He shows you the steps, the timeline, and the result before any treatment starts. You always know what comes next at each step.
Non-Surgical vs Surgical Underbite Correction: Which Do You Need?
The right path depends on how much of your underbite comes from teeth versus jaw. The table below compares the two options across the details patients ask about most. Use it as a helpful starting point rather than a final verdict on your case.
| Option | How it works | Best for | Recovery | Timeline |
| Non-surgical | Aligners, braces, appliances | Mild to moderate, dental | None, daily wear | 12 to 24 months |
| Surgical | Jaw surgery plus braces | Severe, skeletal | Weeks of healing | 18 to 24 months plus surgery |
Most underbites land in the mild to moderate range, where non-surgical care performs well. When a case is severe and jaw-based, Dr. Goodman tells you honestly up front. He will not sell you an aligner plan when it cannot reach your goal. You leave knowing the real options, not a one-size answer. Your exam and imaging point to the honest choice for your case.
Are You a Candidate for Non-Surgical Underbite Correction?
Good candidates have healthy teeth along with a dental or mild jaw-based underbite. Your gums should be free of active disease before treatment begins. Here is what tends to make someone a strong fit for non-surgical care.
- A mild to moderate underbite driven mainly by tooth position
- Healthy teeth and gums with no active gum disease present
- Enough jaw alignment to correct with aligners or braces alone
- A child still growing, where appliances can guide the jaw early
- A willingness to wear aligners 20 to 22 hours each day
- Realistic goals for a balanced, natural-looking end result
We treat any gum disease or decay first, since a healthy base helps teeth move safely. When a case is severe and skeletal, we walk you through the surgical route honestly. Either way, you hear a straight answer from Dr. Goodman before you spend a dollar. This honesty is the whole point of your first visit with him.
How Long Does It Take, and What Does It Cost?
Non-surgical underbite correction usually takes 12 to 24 months, based on how far teeth must move. Clear aligner treatment often runs between 3,000 and 8,000 dollars in total. Beverly Hills prices tend to sit a bit above the national average. Dr. Goodman gives you an honest quote after your exam, so nothing catches you off guard. The quote lays out each stage of care in plain numbers.
Your final cost depends on how far the teeth must move and which tools you need. A simple aligner case sits at the lower end, while a longer case with appliances runs higher. Many dental plans cover part of orthodontic care, and we check your benefits for you first. We also offer payment options through CareCredit, so you can spread the cost over time.
Will Your Underbite Come Back After Treatment?
Your underbite can return if you stop wearing your retainer once treatment ends. Teeth naturally drift back toward where they started without something holding them. A retainer keeps your new bite locked in place for good. Most patients wear one nightly for the first 6 months, then a few nights weekly. The habit takes only seconds a day yet protects your whole result.
Dr. Goodman fits your retainer once your bite has fully settled into place. He checks the fit carefully and shows you how to clean and store it. A retainer costs far less than paying to redo your treatment later. Wear it as directed, and your corrected underbite should stay put for years.
Fix Your Underbite and Balance Your Smile with Dr. Goodman
You came here worried an underbite would mean surgery, and for many people it will not. You deserve a bite that works well and a face that still looks like you. Dr. Goodman has corrected underbites in Beverly Hills for 27 years, trained in Germany and the US. He treats three generations of families from Century City to Brentwood with the same honest care. His patients return for years because he earns their trust.
The next step is refreshingly simple and comes with no pressure at all. Come in for an honest exam, and Dr. Goodman will map out a clear plan. He tells you the truth about your options before you spend a single dollar. Book a consultation today and find out if you can fix your underbite without surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an underbite fix itself without treatment?
No, an underbite does not correct on its own, and it usually worsens over time. In children, a first orthodontic checkup by age 7 can catch it while the jaw still grows. In adults, the bite stays put until treatment actively moves it. The sooner you begin, the simpler and shorter the fix tends to be.
Does fixing an underbite change your face?
Yes, correcting an underbite can bring your lower face into noticeably better balance. As the bite lines up, your chin and jawline often look more even and proportioned. An untreated bite problem can also cause jaw pain and uneven tooth wear. Dr. Goodman plans each result with your whole face in mind, not the teeth alone.
Can adults fix an underbite with clear aligners?
Many adults do exactly this with a course of clear aligners. They move a mild to moderate underbite without any surgery at all. Adult jaws no longer grow, so treatment shifts the teeth, not the jaw. A severe skeletal underbite can still need surgery. Dr. Goodman tells you which group fits you.
Is non-surgical underbite correction painful?
No, aligners and modern braces create mild pressure rather than real pain. You may feel sore for a day or two after each adjustment. That gentle pressure is how teeth move into place. Most people settle in within a week and soon forget the aligners are there.
