Yes, braces can fix some teen underbites, especially when tooth position is a major part of the problem. When jaw development contributes more strongly, braces can still be part of treatment, but elastics, appliances, or other care may also be needed.

At Robert Stoner Orthodontics, Dr. Robert Stoner and Dr. Brennan Alford help teens in Greensboro, NC and surrounding communities understand what is causing their underbite and how it can be treated. Both are board-certified orthodontists who consider tooth alignment, jaw relationships, and remaining growth when planning care.

What Causes an Underbite in a Teen?

An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when the mouth closes. In a typical bite, the upper front teeth rest slightly ahead of the lower teeth.

Some underbites are easy to notice because the lower teeth or chin appear farther forward. Others are more subtle. A teen may notice that the teeth do not meet evenly or that biting into certain foods feels awkward.

The cause can be dental, skeletal, or a combination of both. A dental underbite is mainly related to tooth position, while a skeletal underbite is more strongly related to how the upper and lower jaws developed.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists’ guide to underbite treatment, underbites can involve the teeth, the jaws, or both. Identifying the cause helps determine which type of correction is likely to work.

How Can Braces Help Correct a Teen Underbite?

Braces can improve an underbite when moving the teeth will create a better relationship between the upper and lower arches. They can correct crowding, spacing, tilted teeth, and other alignment problems that contribute to the reversed bite.

Elastics are sometimes used with braces to add forces between the upper and lower teeth. These small rubber bands help guide the bite while the teeth move into planned positions.

Some teens need braces and elastics, while others also benefit from an orthodontic appliance. The amount of correction depends on the individual bite, so braces are not used the same way for every teen.

How Does Growth Affect Teen Underbite Treatment?

Growth matters because the jaws and facial structure can continue developing during adolescence. For some teens, evaluating the bite while growth is still active gives the orthodontist more flexibility in deciding when and how to treat the problem.

Braces can be combined with elastics or appliances when appropriate. In other cases, monitoring jaw development before making the next treatment decision can be useful.

Timing is especially important when the jaw relationship contributes to the underbite. Once facial growth is complete, certain skeletal differences cannot be addressed in the same way with growth-focused orthodontic treatment.

Parents do not need to know whether their teen has finished growing before requesting an evaluation. An orthodontist can assess development and explain whether treatment should begin or whether monitoring makes sense.

When Are Braces Not Enough for a Teen Underbite?

Braces are not enough for every teen underbite. If the problem is mainly dental, braces may provide much of the correction. When the jaw relationship is a larger part of the problem, treatment may need to include more than tooth movement.

Some cases can be managed with braces, elastics, and appliances. Severe skeletal underbites can require a different plan. In certain cases, braces are used to position the teeth while jaw surgery is considered after facial growth is complete.

That does not mean a noticeable underbite automatically leads to surgery. The severity of the jaw difference, tooth position, and remaining growth all influence the recommendation.

Are Clear Aligners an Option for a Teen Underbite?

Clear aligners can be an option for some teen underbites, particularly when the correction depends mostly on moving the teeth.

Aligners move teeth gradually through a series of removable trays, so consistent wear is important. They can work well for selected cases, but they do not provide the same type of control for every bite problem.

Braces may be preferred when the underbite requires more complex tooth movement or when a fixed system offers better control. The best choice depends on the correction needed rather than appearance or preference alone.

Ready to Explore Orthodontic Treatment in Greensboro, NC?

If your teen’s lower teeth sit ahead of the upper teeth, an orthodontic evaluation can identify what is contributing to the underbite and whether braces are likely to provide enough correction.

At Robert Stoner Orthodontics, Dr. Stoner or Dr. Alford can evaluate your teen’s bite and explain whether braces, clear aligners, elastics, appliances, or another approach makes sense. The office also helps children, teens, and adults explore orthodontic treatment for a wide range of smile and bite concerns.

Schedule a consultation today to discuss your goals and find out which orthodontic treatment may be right for you or your teen.