Underbite
Lower front teeth sitting ahead of the upper — dental or skeletal in origin.
What it means
Understanding underbite
An underbite is where the lower front teeth sit ahead of the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed, the reverse of the usual relationship. It can be down to the position of the teeth, the size and position of the jaws, or a combination, and it varies from very mild to more pronounced. As well as affecting appearance, a significant underbite can influence biting, chewing and tooth wear.
Understanding whether an underbite is mainly dental (to do with the teeth) or skeletal (to do with the jaws) is important, because it shapes what treatment can realistically achieve. Milder, dental cases are often more straightforward to improve than pronounced skeletal ones.
A GDC-registered dentist will assess the nature of your underbite and explain suitable options, being clear about what tooth movement alone can and cannot change.
Common causes of underbite
Several factors can contribute to underbite. Being aware of them can help — though only an examination can confirm what applies to you. Common contributing factors include:
- Inherited jaw and tooth relationships
- A larger lower jaw or smaller upper jaw
- The position of the front teeth
- Childhood habits in some cases
- Missing or drifted teeth
- A combination of dental and skeletal factors
Signs and symptoms to look out for
Symptoms vary from person to person, and some can be subtle. You may notice one or more of the following:
- Lower front teeth sitting in front of the upper teeth
- A prominent lower jaw appearance in pronounced cases
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Uneven wear on certain teeth
- Feeling self-conscious about the profile
- Occasional jaw strain
How we assess it at our Wimpole Street practice
Because the same symptoms can have different causes, an accurate diagnosis always comes first. At Wimpole Dental, a GDC-registered dentist will listen to your concerns, examine the area and — where clinically appropriate — take X-rays or other records to understand what is happening beneath the surface. Our practice is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and every clinician is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
You will then have your options explained in plain English, with a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins — and never any pressure to proceed. Flexible payment options may be available — ask at your consultation.
What to expect when you visit us
From your very first contact, our aim is to make dental care feel calm, clear and unhurried. A member of our reception team will help you find a time that suits you, including evening and weekend appointments, and if you are in pain we will do our best to see you the same day. You are welcome as a new patient, and there is no obligation to proceed with any treatment.
At your appointment, a GDC-registered dentist will take time to understand your concerns about underbite, carry out a careful examination and, where clinically appropriate, take X-rays or other records. They will then explain what they have found and set out the suitable options — from doing nothing and monitoring, through to the treatments described above — so you can make an informed decision that is right for you.
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you are far from alone, and we are experienced in caring for nervous patients. Please tell us how you feel when you book: we will move at your pace, explain each step before it happens, and focus on keeping you comfortable throughout. Our priority is honest, gentle care that puts your long-term health first.
Solutions & treatment options
Milder underbites that relate mainly to the position of the teeth can sometimes be improved with clear aligner treatment, which repositions the teeth gradually. As with all alignment, treatment starts with a thorough assessment and is followed by a retainer to maintain the result.
More pronounced or skeletal underbites, where the jaws are the main factor, can be more complex and may fall outside what tooth movement alone can address; in such cases your dentist will discuss the appropriate route and any onward referral. Cosmetic options may help in selected situations.
Your dentist will give an honest appraisal of what is achievable for your particular underbite and provide a written estimate before any treatment, as individual results vary.
The treatment we most often use
ProAligner Clear Aligners
Near-invisible, removable clear aligners that straighten teeth discreetly — from simple front-tooth correction to comprehensive alignment.
Prevention & everyday care
While professional care is important, good daily habits make a real difference. The following steps can help:
- Seek assessment early, particularly if the bite is changing
- Replace missing teeth to prevent drifting
- Wear a retainer after alignment treatment
- Keep teeth and gums healthy for stability
- Have tooth wear monitored
- Follow professional advice on the most suitable approach
When to see a dentist
If this sounds familiar, it's worth having it assessed early — problems are almost always simpler to treat when caught sooner. A £30 consultation lets a GDC-registered dentist find the cause and explain your options in plain English, with no pressure to proceed.
Questions & Answers
Frequently asked questions
Milder underbites related mainly to tooth position can sometimes be improved with clear aligners. More pronounced or skeletal underbites, where the jaws are the main factor, can be more complex. An assessment determines what is realistic in your case.
As well as affecting appearance, a significant underbite can influence biting, chewing and tooth wear. Whether treatment is advisable depends on the degree and its effects, which your dentist will discuss with you after an assessment.
For suitable dental cases, treatment often involves clear aligners followed by a retainer. More complex cases may need a different approach or onward referral. Your dentist will explain the options, the likely outcome and a written estimate first.
No. This page is general education to help you understand a common concern. It is not a diagnosis, and the same symptoms can have different causes. Only an in-person examination by a GDC-registered dentist can confirm what is happening and what, if anything, needs treating.
You will always receive a written, itemised quote before any treatment begins. New patients start with a £30 consultation; flexible payment options may be available — ask at your consultation.
That is very common and completely understood. Our team is experienced in caring for anxious patients: your dentist will explain everything in plain English, work at your pace and never pressure you to proceed. Let us know how you feel when you book so we can make your visit as calm and comfortable as possible.
Yes. Wimpole Dental is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and every clinician is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), with numbers you can verify on the public register. Our marketing follows advertising standards guidance for healthcare, and we never guarantee outcomes.
You can book online, request a call back, or call us on 020 7183 0692. New patients are welcome, and we offer evening and weekend appointments as well as same-day emergency slots where possible.
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22 Wimpole St, London W1G 8GQ · CQC regulated · GDC-registered clinicians