Beyond Smiles Orthodontics provides underbite correction for children, teens, and adults across Syosset — with early intervention options for growing patients and effective orthodontic solutions for adults who are ready to address their bite.
Dr. Yelizar evaluates every underbite with a careful eye on its cause — whether dental, skeletal, or both — and recommends the treatment approach most likely to produce a stable, lasting result for that specific patient.
An underbite, where the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when biting down, is one of the more complex bite problems in orthodontics. It affects how the jaw functions, how the face looks, and in many cases gets worse if left untreated. Dr. Yelizar is a board-certified Syosset orthodontist who evaluates and treats underbites across all age groups, with the understanding that the right approach depends heavily on the patient’s age, the severity of the bite, and what’s driving it. Schedule a consultation to find out where your case stands.
One important distinction: some patients appear to have an underbite because the upper jaw is underdeveloped or the upper teeth are tipped back — rather than because the lower jaw is truly too large or too far forward. This distinction matters significantly for treatment planning. An accurate diagnosis identifies which jaw (or combination of jaws) is actually contributing to the problem.
For underbites that are primarily dental — where individual teeth are tipped or positioned in a way that creates the reversed bite without a true jaw discrepancy — braces or clear aligners can reposition the teeth to correct the bite relationship. This approach is effective for dental underbites at any age. For patients who have completed growth and have a skeletal component to their underbite, orthodontic treatment alone can improve the bite and appearance significantly, though the jaw relationship itself cannot be changed without surgery. Learn more about braces. Learn more about clear aligners.
Our office is located at 63-109 Saunders St #BA2, Rego Park, NY 11374, and we serve patients from Rego Park, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Elmhurst, Corona, and across Syosset.
Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s bite or an adult who has lived with an underbite and wants to explore your options, contact Beyond Smiles Orthodontics to schedule a consultation. Dr. Yelizar will evaluate your bite thoroughly, tell you exactly what he sees, and walk you through what treatment can achieve for your specific case.
Questions about underbite treatment in Syosset? Here are the ones we hear most often from patients and parents at consultations. If you need more information, please contact our office.
An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when biting down — the reverse of a normal bite. It can range from mild (a few teeth slightly out of position) to severe (a significant jaw discrepancy affecting the entire bite and facial profile). The clinical term is Class III malocclusion.
No — and underbites with a skeletal component typically get worse over time, particularly during growth spurts. A mild underbite in a young child can become a moderate or significant problem by the late teens if left untreated. Early evaluation is the best way to understand whether the problem is stable, progressing, or in a window where treatment can make a meaningful difference.
It depends on the cause and severity. Underbites caused by an underdeveloped upper jaw respond best to facemask treatment between ages 7–10, before the sutures of the upper jaw begin to fuse. Functional appliances for growing tweens and teens can help during the active growth phase. After growth is complete, orthodontic treatment alone addresses dental components; significant skeletal cases may require surgery. The AAO recommends a first evaluation by age 7 — this is especially important for underbites.
Not necessarily — and often not, if treatment begins early enough. The facemask and other growth-modification appliances used during childhood and early adolescence can correct or significantly reduce the underlying jaw discrepancy without surgery. Surgery becomes a consideration primarily for adults with a significant skeletal underbite that was never addressed during the growth window. Dr. Yelizar will be direct with you about whether surgery is genuinely necessary or whether orthodontic treatment can achieve a result you’ll be satisfied with.
Yes, in cases where the underbite is primarily dental — meaning the teeth are positioned in a way that creates a reversed bite without a true jaw size discrepancy. Braces or aligners can reposition teeth to correct the bite relationship. For underbites with a skeletal component in adults, braces improve the bite but cannot change the jaw relationship itself. Dr. Yelizar will help you understand exactly what orthodontic treatment can achieve in your specific case.
A facemask (also called reverse pull headgear) is an appliance worn at home — typically 12–14 hours per day — that applies gentle forward traction to the upper jaw using a frame that rests against the forehead and chin. It’s most effective in children ages 7–10, before the upper jaw sutures begin to fuse, and is used to encourage forward growth of the upper jaw to correct an underbite caused by maxillary underdevelopment. It’s not visible during school hours and children adapt to it quickly.
Relapse risk exists for underbites, particularly those with a skeletal component. Retainers are essential after treatment to hold the corrected tooth positions. For cases treated during growth, Dr. Yelizar monitors through the remaining growth period to catch any tendency toward relapse early. In patients where significant lower jaw growth continues into the late teens, additional treatment may sometimes be needed to maintain the correction.
For dental underbites — where the bite is reversed due to tooth position rather than a true jaw discrepancy — yes, absolutely. For skeletal underbites in adults, orthodontic treatment can improve the bite relationship and appearance significantly, though it works within the constraints of where the jaws sit. The more severe the jaw discrepancy, the more limited orthodontics alone becomes. Dr. Yelizar will give you an honest picture of what’s achievable without surgery in your specific case, and what surgery would add if it’s relevant.
Most dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits cover underbite correction as part of comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Early intervention (Phase 1) may also be covered, though lifetime maximums apply. Our team will review your plan before treatment begins so you have a complete picture of coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
Common signs include lower front teeth that are visible in front of the upper teeth when biting down, a chin that appears to protrude, difficulty biting into food, a jaw that shifts to one side when closing, and sometimes speech difficulties. If you’ve noticed any of these, a consultation with Dr. Yelizar will give you a clear picture of what’s happening and whether any action is needed.
We accept the vast majority of orthodontic insurance plans. Even if you don’t see your provider listed on our website, it’s worth calling our office to double-check your coverage. Orthodontic insurance can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, after all, and you won’t have to worry about paperwork – we’ll handle your claims on your behalf.
