Skeletal Class III (True Underbite)
This is an example of an under bite also called a Class III Division I Malocclusion (Mile-o-clew-shin). The upper jaw biting inside of the lower jaw characterizes this type of problem. In some cases the lower jaw can grow out to far in front of the upper jaw, this is called mandibular (man-dib-u-lar) prognathism (prog-nath-ism). The other condition commonly seen in under bite patients is when the maxilla or top jaw has not properly developed. This condition is called maxillary (Maxi-Larry) mid-face deficiency. The patient in this case may have a sunken in face, strong chin appearance, and upon clinical examination the entire iris "colored part of the eye" is visible. Both are examples of a skeletal (Problem) discrepancy. Skeletal problems are very difficult to correct after the patient has reached puberty.
If treatment is not initiated by this stage, surgical intervention will most likely be needed to help achieve an ideal result. Skeletal problems can often be corrected without surgery if treatment is started before the patient stops growing.
Psuedo-Class III (False Underbite)
Another example of an under bite is a pseudo-class III or false underbite. False underbites can occur when the patient pushes their lower jaw out and bites into an under bite position. This is condition can be corrected with a fixed or removable appliance and braces. Correction can usually be achieved without the need of surgery. It is critical that a proper diagnosis is established to determine the source of the problem.
This is the treatment result that we would like to achieve following a class III correction. Please note that in some case cases all of the permanent teeth may not be present following this phase of treatment. Orthodontic appliances such as braces are often needed to achieve this result.