Hello! This is Yonsei JW Dental Clinic in Daechi-dong (Gangnam, Seoul, Korea)
When the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth — isn’t just a cosmetic issue. For many patients, especially those who are hesitant about surgery, the big question is: Can braces alone fix an underbite?
What We Commonly Call an Underbite
An underbite refers to a type of malocclusion in which the lower jaw is more developed than the upper jaw, causing the lower teeth to protrude beyond the upper teeth. This reversed bite can lead to issues with chewing and make it difficult to pronounce words clearly. More noticeably, the protruding lower jaw often results in a strong, aggressive appearance, which can cause stress in social interactions.
The more severe the underbite, the more the lower front teeth tend to over-erupt, and the upper front teeth become less visible. As a result, even when smiling, the lower teeth may show more prominently than the upper teeth, creating a sunken or imbalanced profile.
Underbites are often accompanied by facial asymmetry. The chin may shift to one side, leading to noticeable imbalance when viewed from the front. This asymmetry can also cause the midline of the upper and lower teeth to become misaligned, and the molars on either side may not come together properly when biting down.
While underbites and facial asymmetry can often be corrected through orthognathic (jaw) surgery, non-surgical treatment with orthodontics alone may be possible depending on the positioning and eruption of the teeth.
Orthodontic correction of an underbite begins with a thorough diagnostic process to determine whether the malocclusion is due to skeletal discrepancies or dental misalignment. Once this is clarified, a personalized treatment plan can be developed. Since many underbite cases involve facial asymmetry, it is essential to assess the limitations of orthodontic treatment alone and begin with a clear understanding of what can realistically be achieved.
The patient visited our clinic with a chief complaint of an underbite, where the lower jaw protrudes forward and the upper and lower front teeth are in a reversed bite relationship. Along with the underbite, the chin was deviated to the right side, resulting in a misaligned dental midline and significant differences in the bite between the left and right molars. Due to the mandibular shift to the right, the upper and lower left canines were also noticeably misaligned.
From the front view, the lower jaw is deviated to the right side, and from the side view, the protrusion of the lower jaw and the tension in the chin muscles are clearly visible.
To correct the anterior crossbite caused by lower jaw protrusion and to align the upper and lower dental midlines, two lower premolars—one on each side—were extracted as part of the orthodontic treatment.
After completing the treatment, the upper and lower dental midlines were aligned, and the anterior crossbite was successfully corrected. A comparison of the side profile photos shows a significant improvement in the protrusion of the lower lip. Without surgical intervention, orthodontic treatment alone resulted in a more naturally contoured jawline, with the lower jaw appearing less prominent and the chin muscles relaxed.
In many cases, skeletal discrepancies and asymmetry of the upper and lower jaws require orthognathic surgery for proper correction. However, surgical treatment can be a significant burden due to its high cost, the risks associated with general anesthesia, and the invasiveness of the procedure. For patients with mild to moderate skeletal discrepancies, orthodontic treatment alone can sometimes achieve results comparable to surgery. If you are hesitant about undergoing jaw surgery but are considering treatment for an underbite, we recommend visiting Yonsei JW Dental Clinic for a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether orthodontics alone can provide effective improvement.
At Yonsei JW Dental Clinic, our orthodontic treatment includes all major costs—such as diagnostic fees and monthly adjustment fees—so there’s no need to worry about unexpected additional charges (retainer fees excluded). We also offer comprehensive care in one place, with general dentistry services available on-site for extractions, cavity treatments, and other procedures often needed during orthodontic treatment.
Plus, to ease the financial burden, we offer a flexible installment payment plan—making your orthodontic journey even more accessible and stress-free.
Dr. Jeongwon Youn, the chief orthodontist at Yonsei JW Dental Clinic, has specialized exclusively in orthodontics for over 16 years, gaining extensive experience in a wide range of complex cases.
Thanks to her expertise, we are able to effectively treat various orthodontic issues such as malocclusion, protruding teeth, and underbites.
At Yonsei JW Dental Clinic in Daechi-dong, we offer a free preliminary oral check-up to help assess your current condition without any obligation. During your consultation, you’ll also receive detailed explanations about the various orthodontic appliance options available.
Our clinic is fully equipped with the latest technology, including the iTero Lumina 3D intraoral scanner, growth plate analysis, and Morpheus facial scanner for before-and-after treatment simulations—allowing us to deliver highly precise and comprehensive orthodontic care.
If you're considering orthodontic treatment due to protruding teeth, crowding, malocclusion, or an underbite, you’ve probably already done quite a bit of research online.
Even so, seeing the different types of appliances in person and hearing detailed explanations can be incredibly helpful when making your final decision.
During your consultation at Yonsei JW Dental Clinic, you’ll have the opportunity to compare various options—such as Clarity, Clippy-C, and Invisalign—and receive a clear explanation of the pros and cons of each. We warmly encourage you to visit us or give us a call—no pressure, just helpful guidance.
Our clinic is conveniently located near Samseong Station, Hangnyeoul Station, Daechi Station, and Hanti Station, making it easy to visit from Samseong-dong, Daechi-dong, and Gaepo-dong.
Yonsei JW Dental Clinic is located at 3F, 541 Dogok-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea. (06189)
Located next to the BMW building
(across from Starbucks/Samsung Store)
Convenient and free parking available
For consultations and inquiries: 02-501-2879
You can schedule an appointment by instagram DM, whatsapp, or calling 02-501-2879
Please feel free to contact us for any questions!
Thank you very much.