Your lower jaw shouldn’t be running the show.
If your bottom teeth sit in front of your top teeth when you close your mouth, that’s an underbite—and it’s more than a cosmetic issue.
Underbites can make chewing uncomfortable, cause jaw pain, lead to uneven tooth wear, and affect how you speak.
The good news? Underbite treatment in Palm Beach Gardens doesn’t always mean surgery, and it’s more straightforward than most people expect.
At Murray Orthodontics, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Jonathan Murray treats underbites in children, teens, and adults using braces, Invisalign, early intervention appliances, and when necessary, surgical orthodontics. Every case starts with a free orthodontic evaluation in Palm Beach Gardens—an honest assessment of what your treatment actually requires, with no obligation.
What You’ll Learn on This Page
- What causes an underbite and why it matters
- How to tell if you or your child has one
- Treatment options by age (kids, teens, adults)
- When surgery is necessary—and when it isn’t
- What underbite treatment costs in Palm Beach Gardens
- Why early treatment can save time, money, and complexity
What Is an Underbite?
An underbite (orthodontists call it a Class III malocclusion) happens when your lower teeth and jaw extend forward past your upper teeth. Instead of your top teeth sitting slightly in front of your bottom teeth when you bite down, it’s the opposite—your lower jaw juts out.
Some underbites are barely noticeable. Others are significant enough that you can see the jaw protrusion from the side. Either way, underbites tend to get worse over time if left untreated, especially in growing children.
Why Underbites Happen
Underbites typically come down to one of three things:
Genetics are the most common cause. If a parent or grandparent had an underbite, there’s a higher chance it gets passed down. Jaw size and shape are inherited traits, and sometimes the lower jaw simply grows larger or further forward than the upper jaw.
Childhood habits like prolonged thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or extended pacifier use can push the lower teeth and jaw forward over time. These habits don’t always cause underbites, but they can contribute—especially if the child is already genetically predisposed.
Jaw development imbalances happen when the upper jaw (maxilla) doesn’t grow enough or the lower jaw (mandible) grows too much.
This is why early orthodontic evaluation matters so much with underbites—catching a growth imbalance early gives us the best chance to guide jaw development while your child is still growing.
Signs You or Your Child May Have an Underbite
Recognizing underbite symptoms early makes a real difference in how—and when—treatment can start. Some underbites are obvious. Others aren’t immediately visible but still cause problems. Here’s what to watch for so you know when it’s time for a professional diagnosis:
In children: Lower teeth that visibly sit in front of upper teeth, difficulty biting into food (especially biting through things like sandwiches or apples), a protruding lower jaw, speech issues like lisping, or mouth breathing.
In teens and adults: Jaw pain or TMJ discomfort, clicking or popping when opening and closing the mouth, difficulty chewing, uneven tooth wear (especially on the front teeth), a “bulldog” appearance to the lower face, or self-consciousness about the profile view.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 and underbites are one of the main reasons why. At that age, Dr. Murray can spot developing jaw imbalances before they become bigger problems.
Underbite Treatment Options in Palm Beach Gardens
There’s no single “best” treatment for underbites because it depends entirely on what’s causing yours. Your underbite alignment options range from early intervention appliances to braces, clear aligners, and surgical correction.
A dental underbite (where the teeth are misaligned but the jaws are fine) is treated very differently from a skeletal underbite (where the jaw itself is the issue). That’s why an accurate diagnosis from a board-certified orthodontist matters so much.
Here’s how Dr. Murray approaches underbite correction based on age and severity:
Underbite Treatment Options at a Glance
The right approach depends on your age, the cause, and the severity of your underbite.
| Treatment | Best For | How It Works | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early InterventionBEST WINDOW | Children ages 7–10 with jaw growth imbalances | Palatal expanders, reverse-pull headgear, or functional appliances guide jaw development while your child is still growing | 6–18 months |
| Metal Braces | Teens & adults with moderate to severe dental underbites | Brackets, wires, and elastics apply steady pressure to shift teeth into proper alignment | 18–30 months |
| Clear Braces | Teens & adults who want a less visible option | Ceramic brackets work the same as metal braces but blend with your natural tooth color | 18–30 months |
| Invisalign / Clear Aligners | Mild to moderate dental underbites in teens & adults | Removable clear aligners with attachments and elastics gradually reposition teeth | 12–24 months |
| Surgical Orthodontics | Severe skeletal underbites where the jaw needs repositioning | Braces align the teeth first, then an oral surgeon repositions the jaw, followed by orthodontic refinement | 2–3 years total |
Every underbite is different, and Dr. Murray won’t recommend a more involved treatment when a simpler one will work. Your free consultation determines exactly which approach fits your case.
Early Intervention (Ages 7–10)
This is where underbite treatment gets really interesting—and where Murray Orthodontics can often make the biggest impact.
In young children whose jaws are still growing, we can use Phase 1 appliances to actually influence how the jaw develops. This jaw growth modification approach works because we’re guiding bones that are still forming—something that’s only possible during childhood. Depending on the case, Dr. Murray may recommend:
Palatal expanders widen the upper jaw so it matches the lower jaw more proportionally. This is one of the most effective early interventions for underbites caused by a narrow upper jaw.
Reverse-pull headgear (facemask therapy) gently encourages the upper jaw to grow forward. It’s typically worn at home in the evenings and overnight—not at school—so kids don’t need to worry about wearing it around friends.
Functional appliances help guide the relationship between the upper and lower jaws during the growth years.
Here’s why early treatment matters specifically for underbites: once the jaw stops growing (usually around age 14–16 for girls and 16–18 for boys), the only way to change jaw position is surgery. Intercepting an underbite while your child is still growing means we may be able to correct it without surgery later. That alone makes an early evaluation worthwhile.
Braces for Underbites (Teens and Adults)
For dental underbites—where the jaw is proportional but the teeth are out of alignment – braces are often the most effective solution.
Metal braces in Palm Beach Gardens give Dr. Murray precise control over tooth movement, which is critical for functional bite correction in underbite cases.
Treatment typically involves brackets and wires combined with elastics (rubber bands) that connect the upper and lower arches. These elastics apply gentle, steady pressure that pulls the lower teeth back and the upper teeth forward into proper alignment.
For patients who want a less visible option, clear braces (ceramic brackets) work the same way as metal braces but blend with your natural tooth color. They’re popular with adults and older teens who want effective underbite treatment without the metallic appearance.
Braces treatment for underbites usually takes 18 to 30 months, depending on severity. Adjustment appointments happen every 6 to 8 weeks.
Invisalign for Underbites
Can Invisalign fix an underbite? For mild to moderate dental underbites—yes. Invisalign in Palm Beach Gardens and other clear aligner options use removable aligners combined with special attachments and elastics to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment.
Invisalign works well for underbites when the issue is primarily dental (tooth position) rather than skeletal (jaw position).
Dr. Murray is a top recommended Invisalign provider with advanced training, and he’ll tell you honestly during your free consultation whether Invisalign can handle your specific case—or whether braces would give you a better result.
For adults treating an underbite, Invisalign is especially popular because the aligners are virtually invisible. About half of Murray Orthodontics’ patients are adults, so you won’t feel out of place at all.
Surgical Orthodontics for Severe Underbites
Some underbites involve a significant skeletal discrepancy—meaning the lower jaw is substantially larger or further forward than the upper jaw.
When the jaw size difference is too great for braces or aligners alone to correct, surgical orthodontics (orthognathic surgery) may be the recommended path.
Here’s how it typically works: Dr. Murray places braces first to align the teeth within each jaw. Then an oral surgeon repositions the jaw(s) to achieve proper alignment. After surgery, Dr. Murray fine-tunes the bite with continued orthodontic treatment.
It sounds involved, and it is—but the results can be life-changing for patients who’ve dealt with a severe underbite for years. Dr. Murray has advanced training in surgical orthodontics cases and works closely with oral surgeons throughout Palm Beach County to coordinate comprehensive treatment plans.
The honest truth: Not every underbite needs surgery. Dr. Murray won’t recommend it unless it’s truly necessary, and he’ll explain exactly why during your consultation.
Many patients come in expecting they’ll need surgery and find out their underbite can be corrected with braces or Invisalign alone.
What Does Underbite Treatment Cost in Palm Beach Gardens?
Cost is probably one of the reasons you’re on this page instead of already scheduling. Fair enough—let’s talk about it directly.
Underbite treatment cost depends on the type and length of treatment:
Braces (metal or clear): $3,000–$7,000. This covers the full course of treatment including all adjustment appointments and retainers.
Invisalign: Priced the same as clear braces. Whether you choose aligners or brackets, your investment is comparable.
Phase 1 (early intervention): Varies depending on the specific appliances needed, but a free consultation includes a complete breakdown.
Surgical orthodontics: Higher cost due to the surgical component, which is often partially covered by medical insurance in addition to dental/orthodontic insurance.
At Murray Orthodontics, your free consultation includes a review of your medical and dental history, digital photos of your teeth and jaws, and a complete financial breakdown before you commit to anything.
We’ll check your insurance benefits before your visit and give you the full picture—what insurance covers, what your out-of-pocket will be, and what your monthly payment options look like.
We offer in-office, no-interest payment plans with pick-a-payment flexibility, extended monthly payments with reduced down payments, and a pay-in-full discount. We also accept more Florida insurance plans than most orthodontic offices in Palm Beach County.
No surprises. No hidden fees. You’ll know exactly what you’re looking at financially before treatment starts.
Why Choose Murray Orthodontics for Underbite Treatment?
Underbites aren’t a one-size-fits-all correction. They require an orthodontist who understands the difference between a dental underbite and a skeletal one, who can identify the right treatment timing (especially for kids), and who has the training to handle complex cases.
Dr. Murray is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics—the highest distinction in orthodontics. He completed a three-year orthodontic residency at the University of Florida with advanced training in complex bite correction, special needs patients, and surgical orthodontics cases.
His education at Duke University and Nova Southeastern University (where he graduated top of his class) built the foundation, and his residency gave him the hands-on expertise to treat underbites across the full spectrum of severity.
This practice has been making Palm Beach County smile since 1991. Dr. Murray joined Dr. Brad Taylor in 2020 and has carried on the legacy after Dr. Taylor’s retirement.
You’re not dealing with a corporate chain or a pop-up practice—this is an independently owned boutique office with long-tenured staff members who’ve been here for 15 to 28+ years.
270+ five-star Google reviews and Best Orthodontist in Palm Beach County awards (2023, 2024, 2025) speak to the experience patients consistently have. Families come back for second and third kids. Adults bring their spouses. That kind of trust is earned over time—not manufactured.
You see the same orthodontist at every visit. That matters with underbite treatment because consistency in monitoring jaw growth and tooth movement leads to better outcomes. Dr. Murray knows your case because he’s the one managing it start to finish.
And the office? It’s fun, not stuffy. Video games, refreshments, a team that remembers your name. People actually look forward to their appointments here.
What Palm Beach County Patients Say About Orthodontic Treatment at Murray Orthodontics
I had a really great experience with Dr. Murray and his orthodontic team. From the first visit, he was kind, patient, and very understanding of my long-standing dental anxiety.
He took the time to explain each step, which helped me feel comfortable and at ease throughout the process. I’m truly happy with the results and love my smile.
The office staff are just as wonderful, always welcoming, responsive, and helpful. I would highly recommend this practice.
We absolutely love Dr. Murray and his staff. We are so grateful for his effort in helping our daughter.
They are always professional, welcoming and friendly. Our daughter needed some pretty serious work done, and she now has a beautiful smile.
We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Dr. Murray’s, and we will continue to see him when our son needs braces.
Excellent service, friendly staff, clean and comforting environment. This is my second time coming to Murray Orthodontics.
My daughter received her braces here and I was very pleased with the care she received. I automatically came back for my own orthodontic care.
I highly recommend Murray Orthodontics for children and adults who require braces or other orthodontic work. Dr. Murray and his staff make your visits very enjoyable while providing you with the best care.
Read more from our patients on our testimonials page or check out real before and after results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Underbite Treatment
Can an underbite fix itself?
No. Underbites don’t resolve on their own, and in most cases, they get worse over time—especially in growing children.
The earlier an underbite is evaluated, the more treatment options are available. That’s why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
Can you fix an underbite without surgery?
Many underbites can be corrected without surgery, especially dental underbites where the teeth are misaligned but the jaws are proportional.
Braces or Invisalign with elastics can shift teeth into proper alignment. For children, early intervention with growth-modification appliances can sometimes prevent the need for surgery later. Severe skeletal underbites may still require surgical orthodontics.
How long does underbite treatment take?
Most underbite treatment with braces or Invisalign takes 18 to 30 months, depending on the severity. Phase 1 early intervention in children may be shorter.
Surgical cases require additional time for the pre-surgical orthodontic phase and post-surgical refinement. Dr. Murray will give you a realistic timeline during your free consultation.
Is underbite treatment covered by insurance?
Most orthodontic insurance plans cover a portion of underbite treatment since it’s a functional concern, not just cosmetic. Murray Orthodontics checks your benefits before you arrive and provides a complete financial breakdown at your consultation. If surgical correction is needed, medical insurance may cover part of the surgical component as well.
At what age should an underbite be treated?
It depends on the cause. The ideal window for growth-modification treatment in children is typically ages 7 to 10, when the jaw is still developing.
For dental underbites that don’t require jaw growth modification, treatment with braces or Invisalign can happen at any age. Adults regularly have underbites corrected successfully – about half of our patients are adults.
Does underbite correction change your face shape?
It can, and typically for the better. Correcting an underbite improves facial profile balance by bringing the lower jaw into proper alignment with the upper jaw. Many patients notice a more balanced, natural appearance after treatment. The extent of change depends on whether the correction involves teeth only or jaw repositioning.
What’s the first step?
Schedule a free consultation at Murray Orthodontics. We’ll review your medical and dental history, take digital photos of your teeth and jaws, and Dr. Murray will evaluate your bite to determine whether the underbite is dental or skeletal.
He’ll walk you through cases similar to yours, recommend the most effective treatment approach, and give you a specific treatment plan with an estimated timeline. You’ll also get a complete financial breakdown including insurance options and payment plans—no obligation, no pressure.
Serving Palm Beach Gardens and Beyond
Our Palm Beach Gardens office in The Oaks Center is convenient for families throughout northern Palm Beach County—including Jupiter, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, and Lake Park. We also have a Royal Palm Beach location that serves Wellington, Westlake, Greenacres, and Loxahatchee.
Wherever you’re coming from, you’ll find the same award-winning care, the same experienced team, and the same commitment to treating every patient like family.
Schedule Your Free Underbite Consultation
Ready to find out what it will take to correct your underbite—or your child’s? Your free consultation includes a review of your medical and dental history, digital photos, a personalized treatment plan with timeline, and a full cost breakdown. No obligation, no pressure.
Murray Orthodontics – Palm Beach Gardens
2517 Burns Rd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 775-7999
Murray Orthodontics – Royal Palm Beach
685 Royal Palm Beach Blvd #201, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
(561) 795-7707
