A conversation with Sagar Mehta, M.D.
Chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery and craniofacial team director at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and assistant professor of surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Q: What are the most common causes of overbites or underbites?
SM: These conditions can be caused by an abnormal growth of your upper jawbone (the maxilla) or lower jawbone (the mandible). It can be something you’re born with, and you can be otherwise healthy. In other cases, it can be associated with a congenital anomaly or a traumatic event.
Q: At what age are overbites or underbites diagnosed?
SM: Most children get their first true orthodontic treatment around 12 to 14 when their adult teeth come in. That’s when braces are used to align the teeth, and it is frequently when abnormal jaw growth is identified. Sometimes, children who have issues with feeding or sleep disturbances can be diagnosed earlier.
Q: How is the severity of overbites or underbites measured?
SM: A discrepancy of 4 or 5 millimeters between the upper and lower jaw can be difficult to correct with braces and may require jaw surgery. At Arkansas Children’s, we can admit our surgery patients overnight to ensure they’re eating and drinking well before they go home after surgery.
Q: What are the risks of not correcting overbites or underbites?
SM: It can cause difficulties eating and drinking. If the upper or lower jaw is pushed back significantly, it can restrict a child’s ability to breathe. Those patients sometimes have more severe sleep apnea. Surgery can improve their ability to breathe, eat and drink. Correcting the condition can also help psychosocially.
Learn more about craniofacial conditions treated at Arkansas Children’s at archildrens.org/plastics or call 501.449.0731.
1 Children’s Way
Little Rock, AR 72202
501.322.6422
