Class 3 Malocclusion - Underbite

[Jimmyhav3]

When I was growing up my dentist for 20+ years told me I shouldn't need braces, my teeth are fine, also said that I have a minor underbite, but it's nothing to worry about. Recently I relocated and found a new dentist. I've seen the new dentist four times now, and each time he is more persistent about me getting braces, specifically Invisalign. He says the way my top teeth are hitting my bottom teeth will certainly cause chipping in the future as my teeth get more brittal.

If someone would please answer the following questions I would greatly appreciate it:

-Is having a class 3 Malocclusion a serious problem that needs attention?
-Do people with an underbite normally get it fixed? If so, with braces?
-Will my teeth start to chip at a faster rate than other people (with a normal jaw structure) because of the underbite as I get older?
-Does anyone have experience with invisalign? If, so was it positive or negative?

Thank you in advance!

[Sam Delfino]

Hi,
I would like to take a crack at this for you.

-Is having a class 3 Malocclusion a serious problem that needs attention?  It may or may not be. It really depends on if it is causing wear, damage to the teeth, jaw bone and your TMJ. So a THOROUGH examination and evaluation is needed. Not just a let's take a look at a few xrays, and the doctor takes a peak in there.
-Do people with an underbite normally get it fixed? If so, with braces?  The answer to this is, it really depends. You may elect to leave it alone and risk it never causing your any problems (if you are a gambler). You may be able to fix it via braces (the least invasive), with surgery, with crown and bridges, etc or a combination of all of these.
-Will my teeth start to chip at a faster rate than other people (with a normal jaw structure) because of the underbite as I get older?  Yes, that is a great possibility
-Does anyone have experience with invisalign? If, so was it positive or negative?   I would suggest that this is your last option if any. With invisalgin, your jaw and your anatomy are not considered in the evaluation, only xrays of your teeth are taken and molds of your teeth are sent to invisalgin for the computer to fabricate aligners for you. If this is something you would like to fix, I would look into a few arenas. See either a TMJ dentist (preferably with training in orthodontics) or a Neuromuscular Dentist (http://www.top3dentists.com/pages/neuro_dentistry   http://www.top3dentists.com/pages/tmj) or see a Neuromuscular Orthodontist (http://www.top3dentists.com/pages/neuro_ortho) or a Board Certified Orthodontist (http://www.top3dentists.com/pages/orthodonture) to get some more information as well. I hope this is helpful.

Make sure your dentist has proper training and remember not all dentists are alike

[scottma]

Seeing a board certified orthodontist is advised.

[StratRebel]

-Is having a class 3 Malocclusion a serious problem that needs attention?
Depends on the severity, but usually yes

-Do people with an underbite normally get it fixed? If so, with braces?
Ideally yes.  Braces yes (very severe cases need surgery).

-Will my teeth start to chip at a faster rate than other people (with a normal jaw structure) because of the underbite as I get older?
Yes

-Does anyone have experience with invisalign? If, so was it positive or negative?
Currently going through invisalign.  Its usually NOT for class 3 though.  You might want to check with an orthodontist, invisalign is for minor class 1 adjustments.