[Jayang-dong Orthodontic Clinic] Changes Brought by Correcting Protruding Mouth and Underbite

Hello, this is S Leader Dental Hospital, Jayang-dong Orthodontic Clinic.

When you look at your side profile in a mirror or in photos, you may notice that your lips protrude more than expected or that your chin looks noticeably long and prominent. Most people dismiss this as simply “this is just how my face is,” but in fact, these changes may be more than just an appearance-related feature.

There may be a possibility of a protruding mouth or underbite, where the alignment of the teeth and the position of the jawbone are outside the normal range, and over time this can affect speech, chewing function, and jaw joint health. Beyond simply softening the impression for cosmetic reasons, early diagnosis and treatment are important for protecting oral function and overall health.

Protruding mouth correction - improving both the lip line and function

A protruding mouth refers to a condition in which the upper and lower lips appear to protrude forward. There are various causes. These include frontward-tilted teeth, a mismatch between tooth size and jawbone size, and protrusion of the alveolar bone itself. In some cases,

improvement is possible just by adjusting the angle of the teeth, but if there is not enough space, tooth extraction may be necessary, and if the alveolar bone protrusion is severe, orthodontic treatment and surgery may need to be performed together.

After treatment, the lip line and side profile become softer, and the tooth line extending from the tip of the nose to the tip of the chin improves, making the overall impression look much more natural. In addition, pronunciation becomes clearer, and chewing function is restored more stably.

Underbite correction - the process of correcting the lower jaw position

An underbite, or mandibular prognathism, refers to a condition in which the lower jaw protrudes forward beyond its normal position. Outwardly, the lower jaw may look long

or the mouth may appear protruded, but the bigger issue is functional discomfort. Because the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly, pronunciation becomes inaccurate, and it becomes difficult to chew food into small pieces.

For patients in the growth stage, it can be improved relatively simply using a device that helps control the direction of jaw growth, but for adults, jawbone growth has already been completed, so in many cases surgery and orthodontic treatment must be combined. In recent years, surgical techniques and equipment have

developed, shortening recovery time and improving safety, so the burden is less than before.

An accurate diagnosis is the first step in treatment

It is difficult to judge both protruding mouth and underbite based on appearance alone. The treatment method differs completely depending on whether the cause lies in tooth alignment, jawbone structure, or both.

At S Leader Dental Hospital, detailed examinations such as panoramic X-rays, lateral cephalometric radiographs, and 3D oral scans are used to closely analyze the positions of the teeth and jawbone. In addition, the optimal treatment plan is established by comprehensively considering the patient's age, growth stage, facial skeletal proportions, speech habits, and lifestyle patterns.

Points to consider during treatment

In protruding mouth correction, if tooth extraction is involved, speech may feel awkward at first, and there may be a period when eating habits need to be adjusted. After underbite surgery, meals must be based mainly on soft foods for a certain period, and swelling and recovery must be managed. However, these inconveniences generally ease within a few months, and after treatment is completed, you can feel functional and aesthetic improvements that are incomparable to before.

"Why early consultation matters"

Orthodontic treatment is not simply the process of straightening teeth. It is a precise procedure that restores both facial balance and function. Protruding mouth and underbite can worsen malocclusion over time and place a burden on the temporomandibular joint and tooth health, so it is advisable to seek consultation as early as possible.

Although the treatment period is long and requires patience, the completed result returns as lifelong confidence and health. The moment your gaze no longer avoids your side profile, and the joy of chewing food and comfortable pronunciation are restored, you will surely feel its value.

Jayang-dong Orthodontic Clinic :: S Leader Dental Hospital