Correcting a Class III (Underbite) Malocclusion

There are many people who suffer from a condition known as mandibular prognathism. Also, known as an underbite, this condition results in the appearance of a prominent chin and bite relationship where the lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth when the jaw is closed. The technical term for this condition is called a Class III Malocclusion.

To repair Class III Malocclusion the patient must go through a procedure known as orthognathic surgery. It is an intense procedure performed by an oral surgeon. The surgeon will cut into the mandible and maxillary bone (the upper and lower jaw), and alter the bones to realign the space where the upper and lower teeth meet. This arduous surgery requires large amounts of time, and can cause ongoing health risks. However, this procedure is absolutely necessary for people who suffer from a severe Class III malocclusion.

The patient should consult with his or her dentist to see whether the severity of their malocclusion is worth the risks associated with correction. The most common concern that deters people from orthognathic surgery is the cost.
The initial surgery ranges between 30,000 and 50,000 dollars, and more often than not insurance companies place strict regulations on coverage. Insurance companies will not even consider a patient for surgery if it is not included in their medical package. They often require an orthodontic surgeon to validate the severity of the malocclusion with dental and medical records. In the case were a patient is able to get coverage for orthognathic surgery, it is common that the insurance company will only cover half the payment and the patient is still liable for the other portion. In what is called a “co pay”.

In addition, to finding coverage for orthognathic surgery, there are expenses for post surgical orthodontic treatment. The combinations of both these procedures make the overall cost of the corrections prohibitive.

The healing process of orthognathic surgery also has drawbacks, because it requires that the patient have their mouth wired closed for a period of time. This is the only way for the jaw to heal properly. The problem with this is that the patient is put on a liquid diet, and depending on the time it takes for the mouth to be unwired causes weight loss and atrophy in the stomach.

The effects of orthognathic surgery have caused many patients to seek out an alternative. The most popular procedure that people often choose is a restorative technique including veneers and crowns. With veneers and crowns, an advanced dentist can raise the bite and add porcelain facings to the teeth bringing them forward and creating the illusion of connected teeth.

The restorative option is significantly less costly and can be completed in only a few simple visits. It is a known fact that not only are the results of using an alternative to orthognathic surgery for Class III Malocclusion more effective, it is considered a less “riskier” that does not result in health complications that are associated with a more radical surgical approach.

More information can be found and www.underbitecorrection.com

There are many problems with orthognathic surgery for correcting Class III Malocclusion. We offer alternatives to surgery that are less expensive and less painful!

I am writing on behalf of Dr. Albert Kurpis and his practice in Ridgewood, NJ. It is my duty to bring awareness to the concerns we feel are important when it comes to Cosmetic Dentistry.

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