Correcting Overbite and Underbite in Korea

Jaw alignment issues like overbite (deep bite) and underbite are common types of malocclusion (misalignment between upper and lower teeth) that affect chewing, speech, facial harmony, and long-term oral health. In Korea, advanced orthodontic and jaw correction treatments are offered, ranging from braces to corrective jaw surgery, depending on severity and skeletal structure.

What Overbite and Underbite Are

• Overbite: This is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than normal. Excessive overbite can cause gum damage, tooth wear, jaw pain, and a less balanced facial profile.
• Underbite: The lower teeth extend ahead of the upper teeth, which may cause functional difficulties with biting, chewing, speech, and facial asymmetry.

Both conditions can be due to dental alignment issues or skeletal jaw discrepancies (bone structure) — and the treatment differs accordingly.

Orthodontic Treatment Options in Korea

🦷 1. Braces (Metal or Ceramic)

Traditional braces are often the first line of treatment for mild to moderate overbites or underbites, especially when the problem is primarily dental (teeth position) rather than skeletal (jaw bones).

How it works:

• Braces gradually move teeth into ideal position with wires and brackets
• Treatment often takes 12–30 months depending on severity and growth stage
• Works well for improving occlusion and basic bite function

Braces are widely available across Korea’s orthodontic clinics and customized based on each case.

2. Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign)

Clear aligners are popular for patients who want a less visible treatment and have mild to moderate bite discrepancies.

Benefits:

• Nearly invisible
• Removable for eating and hygiene
• Can correct certain overbite and underbite patterns

However, aligners are generally less effective for severe skeletal issues compared with braces plus surgery. 서울스마일스튜디오

3. Orthodontic Appliances for Growing Patients

For younger patients whose jaws are still growing, special orthodontic appliances (like facemasks or reverse-pull headgear) may be used to encourage forward growth of the upper jaw and help correct underbites without surgery. These are usually worn for many hours daily over 12–18 months.

Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery) in Korea

When overbite or underbite is caused by skeletal jaw misalignment, orthodontics alone is often not enough. In these cases, corrective jaw surgery — also known as orthognathic surgery — is recommended.

What It Involves

• A maxillofacial surgeon repositions the jawbones (upper and/or lower) to achieve proper alignment.
• Surgery is usually preceded and followed by orthodontic treatment to align teeth for the new jaw position.
• Procedures may include lower jaw osteotomy, upper jaw osteotomy, or double jaw surgery (both jaws).

Timeline

Treatment typically includes:

1. Pre-surgical orthodontics (braces or aligners) to align teeth — often many months
2. Surgery and recovery (initial bones stabilize in weeks, full bone healing over months)
3. Post-operative orthodontic fine-tuning to perfect alignment

Total treatment time may range 18–36+ months depending on complexity.

Cost in Korea

Corrective jaw surgery in Korea (especially double jaw surgery used to fix severe overbite/underbite) is known for being more affordable than in Western countries, with many clinics quoting totals in a mid-range that can be noticeably lower than the U.S. and Europe.

While exact costs vary by clinic and case, jaw surgery for severe bite correction often falls in a range that, when combined with orthodontics, reflects the complexity and expertise required.

Why Choose Korea for Bite Correction

✔ Advanced digital diagnostics: 3D CT scans and digital planning help surgeons and orthodontists tailor treatment precisely. ✔ Coordination of orthodontics and surgery: Specialists work together to integrate tooth alignment and skeletal correction.
✔ Modern facilities with global standards: Clinics in Seoul and major cities offer high-tech treatment with multilingual support.
✔ Cost competitiveness: Even with surgery, Korea often offers attractive pricing compared to many Western destinations. Treatment Considerations

📌 Severity matters: Mild dental overbites or underbites may be managed without surgery, while skeletal discrepancies often require a combined surgical approach.
📌 Age plays a role: Younger patients may benefit from growth-modifying appliances before jaw growth completes.
📌 Functional and aesthetic benefits: Correcting bite improves chewing, speech, TMJ health, and facial balance, not just appearance.

Final Takeaway

• Correcting overbite and underbite in Korea involves a spectrum of treatments—from braces or clear aligners for dental-based cases to orthognathic (jaw) surgery for skeletal discrepancies. With advanced planning, coordinated care, and competitive pricing, Korea is a leading destination for patients seeking both functional correction and aesthetic improvement of jaw alignment. 서