Can Braces Correct a Protruding Chin? Is Jaw Surgery Necessary?

A protruding chin or an underbite—where the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth—does not only affect facial aesthetics and smile confidence but can also interfere with chewing function and speech. Many patients experiencing this condition often wonder whether braces can correct a protruding chin, or if jaw surgery is always required.

In this article, we address these common concerns and help you better understand your treatment options so you can make an informed decision.

Causes of a Protruding Chin and Their Impact on Treatment Choices
Before determining whether braces for correcting a protruding chin are suitable, dentists and orthodontists must first identify the underlying cause of the condition. In general, a protruding chin can be classified into two main types:

1. Dental-Related Protruding Chin
This type occurs when the lower teeth are tilted or positioned too far forward while the jawbone structure remains within normal limits. In such cases, orthodontic treatment alone can be highly effective in correcting the underbite and improving bite alignment.

2. Skeletal-Related Protruding Chin
This condition is caused by an oversized lower jaw or an underdeveloped upper jaw. When the skeletal discrepancy is severe, braces alone may not be sufficient to correct facial imbalance, and a combination of orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery may be necessary.

To What Extent Can a Protruding Chin Be Corrected Without Surgery?
For patients with mild to moderate cases, orthodontists may recommend camouflage orthodontics—a non-surgical approach to correcting a protruding chin. This technique involves moving the lower teeth backward and slightly advancing the upper teeth to achieve proper bite alignment.

The main advantages of non-surgical underbite correction with braces include no surgical downtime and lower overall treatment costs. However, the limitation is that this method may not significantly alter the side profile or facial structure.

If your primary goal is to achieve a noticeable change in facial appearance, orthodontic treatment combined with jaw surgery may provide more comprehensive and predictable results.

When Does Correcting a Protruding Chin with Braces Require Jaw Surgery?
In cases where there is a significant skeletal jaw discrepancy—resulting in functional chewing problems or a noticeably imbalanced facial profile—dentists or orthodontists may recommend braces combined with jaw surgery to effectively correct a protruding chin or severe underbite.

Treatment Process
Treatment typically begins with orthodontic braces to properly align the teeth in preparation for surgery. This is followed by orthognathic (jaw) surgery to reposition the jaw. After surgery, braces are used again to fine-tune the bite and achieve optimal occlusion.

Expected Results
This combined approach provides the most comprehensive and noticeable improvement, correcting both bite function and facial appearance with clear, long-lasting results.



Prevention and Treatment Preparation
If you begin to notice signs of a protruding chin or underbite in yourself or your child, seeking early consultation with a dentist or orthodontist can make correcting a protruding chin with braces much more manageable. In children whose jawbones are still developing, specialized orthodontic appliances can be used to stimulate or control jaw growth.

Early intervention helps guide proper jaw development and may prevent more complex protruding chin problems in adulthood, reducing the need for invasive treatments later on.

So, can braces really correct a protruding chin? The answer is yes—it is absolutely possible. However, the extent of correction and whether jaw surgery is required largely depends on the severity of the jawbone discrepancy.

If you are considering treatment options for correcting a protruding chin, it is highly recommended to undergo proper diagnostic evaluations, including dental impressions and X-ray imaging, with a qualified orthodontic specialist. This ensures a safe, effective, and cost-efficient treatment plan tailored to your individual condition.

You may consult experienced dental professionals at Pasook Dental Clinic, available at all branches near you, for expert guidance and personalized orthodontic care.