Im 18 and i have a slight skeletal underbite. can it get worse? if so is there some way to stop it from growing? it developed at 16 after braces.

Yes: That is the goal of orthodontic treatment, to correct any malooclusion. Sometimes the malocclusion is so severe that in an individual who has stopped growing, surgery may be needed to fully correct the problem.

See below: Growth is usually complete by age 18. 'underbite' and 'overbite' are skeletal disorders related to growth issues. Sometimes these discrepancies need orthognathic surgery to be corrected. Consulting with an orthodontist and an oral/maxillofacial surgeon trained in orthognathic surgery can determine if surgery is needed, or just a little more orthodontics.

It could get worse: Andy, the reason you developed a skeletal underbite (anterior cross bite) in late teenage years is because of "late mandibular growth." this means that your lower jaw (mandible) can continue growing in you late teens and early twenties, after your upper jaw (maxilla) has stopped growing. In your case the underbite get get worse if your lower jaw continues growing in the next few years.

Yes and Unfortunatel: Generally mandibular growth is completed by age 15 in female patients and a year or two later for male patients. Having said that there have been documented cases especially in male patients that show continued lower jaw growth as late as age twenty. Unfortunately there is no predictable way to stop the growth of the lower jaw at that age. Severe cases will require surgical correction.

Yes it can : In men, growth of the lower jaw can continue until age 21 or so. Usually, someone in the family has this problem as well.

Yes it can get worse: Skeletal underbite gets worse as you grow and this is true for boys toll about 23 and about 17 for girls, notice to do, if it is undesirable you can always correct it surgically or orthodonticaly if it is not severe.

Unknown: Males can grow well into their early twenties. It seems that the jaw will continue to grow even after you have stopped getting taller. It may get worse, but hopefully it won't get much worse. Once all growth is completed for sure you can have your malocclusion accessed by an orthodontist who will give you your options.

Growth: For females, at 18 the overwhelming majority of lower jaw growth is finished. Rarely it can continue for a year or so more. If the skeletal underbite is truly slight, i think that you very well may be "out of the woods". It is entirely genetic and there is no way of restraining it.

Yes and no: Latent mandibular growth in late teen years, especially for males, is frustrating for orthodontists and patients. Unfortunately, you are one of the unlucky (very) few folks who have experienced it. Although at age 18, you are fairly safe that it will not get worse, it's no guarantee. See your orthodontic specialist for an opinion.

Underbite: Unfortunately you are part of the 1.5% of the population who have differential jaw growth, where lower jaw outgrows upper, and there is nothing you can do do stop it. At 18 you are nearing the end of your crania-facial growth. You will probably need braces and jaw surgery to correct the problem once all growth has ceased. Go back to your orthodontist and discuss the problem with him.

It can: our teeth and jaws do continue to move well into adulthood, even if more slowly. You will likely need ortho treatment again-- sorry. If you are lucky, the case is not too severe and an orthodontist may be able to address without surgery-- however, if the underbite is too severe, surgery with ortho may be required.

Skeletal underbite: Hi Andy. Unfortunately, underbite skeletal growth patterns are very unpredicable. The answer to your question is that yes, it COULD get worse. Until your jaw stops growing, no one can determine that. Communicate with your orthodontist and a dental professional to monitor your skeletal growth.