Can braces alone fix a bad underbite?

Severe underbite: Yes, braces are usually required for the tooth straightening portion of the treatment, while headgear, extractions, and/or surgery are used to address the underlying skeletal problem. Consultation with an oral surgeon as well as an orthodontist are both needed to plan this treatment. Careful consideration is needed to decide if braces alone are a good solution.

Yes: Its possible. Depends how severe. I would consult a couple of orthodontists.

Probably not: Adults with a severe underbite will typically require a combination of braces and orthognathic surgery to correct the malocclusion. See an orthodontist for a free consultation to determine your needs.

Not alone: For an adult with a mild dental underbite, who's jaws match, orthodontics may solve the problem. For a severe underbite, where the upper jaw is too small and/or the lower jaw is too large, a combination of orthodontic rx and orthognathic (jaw) surgery is indicated. Ask your dentist to refer you to an orthodontic specialist who has an extensive history of treating problems like yours.

Probably not: If the underbite is dental in nature and due to severely protrusive lower anterior teeth and severely retroclined (pushed back) upper anterior teeth, then braces alone may help to resolve the issue. If the underbite is due to a discrepancy between the upper and lower jaw, than braces with surgery would be necessary. Consult an orthodontist for an evaluation of your underbite.