I actually went to the orthodontist today for my underbite. I was told that if I was 9-12 ish, he could've treated my underbite without surgery. In your child's case I think they would go with expanders to try and make the top jaw bigger, he/she may have to wear head gear. This would be over a long period of time. You might get more health insurance coverage out of it.

Where as my treatment plan is for about 2 years with a total cost of $9930. Considering most health funds cover around $700 per year for othodontic treatment, that's a lot of out of pocket expenses. And that's just braces.

I'll also have to have surgery, my orthodontist mentioned that some part of it will be counted as cosmetic, so my health fund won't cover the entire cost of the surgery. I think I might try another orthodontist, because I don't feel like this one is going to help me fight to have most of the surgery covered.

Anyway, get it done sooner rather than later. Good luck!