Buck Teeth — Orthodontist Treatment for Protruding Teeth

Although several underlying factors can contribute to "buck teeth," well-planned orthodontic treatment from an orthodontist can adjust them, transforming your smile. Buck teeth, also known as protruding front teeth, are a form of bite issue in which the upper teeth protrude by at least 2mm over the lower teeth. 

The causes of buck teeth

Genetics can cause the lower jaw to be smaller than the average, resulting in a relative protrusion of the upper front teeth. While the word "overbite" is commonly used, dentists refer to it as "increased overjet." Protruding front teeth can be a family trait. However, there are other factors, many of which are harmful childhood practices that have led teeth to shift out of alignment over time. These include prolonged pacifier use, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and crowded or unevenly spaced teeth.

Many people's protruding teeth may be traced back to their thumb-sucking habit as a child. There are long-term ramifications to this frequent childhood practice. Young children's habit of sucking on their thumbs is not a big deal since their milk teeth will not last long. However, if thumb-sucking remains a habit when the child's permanent teeth start to erupt, the teeth may grow out and not down.

Even those without a thumb-sucking habit might still have protruding teeth. Certain people are born with a lower jaw that exerts pressure on their teeth, causing them to protrude forward.

Overcrowding and having overly large teeth are two more factors. When the teeth are larger than the mouth's size, the teeth will seem to protrude. The front teeth might also get shifted forward when there are excessive teeth on the jaw. Fortunately, it is possible for a dental specialist to correct buck teeth. Metal braces or even headgear are the options for correcting buck teeth. Clear aligners may be used to treat minor issues.

Why correct buck teeth

Protruding teeth are often treated for cosmetic reasons, but there are a number of health benefits to correcting them.

The first vital aspect is chewing. Efficient chewing benefits one's overall health since it is the first stage in the digestive process. Having a healthy bite allows the teeth to break down food properly. Protruding front teeth might negatively influence a patient's ability to chew, although the rear teeth do most of the chewing.

Buck teeth might affect speech. Protruding teeth might affect one's ability to pronounce particular words because of the way the tongue and lips move to make sounds. The last consideration is the risk of injury to buck teeth. Buck teeth are at greater risk of injury and may cause issues to the mouth and jaw, especially for those who participate in contact sports.

Orthodontic treatment for protruding teeth

Fortunately, with focused orthodontic treatment, projecting teeth can be rectified. The degree of malocclusion and the underlying alignment of the mouth and jaw will determine the orthodontist's treatment approach. The following are a few of the orthodontic treatment options for buck teeth.

Braces

Traditional metal or ceramic braces treatment is the most common orthodontic therapy for projecting front teeth. Braces restore a patient's dental alignment by applying moderate but consistent pressure to the teeth and can eliminate buck teeth.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners can successfully straighten buck teeth in mild to moderate instances. Clear plastic trays will be custom-designed by the orthodontist to match the patient's specific tooth alignment, with different trays being fitted as their teeth increasingly align over time. Each tray will be worn for at least 22 hours daily and for as long as two weeks before replacement. Professional orthodontists can help their patients figure out if clear aligners will work reliably for their specific case.

Traditional removable appliances (a.k.a. "plates")

Over 30 years ago, treatment with detachable plates was more prevalent. This treatment approach can help certain patients when utilized correctly and faithfully. On the other hand, these detachable plates are not always efficient at regulating every individual tooth position (braces and clear aligners are far more effective for individual tooth management). Plates alone are becoming less popular in current orthodontic practice due to this lack of control.

Jaw surgery

Orthognathic (jaw) surgery may be necessary for patients who have significantly protruding upper front teeth and jaw alignment problems. The upper and lower jawbones are effectively realigned using this procedure.

Final note

Unfortunately, correcting projecting front teeth at home is almost impossible. A qualified orthodontist should identify and treat protruding teeth to bring them into proper alignment and prevent irreversible harm to the mouth and jaw. Your orthodontist will create a treatment plan that is safe and effective for you, ensuring that your newly straightened smile lasts for a long time. To get started, book an appointment today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.brooklyn-orthodontist.com or call Brooklyn Heights Orthodontics: Susan Liebman, DMD at (718) 416-6368 for an appointment in our Brooklyn office.

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