What are protruding teeth, why do they occur and how to correct buck teeth?
Protruding teeth or "buck teeth" occurs when the upper teeth protrude more than the lower teeth. This can be very annoying, both for adults and children, as it causes discomfort and aesthetic problems.
What are buck teeth?
Buck teeth, popularly known as "goofy teeth", occur when the upper teeth are too far in front of the lower teeth. People who suffer from buck teeth often have difficulty closing their lips tightly and their teeth protrude more.
What causes buck teeth?
Causes of buck teeth can be very varied, here are a few reasons why a person may have buck teeth or goofy teeth:
Genetic causes
One of the reasons why an adult may suffer from buck teeth is due to type II malocclusion of the jaw. This is a genetic factor that causes protruding teeth. The upper jaw is further forward than the lower jaw, meaning buck teeth happen due to misalignment. In some people, the upper incisors may protrude up to one centimetre beyond the lower incisors.
Another possibility is that the jaw is receding. If this is the case, it can cause the upper jaw to move forward.
Atypical swallowing, or improper placement of the tongue when swallowing, is another genetic factor that can cause buck teeth. In this case, the tongue presses on the upper teeth, causing them to move forward.
Habits that cause buck teeth
Some people get buck teeth from thumbsucking, which usually occurs in both boys and girls. When "piping", the thumb is pressed against the inside of the upper teeth, pushing them outwards. Similarly, others can develop buck teeth from using a pacifier.
Another habit that can cause goofy teeth is nail biting. This exerts a force that, over time, can lead to protruding teeth.
Lip sucking is the habit of biting the lips with the teeth, usually the upper teeth. As a result, they end up being pushed outwards and in some cases, the person ends up with buck teeth.
Consequences and problems that protruding teeth can cause
Having protruding upper teeth, as well as affecting a person's self-esteem and confidence, has other disadvantages and can cause health problems, including:
- The appearance of cavities
- Bumps or fractures due to protruding teeth
- Problems chewing and discomfort when eating
- Inflammation of the gums
- Breathing problems
- Alterations of the shape of the face
How to prevent buck teeth?
In some cases, preventing buck teeth is impossible, especially if there’s a genetic issue. However, there are a few things parents and carers can look out for to prevent buck teeth in children. For example, having regular dental checks will allow dentists to possibly foresee any misalignment issues.
How to fix buck teeth?
Ideally, buck teeth correction happens through orthodontics at an early age. Adults with severe protrusion due to type II malocclusion of the jaw may need oral surgery to correct the position of the bones.
In adults, one form of correction for protruding front teeth is orthodontics treatment as this corrects the inclination and position of the teeth. Depending on each case, braces or invisible orthodontics may be used. In both cases, the aim is for the patient to have a spectacular smile and to put an end to the problems caused by buck teeth.
Once the protruding teeth treatment is finished, it is necessary to use retainers to ensure that the teeth will be in position after the treatment is finished. For this, it is necessary to check and change the retainers every 6 to 9 months.
Buck teeth in kids and toddlers
Buck teeth in kids and toddlers may be due to genetic causes, but in many cases it occurs because they sucked their thumbs as children and pressed their thumbs too hard on their teeth.
You can prevent buck teeth by having regular visits to the dentist, especially when the upper teeth have shifted, as this will help to correct the problem quickly.
Treating buck teeth in children
With a case of buck teeth in kids it is recommended to correct the issue while the patient is still growing. Ideally this will happen before a child turns 12, although the specialist will always have the final say after assessing the case.
Interceptive orthodontics could correct buck teeth and serve to avoid major problems in adulthood. Children's teeth are easier to correct, as the bones are still forming. This means, dealing with buck teeth in toddlers is easier than waiting until adulthood.
When orthodontic correction of buck teeth is completed, it is necessary for the child to wear a retainer, especially for the first few months.
How to correct buck teeth without braces?
It is certainly possible to fix buck teeth without braces. Impress has a team of experts who will help you find the solution to all types of dental problems, including protrusion. At Impress we are experts in removable invisible orthodontics that correct occlusion, deviation or bite type.
We offer affordable prices because we eliminate intermediaries, as we have our own clinics and a great team of specialists. Come and see us and together we will find the best solution for you. Another of the advantages of choosing Impress to have the smile you've always wanted is that you can monitor the treatment from home, through our app, and you'll save on travel.
As well as thinking about the future, we also think about the present: our aligners are removable, comfortable and aesthetic, to make the process of achieving the perfect smile easier.
We have clinics in the UK and a team with extensive experience in the sector that will help you achieve the smile of your dreams. You can make an appointment at your nearest clinic to start treatment with Impress - we look forward to seeing you with a great smile!
