What Causes Buck Teeth and How Can They Be Safely Treated?
An overbite or overjet, commonly known as buck teeth, is a dental condition that causes the upper front teeth to stick out more than they should. This condition can lead to both medical and self-esteem issues for people with this disorder. Luckily, modern orthodontics has multiple ways to treat this disorder so you can have a healthy, happy smile.
What Causes Buck Teeth?
There are multiple factors that can contribute to buck teeth including:
- Genetics – If a biological parent or other family member has buck teeth, you are more likely to inherit the disorder.
- Pacifier or Thumb Sucking – Children who engage in the childhood habits of thumb sucking or pacifier use for too long can have jaw development issues that result in buck teeth or malocclusion
- Dental Trauma – Injuries to the teeth and mouth can result in jaw alignment issues such as buck teeth.
- Teeth Grinding – Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, can also lead to protruding teeth.
- Tongue Posture – Tongue thrusting against the upper teeth can lead to jaw alignment issues.
Signs and Symptoms of Buck Teeth
Buck teeth can have many signs and symptoms some of which are more noticeable than others. Some symptoms can have serious health implications that should not be ignored and can be treated by a Dentist in Feasterville. Signs and symptoms include:
- Facial Appearance – The most visibly noticeable sign is a facial appearance that gives a person a bunny teeth human variation. This is when the front teeth stick our noticeably more than the lower teeth which may result in abnormal facial growth, a narrow jaw, or facial posture
- Difficulty Chewing – Misaligned teeth and jaw can lead to chewing difficulties and can cause pain and discomfort during chewing.
- Speech Problems – Overbite can cause people to have a speech impediment like a lisp. This can often be corrected with buck teeth treatment.
- Jaw Pain – Misaligned teeth can put a strain on the jaw muscles that can lead to nagging pain and discomfort.
- Breathing issues – One of the real buck teeth concerns is that it can lead to airway problems such as snoring, mouth breathing, difficulty with nasal breathing, and sleep apnea from low tongue posture.
- Premature tooth decay – Buck teeth can be harder to clean leading to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease due to lack of oral hygiene. It can also cause uneven pressure on certain teeth while chewing which can increase the risk of damage and need for tooth extraction.
Treatment Options for Buck Teeth
The good news is that there are many medical and cosmetic procedures that are able to correct TMJ disorders like buck teeth including:
- Braces – The most common orthodontic treatment for overbite is traditional wire braces and retainers. These gradually move teeth into alignment to give you a healthier and more attractive smile. Most issues can be fixed without any sort of headgear.
- Invisalign – These clear aligners can be used to treat minor teeth misalignment in teenagers and adults. These aligners are replaced over time to slowly align the teeth. This procedure is typically more expensive than traditional braces but can be useful for people with certain allergies.
- Jaw Surgery – orthognathic surgery is used to treat several issues and can be used to correct severe cases of jaw misalignments. Dental x-rays can help determine the severity of misalignment
- Palate Expansion – This is a method used for children whose upper jaw is too small to accommodate adult teeth and involves the use of functional appliances that gradually expand the palate.
- Cosmetic Procedures – Cosmetic fixes such as veneers, crowns, and dental bonding can be used to correct the appearance of buck teeth, however, they do not fix the underlying issues.
Safe and Effective Treatment for Children vs. Adults
Treatment approaches can differ for children as compared to adults. Children’s jaws are still growing and as such treatment is typically easier and quicker, making adolescence the preferred time for buck teeth and braces.
Both adults and children can be treated with traditional braces, however, jaw surgery is more commonly required for adults to correct severe misalignments. A good dentist can examine your teeth and jaws to determine the best treatment plan for you or your child. In most cases, traditional braces provide the easiest and cheapest fix.
Contact An Experienced Dentist at Miracle Dental
If you have an overbite issue or any other dental issues, the experts at Miracle Dental are here to help. Miracle Dental strives to put patients first, making them feel comfortable at every visit. From orthodontics to teeth whitening, our team of professionals uses the latest equipment and techniques to give you a smile that you can be proud of.
We are family dentists and treat those of all ages with compassion and care to give them the best dentistry experience as possible. If you are in need of dentistry work, contact an experienced dentist at Miracle Dental today!