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 Horsham. 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 out 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 implants and 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 teeth whitening can be used to correct the appearance of buck teeth, however, they do not fix the underlying issues.