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What Can Cause Protrusive Front Teeth?
You may hear someone with an overjet referred to as having buck teeth. An overjet occurs when the upper front teeth protrude beyond the lower front teeth, extending further than is aesthetically desirable. With an overjet, the front teeth protrude 2 mm or more in front of your lower front teeth.
Protrusive front teeth are an orthodontic misalignment, and the proper term for it is an overjet, which is a horizontal overlap. It is different from an overbite, where the overlap is vertical rather than horizontal.
What Can Cause an Overjet?
Several factors can result in this issue. Sometimes it is hereditary and can be seen in several generations. At other times, it may be due to other factors, such as oral habits or other issues.
- Thumb or Finger Sucking
Many young children will suck their thumbs for comfort, and this is a harmless habit that typically persists until age 3 or 4. If the habit continues past this age, then the pressure caused by sucking a thumb can elongate and distort the development of the upper jaw and pull the upper teeth outward.
Consequently, when the adult teeth erupt, they will do so at an abnormal angle, causing them to stick out too far.
- Pacifier Use
Using a pacifier beyond age three can cause an overbite in the same way as sucking a thumb or finger. In fact, using a pacifier can carry a higher risk of developing malocclusions, such as buck teeth.
- Tongue Thrusting
Usually, the tongue rests behind the upper front teeth in the upper palate. However, if someone has a tongue thrusting habit, it presses too far forward. Sometimes, this can cause a problem called an open bite, but at other times, it can result in an overjet.
Tongue thrusting is typically found in children, but it can also occur in adults. It may be due to swollen tonsils or adenoids, or abnormal swallowing habits. In adults, it can be related to stress.
- Impacted or Missing Teeth
When teeth are incorrectly spaced or overcrowded, it can affect the alignment of the upper front teeth, causing them to protrude. If teeth are missing, it can also affect the alignment of your remaining teeth as these will shift out of place.
Is It Necessary to Correct Buck Teeth?
Not everyone will wish to correct their protrusive front teeth. Some people feel it is part of their personality, but others will feel more self-conscious. Additionally, a more severe overbite can cause problems, including:
- Facial pain.
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
- Chronic headaches.
- Problems brushing and flossing
- An inability to close your mouth over your buck teeth.
Another potential problem with having untreated buck teeth is the risk of injury. Because these teeth protrude, they are more susceptible to becoming cracked, chipped, or even knocked out entirely.
Can Invisalign Treat Protruding Front Teeth?
Yes, Invisalign effectively corrects protrusion (overjet) by utilizing SmartForce® attachments to provide the leverage needed for precise retraction. If space is limited, the treatment plan may include arch expansion or minor enamel slimming (IPR) to create a path for the front teeth to move backward into a balanced, functional bite.
What are the Benefits of Choosing Invisalign for an Overjet?
Using Invisalign can provide an effective and more comfortable treatment process. The aligners are made from smooth plastic, with no wires or brackets to irritate or rub cheeks and lips.
Other benefits can include:
- Discreet teeth straightening since the aligners are virtually invisible.
- Easy oral care since you remove the aligners for brushing and flossing.
- No dietary restrictions as you remove the aligners for all meals and beverages except water.
When is Invisalign Less Suitable for an Overjet?
However, Invisalign might not be the right choice for more severe overjets, or it may not be able to correct teeth protrusion without extractions, and oral surgery might be required.
Alternative solutions could include palate expanders to widen the upper jaw, creating more room for front teeth to be repositioned. Palate expanders are generally used for children, especially after habits such as thumb or finger sucking have caused the upper jaw to elongate. However, adults can also use palate expanders, although treatment may take longer to complete.
Learning If Invisalign Could Help You
If you have buck teeth or are concerned that your child has an overjet, contact NYC Dentistry Center to arrange a consultation. A dental exam and discussion will help us determine the reason and allow us to suggest a suitable treatment plan.
We will only recommend Invisalign if we feel it is the best option. Otherwise, we will suggest another method to correct the protrusion of teeth.
If protruding front teeth are affecting your smile or oral health, Invisalign offers a discreet and effective way to gently realign your teeth. The skilled team at NYC Dentistry Center will design a customized treatment plan to help you achieve a straighter, more confident smile. Schedule your dentist appt today and take the first step toward lasting improvement.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th St #801
New York, NY 10017
(45th St. btw 5th Ave / Madison Ave)
(212) 518-6096