Protruding teeth, also known as buck teeth, can be caused by genetic factors or a mismatch between jaw and teeth size. It can cause speech problems, negative self-image, and difficulty brushing teeth. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or headgear, can realign teeth and jaws.
A person with protruding teeth has visibly protruding upper teeth. While not life-threatening, teeth can still negatively affect a person’s appearance and can cause problems eating. The term buck teeth comes from the dental resemblance to a moose. A person with teeth like this can have their teeth realigned with corrective methods, which typically include braces.
The bulging appearance of protruding teeth is often the result of a condition called extreme or increased overjet. Overjet refers to an overabundance of horizontal space between the upper and lower teeth. The condition can be the result of genetic factors or caused by a mismatch between the size of a person’s jaw and their teeth. Also, an overjet can be aggravated by the child’s tendency to suck his thumb. When a child’s permanent teeth come in, usually around age 8, protruding teeth, if any, will make themselves noticeable.
While the condition can be quite common, a person with protruding teeth can be teased by peers. Teasing may not be more life-threatening than the teeth themselves, but it can contribute to a negative self-image. Perhaps exacerbating the situation, this condition can also cause speech problems. In addition to the psychological problems, the dental condition can cause some physiological problems. A person who has a severe bite may have trouble brushing their teeth, for example, which can lead to plaque buildup.
A person with protruding teeth can see an orthodontist, a professional who specializes in realigning teeth and jaws. One of the most common ways to fix protruding teeth is through the use of orthodontics or braces. A person fitted with braces has connecting bands, wires and brackets applied to his or her teeth.
The use of braces helps bring the teeth into their correct positions in the jaw. Over multiple visits, the orthodontist tightens the braces on the patient about once every four weeks. Clenching typically causes discomfort as the teeth gradually move. A person looking to correct protruding teeth may need to wear braces for a few years. Teenage years are a common time for orthodontics. However, an adult with dental problems may choose to wear braces.
Other methods of correcting protruding teeth may include wearing a head covering. Headgear is a mechanism worn around a person’s head, in some cases only during the night, not 24 hours a day. Includes a conspicuous metallic thread in the front. The device slows the development of a person’s upper jaw as it pulls the front teeth back.
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