How Are Buck Teeth Treated?
By Mark Falke | Published on September 13, 2010 | 0 Comments
Every now and then you may find that there is something about your current smile that irks you a little bit. Perhaps your teeth aren’t always white enough or you have a small gap that you notice sometimes. Luckily, with all of the incredible advancements that have been made in dentistry over the past few decades, there is rarely a problem that your dentist is unable to address, including issues with buck teeth. While buck teeth may be a sensitive subject for some, speaking about it with their dentists is the first step in creating straighter smiles for themselves.
At Taylor Dentists Associates Inc., Austin dentist Mark Falke D.D.S. and his team approach buck teeth differently than other offices may. Their theory about orthodontics, he explains, is that when a patient comes in with what appears to be buck teeth, they have to look at whether the front teeth are sticking out or if the bottom jaw is actually short before developing a treatment plan. It is wrong to assume that the problem rests solely on the front teeth, when in many instances patients do, in fact, have lower jaw problems that can cause the appearance of buck teeth.
While genetics definitely can play a role in the appearance of buck teeth—as in a shorter lower jaw—Dr. Falke also points to a few other common causes as well. Many times, it is natural habits that may cause the front teeth to protrude, such as thumb sucking, lip sucking, and tongue thrusting that actually causes the teeth to shift over time.
If you do notice that your own front teeth or your child’s seem to be protruding further than normal, Dr. Falke recommends making an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible. Beyond aesthetics, buck teeth can cause other health problems as well. For starters, he says, if your front teeth do not operate properly, then you won’t have proper function when you bite and chew your food. In turn, this inability to chew properly places added stress on your back teeth and jaw. Additionally, since your teeth do not meet properly in your mouth, the constant rubbing may actually cause your lower front teeth to wear down and the gums behind your front teeth to become damaged. Lastly, Dr. Falke says, you have to take into consideration the increased risk of potential injury, especially during contact sports since the front teeth are essentially sticking out.
Once you meet with your dentist or orthodontist and he is able to confirm where the problem lies, you can begin the necessary treatments that will leave you with straighter teeth and a more relaxed bite. If it is your lower jaw that needs to be corrected, there are orthopedic appliances for lower jaw advancement so that when the jaw closes, it is in a more forward position. The device is not painful at all, Dr. Falke assures, and is worn in the mouth for about six months to achieve the desired results. Ideally, he adds, dentists prefer to treat this condition while a patient is in her early teens because the mouth is still growing at that point (although it is possible to still correct the problem into adulthood). In very severe cases, Dr. Falke says, jaw surgery may be necessary to correct the problem, though this is usually a fall-back procedure to other orthodontic treatments.
If it is discovered that your lower jaw is correctly positioned and that it is your front teeth that are protruding, this becomes a problem that is most readily fixed using traditional orthodontics. Depending on the specifics of the case, a dentist may choose to use braces, Invisalign, bands, or the extraction of side teeth to correct the problem. Some dentists may also require patients to wear head gear, though at Taylor Dentist Associates, Dr. Falke says that it is not used.
Since buck teeth, as well as most alignment problems, are completely treatable, there is no longer the need to feel embarrassed by your smile. No matter what your concerns about your oral health are, you should certainly meet with your local dentist or orthodontist to determine possible solutions.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.