How to Fix Buck Teeth: Causes, Treatment Options, and Prevention

imed22/ April 13, 2023/ Dental/ 0 comments

Buck teeth, also known as malocclusion, is a dental condition that occurs when there is an abnormal alignment of the upper and lower teeth, leading to an overbite. This condition not only affects the appearance of your smile but can also cause speech difficulties, jaw pain, and problems with chewing. Fortunately, there are effective ways to answer questions on how to fix buck teeth. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of buck teeth, the available treatment options, and the preventive measures you can take to maintain healthy teeth and prevent dental issues.

Causes of Buck Teeth

Several factors contribute to the development of buck teeth:

• Genetics: One of the most common causes of malocclusion is genetics. Yes, buck teeth are often hereditary. If one or both parents have buck teeth, there is a higher chance that their children will also have this condition. Jaw shape, like other physical features, can be passed down through generations. Childhood habits, such as thumb-sucking and pacifier use, are some other possible causes of buck teeth.
• Thumb-sucking: Your parents were telling the truth when they warned you that sucking your thumb could cause buck teeth. Thumb-sucking is referred to as non-nutritive sucking behavior (NNSB), meaning that the sucking motion isn’t providing any nutrition as it would from nursing. When this continues past the age of 3 or 4 or while the permanent teeth are appearing, the pressure created by the sucking and the finger can cause the permanent teeth to come in at an abnormal angle. Prolonged thumb-sucking can push the upper teeth forward, leading to an overbite.
• Tongue thrusting: Tongue thrust occurs when the tongue presses too far forward in the mouth. While this usually results in a malocclusion known as an “open bite,” it can also sometimes cause an overbite. The condition is most common in children, but it can carry on into adulthood. When the tongue protrudes between the teeth during swallowing, it can cause the teeth to shift and eventually result in an overbite. It can be caused by a number of things, such as chronically swollen adenoids or tonsils and poor swallowing habits. In adults, stress can also cause it. Some adults thrust their tongues during sleep.
• Mouth breathing: Chronic mouth breathing can cause dry mouth, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. It can also affect the position of the teeth, causing buck teeth.
• Missing teeth, extra teeth, and impacted teeth: Spacing or crowding can change the alignment of your front teeth and cause the appearance of buck teeth. Missing teeth allow your remaining teeth to shift over time, affecting the position of your front teeth. On the flip side, not having enough space to accommodate teeth can also cause alignment issues. Crowding can occur when you have extra teeth or impacted teeth.
• Tumors and cysts in the mouth or jaw: These abnormal growths can change the alignment of your teeth and the shape of your mouth and jaw. This happens when persistent swelling or a growth — either soft tissue or bony — in the upper part of your mouth or jaw causes your teeth to shift forward. Tumors and cysts in the oral cavity or jaw can also cause pain, lumps, and sores.

Overbite health risks

An overbite may cause health issues depending on how severe it is and whether it prevents a normal bite.

An overbite can cause issues including:

• speech impediments
• breathing issues
• chewing deficiencies
• damage to other teeth and gums
• pain when chewing or biting
• alterations in the appearance of the face

Treatment Options

Unless your overbite is severe and causing discomfort, treatment isn’t medically necessary. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, you’ll need to see a dentist or orthodontist for treatment.

There is no one standard way to treat buck teeth because teeth come in different sizes, and bite types and jaw relationships vary from person to person. A dentist or orthodontist determines the best treatment plan based on your needs.

Here are several treatment options for fixing buck teeth, depending on the extent of the misalignment:

• Braces: Traditional wire braces are the most common treatment for correcting malocclusion. They work by applying pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the correct position. Braces are typically worn for 12-24 months, depending on the severity of the condition. Many people get braces in childhood or during their teenage years, but adults can benefit from them, too. Metal brackets and wires attached to the teeth are manipulated over time to move the teeth for a straighter smile gradually.
• Palate expander: Palate expansion is usually used to treat children or adolescents whose upper jaw is too small to accommodate adult teeth. A special appliance that consists of two pieces called a palatal expander attaches to the upper molars. An expansion screw moves the two pieces apart gradually to widen the palate.
• Invisalign: This is a newer alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit over the teeth. Invisalign can be used to treat minor malocclusions in teenagers and adults. A series of clear plastic aligners are made from a mold of your teeth and worn over the teeth to change their position gradually. The aligners are changed every few weeks, gradually moving the teeth into the correct position.
• Retainers: After braces or Invisalign, a retainer may be necessary to maintain the new position of the teeth. Retainers are typically worn at night and can prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position.
• Oral surgery: In severe cases of malocclusion, oral surgery may be necessary to correct the position of the jawbone. Orthognathic surgery is used to treat severe issues. It’s also used for people who have stopped growing to correct the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. This is typically done in combination with braces or Invisalign.

Avoid home treatment

An overbite can’t be fixed at home. Only a dentist or orthodontist can safely treat buck teeth. Changing the alignment of your teeth requires precise pressure applied over time to help achieve the desired look and avoid serious injury to the roots and jawbones. For severe issues, surgery may be the best or only option.

Preventive Measures

While there are effective treatments for buck teeth, it’s important to take preventive measures to maintain healthy teeth and prevent dental issues:

• Have regular dental check-ups: Visiting the dentist twice a year can help detect and prevent dental issues.
• Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash can prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental issues.
• Avoid thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting: If you have children, discourage thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting habits in their early years to prevent the development of malocclusion.
• Use a mouth guard during sleep or times of stress if you tongue-thrust. Protect your teeth with a mouth guard when participating in high-impact sports.
• Change dietary habits: Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can damage the teeth or braces.

Conclusion

Buck teeth can affect your appearance and dental health, but it’s important to remember that it’s a treatable condition. Whether you opt for braces, Invisalign, or a combination of treatments, correcting malocclusion can give you a confident and healthy smile. By practicing good oral hygiene and taking preventive measures, you can maintain healthy teeth and prevent dental issues.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/buck-teeth

https://www.byte.com/community/resources/article/buck-teeth/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/buck-teeth

https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Buck-Teeth