Buck teeth is an informal name for a condition known as an overbite. The type of misalignment that causes buck teeth can be from the jawbone or the teeth themselves. And it can affect the upper or lower teeth. It’s not a standard type of misalignment and everyone experiences it at different degrees of severity. Some may experience protruding front teeth, which is the most common type; whereas others may experience protruding of the lower teeth.
When it comes to treatment, there are several approaches to go about fixing an overbite. Typically you will have to work with dentists and orthodontists to correct the condition.
What causes buck teeth
In most cases, you inherit buck teeth and this will usually affect the structure of your lower and upper jaw or other physical features. But because teeth can respond to any form of pressure by changing position, there are many habits that can cause overbite.
1- Thumb sucking
Thumb suckling is a very common habit among toddlers. And while it may seem harmless, continuing this habit past the age of 3 will affect the child’s teeth.
Many cases of buck teeth develop as a result of consistent pressure out on teeth from the action of sucking.
2- Overusing pacifiers
Similar to thumb sucking, using pacifiers beyond the appropriate age affects how the teeth develop. Especially as permanent teeth begin to appear, it’s important that parents help their children stop the use of pacifiers around the age of 3.
3- Tongue thrust
As we said above, teeth respond very well to pressure. By thrusting your tongue on your teeth, you’re indirectly telling your teeth to grow out with an overbite. This can cause an overbite at any time of your life. As a child or an adult, this habit will have an impact on your teeth.
4- Having extra teeth or a small jaw
Having either extra teeth, a small jaw, or both means that your teeth will be overcrowded. In other words, applies force pressure on your teeth as they develop. In turn, this pressure could lead to buck teeth.
5- Tumors and cysts
Cysts and tumors that are present for long periods of time will eventually apply pressure to your dental tissue and impact their positions.
Side effects of buck teeth
Whether your buck teeth bring about side effects or not depends on the extent of your malocclusion. In some instances, having an overbite can be harmless. In other more severe cases, you may experience oral health and digestive health issues such as:
- Digestive problems as a result of improper chewing
- Speech and pronunciation problems
- Breathing problems
- Gum disease and dental problems
- Pain
- Low self-esteem.
Buck teeth home treatment
You can’t treat buck teeth at home and there is no point in trying. The reason an overbite develops is due to improper distribution of force on your teeth. Trying to correct this at home will just cause more issues related to the positioning of the teeth.
The correct way to treat an overbite is by visiting your dentist. If dentistry is expensive in your home country, consider Turkey.
At Turkey’s leading dental Clinic; Dentakay you can get affordable but high-quality treatments in Turkey. We also cover your accommodation, transportation, and translation fees in our packages.
How to fix buck teeth
Braces
You can opt for orthodontic treatment of any type including Invisalign, metal braces, lingual braces, or ceramic braces to fix buck teeth. Orthodontics targets the main issue and effectively shifts the teeth to the correct position. The treatment period can vary from six months to 2 years. Typically this is the first treatment your dentist will opt for to correct buck teeth. It is highly effective in fixing dental alignment but cannot fix other aesthetic issues with your smile.
Lingual braces and Invisalign are ideal options for adults who do not want to deal with the bulky appearance of traditional veneers.
Jaw surgery
Jaw surgery is only necessary if you have a severe and stubborn case of buck teeth. You must have tried orthodontics beforehand. This is because most cases of overbite respond very well to braces. Even malocclusion from the jaw can respond effectively to braces.
Jaw surgery to treat an overbite will have your surgeon making most of the incisions from inside your mouth. After reaching the jawbone, your dentist will either add bone grafts or remove bone tissue from the area.
Veneers
Veneers are the quickest and also most polishing smile makeover for buck teeth. But they are not for severe cases. Mild to moderate malocclusion can be magically transformed with veneers. If you aren’t suitable for veneers right away, you can opt for the treatment after braces or jaw surgery. At Dentakay we have fixed many cases of misalignment with veneers. You can view more of our work here.
The Takeaway
Dealing with buck teeth can be difficult owing to the self esteem problems it can cause. Many people with overbite tend to also experience health consequences as a result of the palate expansion. Fortunately, there are many options in dentistry that correct overbite. Regardless of the underlying cause, orthodontics and veneers can be great treatment options to fix the position and shape of your teeth.
