Protruding Teeth: Causes, Treatments, & Solutions

What are protruding teeth?

Protruding teeth are often referred to as “buck teeth.” Dentists and orthodontists’ clinical word for this is “overjet.” Augusta Orthodontics specializes in the treatment and care of protruded teeth.

Patients will have issues when the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower front teeth. This dental condition can be caused by various factors, which we will discuss below. First, let’s learn more about teeth protruding outward.

Embarrassed by front teeth sticking out?

Unfortunately, upper or lower teeth sticking-out usually causes embarrassment for the patient. When people are embarrassed about their buck teeth, they start to hide their smile.

The proper position of the front teeth should be vertical and line up snugly together with the top teeth slightly in front of the lower front teeth.

What causes teeth to protrude?

There are five different causes why teeth protrude. Some can be controlled, and some are just inherited from your parents. The good news is that at Augusta Orthodontics, we can fix anyone suffering from protruding teeth.

Genetics

It’s just the way we were born. That’s right, your parents passed on their traits and you got buck teeth or bunny teeth human characteristics. Your teeth may be sticking way out, or you may have a slight forward protrusion.

Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use

When we are babies and toddlers, we suck our thumbs. Finger sucking and the constant sucking of the thumb or extended pacifier use causes those front teeth to move forward. Parents will use a variety of methods to limit this habit. Techniques like bitter nail polish and thumb guards can work.

A secondary factor that is linked to thumb sucking is trusting the tongue forward and pushing the teeth outward.

Tongue Thrusting

Constantly trusting our tongues into the back of our front upper teeth can cause bucked teeth. This is known as “tongue thrust.”

Why do we do this?

Numerous factors contribute, including stress, genetics, jaw development issues, and prolonged use of bottles/pacifiers.

All of these factors can be reduced and even eliminated with proper consultation and the help of dental professionals. Parents who correct these habits early in child development can avoid the two causes of protruding teeth: mouth breathing and misaligned teeth.

Mouth Breathing

The normal position of your front teeth allows the lips to close naturally and encourages proper nasal breathing habits. Unfortunately, closing their front teeth easily can be challenging for those with buck teeth. They learn to always breathe through their mouth.

Constantly breathing through the mouth will cause an elongated face and other breathing problems over time.

Dental Misalignment

A misaligned bite is among the most common causes of buck teeth in teens and young adults. As new teeth grow, the mouth becomes too crowded. Adult teeth start to push the other teeth out of the way, and the most common space available is forward.

Most everyone suffering from the causes of protruding teeth will experience one or many of the results below.

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Health and Aesthetic Impacts of Protruding Teeth

Untreated protruded teeth negatively impact health and appearance. Early treatment is beneficial to avoid these dental health issues.

However, adults who receive orthodontic care from Dr. Dallam and his team of dental professionals can overcome childhood habits and traits passed on by close relatives.

Let’s look at some minor to moderate cases when protruding teeth affect our health.

Oral Health Issues

Tooth protrusion of the front teeth can lead to several adverse health problems.

They increase the risk of dental trauma. Upper teeth are exposed and are more susceptible to injury or tooth loss from falls or accidents.

A misaligned bite is a common problem. Bite problems caused by poor tooth alignment can cause difficulty chewing. In severe cases, chewing food becomes uncomfortable, leading to poor swallowing habits and even digestive issues from partially chewed foods.

Additionally, even minor cases of protruding teeth can contribute to poor oral hygiene. Properly cleaning teeth is challenging, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Lastly, the psychological effects, such as reduced self-esteem and social anxiety, can impact overall mental health.

Not being able to speak correctly from moderate upper teeth or lower teeth protrusion is a significant contributing factor in declining mental health issues.

Speech Impediments

Protruding front teeth can cause speech impediments by disrupting the normal flow of speech.

They can interfere with the placement of the tongue and lips, making it difficult to produce certain sounds, mainly “s,” “f,” and “v.”

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This misalignment often results in a lisp or other articulation issues. Additionally, the tongue struggles to find the correct position. Any gap in the teeth created by out-of-place front teeth can cause air to escape improperly during speech, further affecting pronunciation and clarity.

These speech challenges can impact communication skills and lead to frustration or self-consciousness.

Self-Esteem and Confidence

Speaking difficulties can significantly impact self-confidence. Individuals may feel self-conscious about their pronunciation and communication abilities.

Their self-awareness can lead to anxiety in social situations. The fear of being misunderstood or judged becomes overwhelming.

As a result, people start avoiding speaking in public, participating in group discussions, or engaging in conversations, limiting their social interactions and opportunities. They even unintentionally begin covering their mouth when speaking to hide the “bunny-buck” teeth.

Over time, this withdrawal can contribute to feelings of isolation and lower self-esteem, making it difficult to build strong relationships and succeed in personal and professional environments.

Diagnosing Protruding Teeth

Diagnosing is simple. It involves a free dental examination, during which an orthodontist assesses the alignment of the teeth and upper and lower jaws.

At Augusta Orthodontics, we are assisted by X-rays, high-tech dental imaging, and dental examinations to determine the severity and underlying causes of the protrusion.

Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment planning and to prevent further dental complications.

Dental Examination

A free orthodontic evaluation is the first step to achieving a beautiful smile.

Why do orthodontists offer a free evaluation instead of just quoting prices?

A complete exam is the only truthful and accurate way to provide the cost of braces or clear aligners like Invisalign™ to patients.

Using our state-of-the-art scanning equipment, you can see your lower and upper jaw’s current and future development.

Imaging Techniques

3D imaging techniques are increasingly used by orthodontists in Augusta, GA, to determine the cost of orthodontic treatment. Augusta Orthodontics provides this 3D imaging service.

We use 3D scans to predict the complexity and duration of the entire orthodontic treatment. Each patient’s mouth complexity is different, directly influencing the overall cost.

Additionally, this technology helps identify potential issues early, allowing for more comprehensive, lower-priced, and cost-effective treatment options for patients.

Orthodontic Assessment

At Augusta Orthodontics in Evans, GA, consultations are always free. You can start our free braces evaluation process online or in person.

We offer complete, all-in-one braces and Invisalign™ treatment packages for children, teens, and adults.

Treatment Options for Protruding Teeth

Each patient will have different needs, which guide their choice of treatment option.

Patients will usually start with traditional braces or Invisalign dental appliances. Factors like a bad bite, open bite, number of teeth out of place, bone structure, child’s teeth, and more contribute to whether you can start with braces or need pre-treatment beforehand.

Let’s take a look at the most common dental treatment options.

Braces

Using braces to fix buck teeth is a standard and effective orthodontic treatment. In fact, it is Dr. Dallam’s favorite orthodontic technique.

Braces apply continuous pressure to move the teeth into proper alignment gradually. Metal braces fix protrusion and any underlying bite issues all at once.

This treatment not only improves how good you look but also enhances overall dental health by making it easier to maintain proper oral hygiene.

With advancements in orthodontic technology, various types of braces, including traditional metal braces and even gold braces, are available to suit different preferences and needs.

If you’re looking for a more discreet option, invisible clear aligners might be better.

Invisalign

Want to achieve a new smile with our people knowing?

Invisalign™ is a popular option for fixing teeth that stick out too far.

We use a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually shift the teeth into place. These discreet and convenient aligners make them an attractive alternative to traditional braces for many patients.

One downside, however, is that Invisalign™ may not be suitable for severe cases of protrusion or complex dental issues, such as significant bite misalignment or overcrowding, where more comprehensive orthodontic treatment is needed.

In such cases, traditional braces or other orthodontic interventions may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Conclusion: Achieving a Healthier, More Confident Smile

Fix your protruding teeth through Augusta Orthodontic’s treatment plans, such as braces or Invisalign™, which can significantly enhance dental health and self-confidence.

Correcting the alignment improves the looks and appearance of your smile and facilitates better oral hygiene and overall function for a lifetime.

Patients can achieve a healthier, more confident smile by choosing the appropriate treatment based on individual needs and the severity of the condition.

Starting a free, no-obligation consultation with our qualified dental team ensures a personalized, affordable approach to getting the smile you have always wanted.