Buck Teeth: Causes, Health Risks, And Treatment Options

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat to know about buck teeth

Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — Written by Beth Sissons on March 25, 2022

Definition
Causes
Diagnosis
Health risks
Treatment
Dental hygiene tips
When to contact a specialist
Summary

Buck teeth, or protruding front teeth, describe a type of bite issue where the top row of teeth overlaps with the bottom row. In severe cases, it may result in health problems and require treatments to help align the teeth.

With many people calling it an overbite, buck teeth refer to a common dental issue where the top front teeth cover or overlap the bottom front teeth. Very pronounced protrusive front teeth may cause difficulties with chewing and speaking and make a person more susceptible to pain and trauma.

Many potential underlying causes can result in buck teeth, and they can occur from infancy to adulthood. Dental specialists can correct the alignment of a person’s teeth, for both health and cosmetic reasons, using orthodontic treatment options, such as braces.

In this article, we will discuss the causes of buck teeth, potential health risks, and treatment options.

Definition

An image of two people smiling. — Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

Protruding front teeth, or buck teeth, describe a bite issue that some people may call an overbite. In orthodontics, a bite refers to how the upper and lower teeth come together.

As such, an overbite is when the upper teeth noticeably extend out over the lower teeth. A person’s teeth may appear protrusive for several reasons, such as the upper jaw being too far forward, the lower jaw too far back, or teeth growing at an angle.

Dentists and orthodontists may also refer to protruding front teeth as an occlusal trait or dental malocclusion. These terms describe a misalignment that causes the teeth to meet improperly or not at all. Typically, the upper teeth should fit slightly over the lower teeth, and the molars should fit in the grooves of the opposite molar. An orthodontist may classify an overbite as a class two malocclusion of the teeth.

Dental malocclusion is relatively common — a 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis suggests the worldwide prevalence of the condition is 56%. A series of Estonian studies in 4–5, 7–10, and 17–21-year-olds note that an overbite was a common occlusal trait in these groups. However, a 2019 study suggests that one-third of American adults do not exhibit a clinically meaningful malocclusion.

Causes

There are many potential causes of buck teeth, and factors, such as genes and the environment, can contribute toward the development of an overbite.

A common cause of protrusive teeth is thumb or finger sucking or the use of a pacifier, particularly beyond the age of 5 years. After children have developed their permanent teeth, thumb sucking can affect the alignment of the teeth and may lead to buck teeth. Thumb sucking can also affect the typical growth of the mouth and alter the roof of the mouth.

Click here to learn more about adult thumb sucking.

Other possible causes of malocclusion may include:

injury to the mouth, causing a misalignment of the jaw and teeth
genetics, if a biological parent has protrusive teeth
tongue thrusting
missing or crowded teeth
bruxism, or grinding of the teeth
atypically-shaped or impacted teeth

Diagnosis

People may receive a diagnosis of buck teeth through a regular dental checkup. To check for any misalignment in the mouth, a dentist may pull back each cheek with a tool called a tongue depressor while the person closes their back teeth together.

A dentist may also take X-rays of the teeth to check the internal structures. They may also take an impression of the teeth using a mold that they place into the mouth. They will then pour plaster into the mold. This can show a dentist how the jaw closes together, whether people have buck teeth, and whether they require any treatment.

In some cases, a dentist may refer people to an orthodontist, an expert in treating malocclusions.

Health risks

Without treatment, buck teeth may cause health problems, such as:

difficulty with chewing or eating
problems speaking
teeth grinding
in children, loss of baby teeth too early or late
mouth breathing
tooth decay or gum disease, as a misaligned bite can be more difficult to clean properly
problems with the jaw
jaw pain and headaches due to pressure on the jaw joint
tooth fractures

Even in less severe cases, a protrusion of the front teeth may affect an individual’s self-esteem and well-being.

Treatment options

People with mild cases of buck teeth may not require any treatment. However, in individuals with severe buck teeth, treatment may be necessary for health reasons. Treatment options for buck teeth may include the below.

Braces

Braces can help correct the positioning of the teeth to reduce pain and any other issues from an overbite. A dentist or orthodontist will use a special glue to attach brackets to each tooth. They will then fit wires into the brackets and use rubber bands to hold them in place.

A brace may feel tight and uncomfortable at first and after any tightening. If a brace irritates the inside of the mouth or cheeks, individuals can apply a special wax to the braces to provide relief. People may also find it easier to eat soft foods after a brace fitting.

Click here to learn more about braces.

Over time, a brace will move the teeth into the correct position. People may need to wear a brace for 2 years or longer, depending on their condition. After the braces correctly align the teeth, they may need to wear a retainer to keep them in position. People may have a fixed wire retainer or a removable plastic or wire retainer. They may also need to wear it for the rest of their lives.

Click here to learn tips about cleaning a retainer.

Overbite surgery

In some cases, people may require surgery to correct buck teeth. If there is a significant difference between the upper and lower jaw, a person may need surgery to properly align the jaw.

If individuals have healthcare or dental insurance, they can check with their provider to see if they will cover dental costs. The American Association of Orthodontists also provides a list of resources that may help with the costs of dental work.

Dental hygiene tips

To ensure good dental hygiene, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following tips:

brush the teeth twice daily
floss daily to remove plaque buildup
use a fluoride toothpaste
attend annual checkups with a dentist or as regularly as necessary
avoid tobacco products and limit alcohol
consult a dentist if people experience any issues with the teeth or unexplained changes in taste or smell
for dry mouth, try drinking plenty of water and chewing sugarless gum
if dry mouth is due to medication, consult a doctor about alternative medications
if a medical condition puts people at risk of gum disease, such as diabetes, take steps to manage the condition

For braces and any other dental appliances, people can:

follow any specific instructions from a dentist on brushing, flossing, and caring for the appliance
avoid hard, chewy, or overly sticky foods, as these could damage the brace
avoid chewing ice, with or without braces
attend all scheduled checkups and cleaning appointments

When to contact a specialist

If people think they have buck teeth or are experiencing any problems of the mouth or jaw, they can consult a dentist or orthodontist for an examination. These specialists can examine the teeth and jaw to look for any misalignment and suggest any necessary treatments.

Summary

Protruding front teeth, or buck teeth, describe a misalignment of the teeth, where the top row overlaps the bottom. This dental malocclusion can cause health problems, such as jaw pain, headaches, tooth decay, and difficulty chewing.

People may require treatment depending on the severity of the protrusion and symptoms. Treatment options can include braces, retainers, or in some cases, surgery. Over time, these methods will move the teeth into the correct position.

Dentistry

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

7 common bite problems in children and adults. (2019). https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/7-common-bite-problems/
Asiri, S. N., et al. (2019). The prevalence of clinically meaningful malocclusion among US adults [Abstract]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31152488/
Braces. (n.d.). https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/braces
Can buck teeth be fixed? (2021). https://orthodonticsaustralia.org.au/can-buck-teeth-be-fixed/
Can pacifiers and thumb sucking affect my child’s teeth? (2021). https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/can-pacifiers-and-thumb-sucking-affect-my-childs-teeth/
Devi, L. B., et al. (2022). Malocclusion and occlusal traits among dental and nursing students of Seven North-East states of India. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8592876/
Frequently asked questions. (n.d.). https://www.aaoinfo.org/_/frequently-asked-questions/
Hennessy, B. J. (2022). Malocclusion. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/dental-disorders/symptoms-of-dental-and-oral-disorders/malocclusion
Lombardo, G., et al. (2020). Worldwide prevalence of malocclusion in the different stages of dentition: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://www.ejpd.eu/pdf/EJPD_2020_21_2_05.pdf
Malocclusion. (n.d.). https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/malocclusion
Malocclusion in children. (n.d.). https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=malocclusion-90-P01860
Malocclusion in children. (n.d.). https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=90&contentid=P01860
Oral health tips. (2021). https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/tips.html
Orthodontics at any age. (n.d.). https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/procedures/orthodontics/
Sepp, H., et al. (2019). Occlusal traits of 4–5‐year‐old Estonians. Parents' perception of orthodontic treatment need and satisfaction with dental appearance [Abstract]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6586095/
Sepp, H, et al. (2018). Occlusal traits, orthodontic treatment need and treatment complexity among untreated 17–21-year-olds in Estonia [Abstract]. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00016357.2018.1498126?journalCode=iode20
Sepp, H., et al. (2017). Occlusal traits and orthodontic treatment need in 7‐ to 10‐year‐olds in Estonia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5719823/
Thumbsucking and pacifier use. (n.d.). https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/thumbsucking
What is a malocclusion? (2019).https://orthodonticsaustralia.org.au/what-is-a-malocclusion/

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Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — Written by Beth Sissons on March 25, 2022

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