The condition commonly known as “buck teeth” is formally recognized as an increased overjet, often a feature of a Class II malocclusion. This diagnosis describes a horizontal discrepancy where the upper front teeth protrude significantly forward of the lower front teeth. Modern dentistry offers effective solutions to address this issue at any age. Treatment is possible whether the misalignment is purely dental or skeletal, stemming from a misalignment of the jawbones. Correcting an overjet improves facial aesthetics, enhances oral function, and reduces the risk of dental injury.
Non-Surgical Orthodontic Solutions
The most common approach for correcting an adult overjet involves repositioning the teeth using orthodontic appliances. This method is effective when the protrusion is primarily caused by the angle or position of the teeth, not a severe mismatch in jaw size. Treatment duration typically ranges from 18 to 36 months, depending on the severity of the case and patient compliance. The underlying principle is the controlled application of force to gradually move the teeth into a more balanced alignment.
Traditional braces use brackets fixed to the tooth surface, connected by a wire that exerts continuous pressure. Appliances can be metal (durable and efficient) or ceramic (less noticeable). Lingual braces are a variation placed on the inside surface of the teeth, providing a hidden treatment path. Braces allow orthodontists to manage complex movements necessary to retract the upper incisors and achieve a proper bite relationship.
Clear aligner systems, such as Invisalign, are a popular alternative for adults seeking discreet treatment. This method uses a series of custom-made, clear thermoplastic trays worn sequentially, each slightly shifting the teeth toward the final position. Aligners are removable for eating and cleaning, but effectiveness relies on being worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. While effective for many cases, complex movements like severe tipping or rotation may require fixed braces.
Orthodontists frequently employ adjunct devices to enhance treatment efficiency. Small elastic bands are stretched between the upper and lower arch to apply specific forces that help correct the jaw relationship and close the overjet. Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) are miniature screws placed temporarily into the bone to act as fixed anchor points. These anchors allow the orthodontist to apply force more directly without unwanted reciprocal movement, sometimes reducing overall treatment time.
Surgical Interventions for Skeletal Discrepancies
When overjet results from a skeletal discrepancy—meaning the upper or lower jawbones are severely misaligned—surgery is often necessary. This severe malocclusion, known as skeletal Class II, typically involves a lower jaw that is too far back (retrognathic mandible) or an upper jaw that is too far forward (prognathic maxilla). Non-surgical orthodontics cannot change the size or position of the jawbones, only the positioning of the teeth.
The procedure used to correct this underlying bone structure is orthognathic surgery, or jaw surgery, requiring collaboration between the orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The primary goal is to reposition the maxilla, mandible, or both, to achieve a harmonious and functional relationship. For a Class II malocclusion, this often involves advancing the lower jaw or setting back the upper jaw to reduce the horizontal gap.
The surgical process begins with pre-surgical orthodontics, which can last up to 18 months. During this stage, the teeth are moved into alignment with their respective, misaligned jaws, a process called decompensation. This preparation ensures the teeth will fit together correctly once the surgeon moves the jawbones into their new, aligned position. Following the surgery, which is performed under general anesthesia, a recovery period of several weeks allows the bones to heal.
Post-surgical orthodontics follows the healing phase to fine-tune the bite and ensure stable functional occlusion. This final phase involves minor adjustments using braces or aligners and elastic wear to settle the teeth into corrected positions. Orthognathic surgery is reserved for patients with significant functional impairment or severe aesthetic concerns that cannot be addressed by moving the teeth alone.
Cosmetic Procedures for Minor Correction
For individuals with only a very minor overjet or slight protrusion, purely cosmetic dental procedures can offer a quick improvement to the smile’s appearance. These methods camouflage the visual problem rather than correcting the underlying bite mechanics or jaw relationship. They are not suitable for cases involving significant misalignment or functional issues, which require comprehensive orthodontic or surgical treatment.
Dental bonding is a minimally invasive technique where a tooth-colored composite resin is applied and sculpted directly onto the teeth. This material can slightly reshape the edges of the upper teeth or build up the lower teeth, creating the illusion of a reduced horizontal gap. Bonding is a cost-effective and fast procedure, often completed in a single office visit.
Porcelain veneers or crowns offer another cosmetic option by covering the entire front surface of the protruding teeth. Veneers are custom-made shells bonded to the front of the teeth, sometimes requiring a small amount of enamel removal. By altering the shape and angle, veneers can mask minor protrusion and create a straighter-looking smile. Masking a large overjet with veneers necessitates excessive tooth reduction, compromising the health of the natural tooth structure.