The term “buckteeth” is a common way to describe a specific dental alignment issue formally known as dental protrusion or severe overjet. This condition involves the noticeable forward projection of the upper front teeth relative to the lower jaw. While often considered a cosmetic concern, this misalignment can affect overall oral function and health.
Defining the Condition
The condition referred to as buckteeth is a form of malocclusion, which is a clinical term for a “bad bite.” Dentists and orthodontists specifically classify this as an excessive overjet, which measures the horizontal distance between the upper and lower incisors. In a typical bite, the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth by approximately two millimeters. Protrusion is diagnosed when this horizontal overlap significantly exceeds that measurement. This condition often presents as a Class II Malocclusion, indicating that the upper jaw and teeth are positioned too far forward compared to the lower jaw. It is separate from an overbite, which refers to the vertical overlap of the teeth.
Factors That Cause Protrusion
The development of dental protrusion is influenced by a combination of skeletal and environmental factors. Skeletal factors include genetics, where an individual inherits a jaw size discrepancy. This can manifest as an upper jaw (maxilla) that is too prominent or a lower jaw (mandible) that is underdeveloped, leading to a disproportionate growth pattern.
Environmental factors, often beginning in early childhood, also exert significant force on tooth and jaw alignment. Prolonged habits like thumb or finger sucking, particularly past the age of four, can continuously push the upper teeth forward. Similarly, the extended use of a pacifier past early childhood can contribute to this misalignment.
Other muscular habits, such as tongue thrusting (where the tongue presses against the back of the front teeth during swallowing), can also influence the direction of tooth eruption. Chronic mouth breathing, which alters the resting posture of the tongue and jaw, can further compound the issue.
Corrective Procedures
Treatment for dental protrusion depends heavily on the patient’s age and whether the cause is primarily dental or skeletal. For children and adolescents whose jaws are still developing, interceptive orthodontics are highly effective. This early treatment, often starting between ages six and nine, uses growth modification appliances to guide the growth of the jaw bones. Functional appliances, such as the Herbst or Twin Block device, can encourage the lower jaw to grow forward, helping to reduce the skeletal discrepancy.
For older teenagers and adults, where jaw growth is complete, treatment focuses primarily on repositioning the teeth within the existing bone structure. Traditional fixed braces use brackets and wires to apply continuous, controlled pressure, gradually moving the protruding teeth backward. Clear aligner systems offer a less visible alternative and are suitable for mild to moderate cases of overjet.
In severe cases where the misalignment is caused by a significant skeletal discrepancy that cannot be corrected by moving the teeth alone, orthognathic surgery may be necessary. This procedure surgically repositions the upper or lower jaw to achieve a proper bite alignment. Orthodontic treatment is typically performed both before and after the surgery to ensure the teeth align perfectly within the newly positioned jaws.
Effects on Oral Health and Function
Leaving a significant overjet untreated can lead to several functional and physical consequences beyond aesthetic concerns. The most immediate risk is an increased susceptibility to dental trauma, as the exposed upper teeth are more vulnerable to accidental chipping or fracture. Research indicates that a protrusion of three millimeters or more significantly triples the risk of injury.
The misalignment can also impair the ability to bite and chew food effectively, which may lead to digestive issues. Furthermore, the improper relationship between the upper and lower jaws can place excessive strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), potentially causing jaw pain or other joint disorders over time. Some individuals may also experience speech impediments, such as lisping, because the tongue cannot make the necessary contact with the teeth for certain sounds.