Flared teeth, also known as protruding or proclined teeth, are a dental condition where the front teeth angle outward, extending farther than typical. This misalignment can create a noticeable outward curve in the upper dental arch. It may also lead to an overjet, where the upper teeth extend significantly beyond the lower teeth, impacting bite alignment. Many factors can contribute to this condition.
Inherited and Developmental Factors
Genetic predispositions significantly influence jaw size and shape, affecting tooth alignment. For instance, if a child inherits a smaller jaw from one parent and larger teeth from the other, there might be insufficient space for teeth to align properly, causing them to push outward.
The size and shape of individual teeth are also genetically determined. Some individuals inherit larger, rectangular teeth that occupy more space, while others have smaller or more rounded teeth. Discrepancies in tooth size can lead to alignment problems, including flaring. If one or both parents have flared teeth, their children are more likely to develop a similar condition due to inherited facial structures.
The natural growth and development of facial bones and dental arches also play a role. The upper and lower jaws grow and develop over time, and any irregularities in this growth can lead to misalignments. For example, an underdeveloped upper jaw might not provide enough space for teeth, forcing them to erupt in a flared position.
Oral Habits and Behaviors
Prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking, especially beyond the toddler years, can exert consistent pressure on the developing teeth and jaws. This pressure can push the upper front teeth outward, leading to flaring. The extent of these changes depends on the duration, intensity, and frequency of the habit. Breaking such habits around age three may allow the jaw or facial changes to self-correct as the child grows.
Chronic tongue thrusting occurs when the tongue pushes against the front teeth during swallowing or speech instead of resting properly against the roof of the mouth. This continuous outward force can cause teeth to flare or create an open bite where the upper and lower teeth do not meet.
Mouth breathing, where breathing primarily occurs through the mouth instead of the nose, can significantly alter facial muscle balance and jaw position. When breathing through the mouth, the tongue often rests lower in the mouth instead of against the palate, failing to provide the natural outward pressure that guides proper upper jaw development. This lack of tongue support can lead to a narrower upper jaw and a high palate, which in turn reduces space for teeth and can cause them to become crowded and protrude.
Dental Health Conditions
Advanced periodontal disease involves the progressive loss of supportive gum tissue and underlying jawbone. Bacterial plaque accumulation leads to inflammation, initially causing gingivitis, and if left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis. This chronic inflammation destroys the alveolar bone that supports the teeth.
As bone loss progresses, teeth lose their stable foundation, causing them to loosen and shift. This destabilization can result in teeth drifting into new positions, often flaring outward due to the lack of adequate bone support.
Missing teeth can also contribute to flaring. When a tooth is lost, the neighboring teeth lose the support and contact provided by the extracted tooth. This absence allows adjacent teeth to drift or tilt into the empty space, disrupting the overall alignment of the dental arch. This shifting can cause some teeth, particularly the front ones, to move forward and appear flared.
Severe tooth crowding, where there is insufficient space in the jaw for all teeth to align properly, can also manifest as flaring. When teeth are packed too tightly, they may be forced to erupt or shift outward to find space, resulting in a protruding appearance. This lack of adequate dental arch space can push the front teeth forward.