Protruding Front Teeth Correction: Everything You Need to Know
As your child’s teeth begin to grow in, it’s possible for them to develop protruding front teeth, as well as other dental flaws.
The best way to combat these issues is to incorporate regular dentists visits into their routine and get them dental treatment if they experience severe oral disorders. According to studies, the earlier a child begins dental visits, the less likely they are to be afraid of the dentist.
To learn more about the importance of fixing protruding teeth, continue reading.
What Is Malocclusion?
Malocclusion is an issue that creates misalignment within the mouth and can lead to serious oral health conditions. It’s also referred to as open bite, overbite, underbite, crowded teeth, and crossbite.
When a child or adult has these types of conditions, their teeth are unable to function properly. These dental flaws create problems while eating and speaking, as well as other complications.
There are also other habits or issues that could lead to malocclusion, such as:
- Prolonged bottle-feeding
- Tumours within the mouth or jaw
- Inadequate dental care that resulted in poor-quality crowns, dental fillings, or braces
- Thumb sucking
- Abnormally shaped teeth
- Using a pacifier beyond the age of three
If you are unsure if you have malocclusion, common symptoms include:
- Problems with speech
- Discomfort while biting or chewing
- Misalignment of the teeth
- Altered facial structure
- Breathing through the mouth, not the nose
- Frequent biting of the tongue or inner cheeks
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to get the issue corrected before it leads to other oral complications.
Here’s an example: Lily had a mixed dentition (combination of baby teeth and adult teeth). The arches were very narrow and she had protruding top teeth. Her teeth were crowded and she had a deep bite with buck teeth.
She started with a 9-month Invisalign First treatment, but now she has lost her baby 1st premolars and her adult premolars have started to come through, she has transitioned into Invisalign teen as a phase 2 comprehensive treatment.
Here is what Lily had to say about her treatment:
And of course, Lily’s mum was also delighted, here’s what she has to say:
What Causes Protruding Top Teeth?
If your child has protruding front teeth, there could be several reasons for it. This condition is often known as buck teeth, and the level of severity for it varies from person to person.
However, in many cases buck teeth are hereditary. A person’s jaw shape and physical features can be passed down within family generations. Protruding top teeth is often a shared trait between parents, siblings, or other relatives.
This genetic condition causes an uneven jaw or a smaller lower or upper jaw. On the contrary, there are more circumstances that can lead to buck teeth, such as:
Extra Teeth or Missing Teeth
When a child has missing teeth or additional teeth, it often changes the alignment of the mouth, teeth, and jaws. When this happens, it sometimes gives the appearance of protruding front teeth.
So even if your child doesn’t technically have buck teeth, certain dental flaws can make it appear so.
Cysts
Cysts within your child’s mouth or jaw can create misalignment of the teeth and the shape of the mouth and jaw. This occurs due to continual swelling or growth within the upper part of the mouth or jaw.
As a result, it pushes the teeth forward causing the appearance of protruding top teeth.
Tongue Thrusting
Tongue thrusting happens when the tongue pushes too far forward inside of the mouth. This condition is primarily a result of malocclusion. Tongue thrusting is most common within children, but it also can follow them into adulthood.
This issue is created by several issues like swollen tonsils and poor swallowing habits.
Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is a habit that parents should urge their children to stay away from. This habit is known as Non-Nutritive Sucking Behaviour (NNSB). Basically, sucking thumbs does not provide any nutrition in the way that nursing does.
While NSB is helpful in some situations was a child is a baby, it creates complications as they grow older. When a child continues to suck their thumb past the age of 3 or 4, it can permanently alter the shape of their teeth. The pressure that’s created by sucking on the thumb while permanent teeth are developing creates an irregular angle of the teeth.
The same is true for sucking on a pacifier. It too can create an overbite if it continues after a certain age.
Side Effects of Thumbsucking
Thumbsucking has many side effects. Not only can it create a habit that could potentially follow your child into adulthood, but it also creates dental conditions like buck teeth. Additionally, it may lead to an open bite, overbite, or a speech impediment.
Furthermore, children who suck their thumb are likely to have skin problems. The excess moisture from their mouth makes the skin more prone to injuries, like cracking and bleeding. It can also cause infections on the hands, as well as a calloused thumb.
Unfortunately, thumb sucking creates social issues too. If your child has a hard time breaking the habit, it could lead to teasing from other children.
Overbite Correction: How to Fix Overbite from Thumbsucking
Taking your child to an orthodontist is the best course of action for correcting an overbite. By allowing a specialist to provide a dental treatment like braces, it can reverse the side effects of thumb sucking.
Depending on the severity of your child’s condition, additional methods might be required to fix their protruding front teeth.
How to Fix Protruding Teeth
Thankfully, protruding front teeth can be fixed in numerous ways. The primary methods include:
Braces: Wire braces are a great way to correct protruding front teeth. They help to pull the teeth into the proper position and align the teeth so they are straight. Braces are the most common treatment for children with buck teeth.
Jaw Surgery: When a child has a severe condition that’s causing protruding top teeth, jaw surgery is sometimes required. By doing the operation, it corrects the upper and lower jaws. In severe cases, standard braces aren’t enough.
Protruding Teeth Invisalign: Invisalign is another great treatment for correcting buck teeth and minor malocclusions within older children. The clear aligners work to gradually shift the position of the teeth into correct alignment. Also, this is a great alternative for children who don’t want traditional braces.
Protruding Front Teeth: Get a Better Smile
If your child has protruding front teeth, we can help. Our Smile Specialist Orthodontic Centre provides services to correct various dental problems like spacing, crossbites, and protruding top teeth from thumb sucking.
If you’re ready to give your child a new smile, request a free consultation at our Guilford location.
We look forward to connecting with you soon.