Buck Teeth

What are Buck Teeth?

Buck teeth, otherwise known as an overbite, occurs where the upper front teeth point outwards instead of straight down, protruding over the bottom teeth and lip. The two front teeth are sometimes gapped open. Buck teeth can be unsightly. More importantly, they can also cause premature tooth wear, increased dental decay and discomfort on biting.

What causes Buck Teeth?

Buck teeth can be caused by a child sucking their finger, thumb or a dummy (pacifier) after their permanent teeth have erupted. They can also occur naturally.

How can I correct my Child’s Buck Teeth?

Orthodontic braces are the most successful method of correcting buck teeth, particularly with severe cases. Conventional braces use metal and wire aligners, and these stronger materials produce effective results where your child’s buck teeth badly misaligned.

Bands are fixed around the teeth and used as anchors, with brackets bonded to the front of the tooth. Arch wires are passed through the brackets and attached to the bands. When the wires are tightened, teeth are gradually moved into the proper position. The braces are adjusted on a monthly basis.

Braces are fitted by a trained orthodontist who will manage the treatment during and following the period that your child wears their orthodontic braces.

Will Orthodontic Treatment be Painful?

Most children find orthodontic braces uncomfortable at first, however this is more a pressure than pain. The wires that connect the braces are tightened at each dental visit to shift the teeth and jaw gradually into the desired position and correct the misalignment. This will put mild pressure on your child’s teeth and jaws, and these may feel sore after each visit.

What about Oral Care while my child wears Braces?

Good oral hygiene is especially important when your child is wearing orthodontic braces. Teeth are harder to clean with orthodontic braces and food particles are more easily trapped in the small spaces between teeth and wires.

When the braces are first applied, your child’s orthodontist or dental hygienist should show your child the proper technique for brushing and flossing with braces. Specially designed toothbrushes and floss are available to clean around braces without damaging them.