Derek M. Busciglio, D.M.D., runs Busciglio Orthodontics, a family business that works to serve the Brandon, Florida, and Plant City, Florida areas. So he knows a thing or two about correcting buck teeth, which not only look unsightly but can also cause problems with the actual functioning of the teeth and bite, in some cases.
Many young people suffer from protruding teeth, commonly known as buck teeth. Fixing the teeth depends on the severity of the problem, in most cases, as well as the age that the patient comes to the orthodontist.
The appearance and function of your teeth are impacted by this type of bite. It is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward, making the front teeth protrude.
There are a couple of ways to fix things when an individual’s upper teeth protrude too much. They are:
- Advance the lower jaw using rubber bands and braces.
- Use braces and functional appliances, such as a Herbst appliance or a Maura appliance, which are two of the most common appliances used.
- Extract two upper first bicuspids, then retract the upper anterior teeth.
- A fourth method involves surgical correction, where we prepare patients for mandibular advancement surgery.
The most common method, although it depends on the severity of the protrusion, are braces and rubber bands. This is usually carried out when the patient is 10 to 12. The results are excellent.
If you wait until the patient is an adult to correct a front teeth protrusion, most of the time that means doing either bicuspid extraction or oral surgery. You can have braces, but you will not get the same bony response with the growth potential you have as child as when you are an adult. The child has the ability to grow, whereas the adult’s finished. So you have to either take out teeth or surgically move the jaw.
That’s why it is much better to have the work done as soon as you see a problem, which is also why early orthodontist visits are so important. If you are worried about your child’s teeth or bite, schedule an appointment today. It’s never too early.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
