How to fix Bucky Teeth

Bucky teeth is a term often used to describe when someone’s upper front teeth protrude forwards more than their lower teeth. This can be an aesthetic concern for the patient and parents, but can also affect the susceptibility to trauma occurring to the protruding teeth, and also reduces the number of teeth able to be used for chewing. 

In orthodontic terms, this is often referred to as a Class II, division 1 jaw relationship. This describes a mismatch between the upper and lower teeth, and often the underlying jaw bone too. 

There are a few things that can cause this appearance or exacerbate it. This includes: 

• Genetics

• Thumb sucking or other oral habits

• Tongue thrusting or large tongue

• Crowding of the teeth

It is fantastic if we can pick up this issue early, because there are some growth modification processes we can use to improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, but these work best in a growing patient. So we are really looking to check kids as young as 6 to see where they are in their jaw growth, then again at 9, and by around 12 years of age, it’s important we have a plan in place.

If we miss the peak growth period, it does not make treatment impossible, it just takes longer and makes it more difficult.

The treatment for buck teeth will depend on the cause and the age of the patient. In a young patient, a functional appliance is often used to train the jaws to align correctly when biting.

Sometimes, especially in an older patient, if the teeth are too crowded and we are unable to correct the jaw relationship in other ways, removal of teeth is required to resolve the issue. This is rare these days, but is sometimes the best option if the crowding or mismatch is severe.    Generally, the treatment for bucky teeth is aimed at correcting the angle of the upper teeth and improving the occlusion (ability to bite). The goal is usually for the patient to have a harmonious external appearance, to be able to comfortably close their lips and to chew on their front teeth. 

If you would like to discuss your unique orthodontic needs book a consultation with Dr Kate Amos or Dr Sam Rosehill at Ethical Dental on 6652 3185 or book online.

To learn more about orthodontics check out our articles 'Does Orthodontics Hurt?' and 'How long does Orthodontic treatment take?.