Can I Push My Front Teeth Back?
When the upper front teeth protrude more than 3 millimeters beyond the lower teeth, this is considered an excessive overjet, sometimes called an overbite or protrusion. Protrusion of the teeth can be caused by problems with the teeth, or by problems with the bones of the jaw. When protrusion arises due to problems with the jaw, it is considered skeletal in nature. When protrusion arises because of problems with the teeth, it is dentally caused. Protrusions that occur because of problems with the teeth are much easier to fix through mechanical means, like orthodontic treatment, which includes invisible aligners and braces. Protrusions that are skeletal in nature may require surgery followed by mechanical orthodontic treatment.
When an excessive overjet is present, the top teeth protrude, even when the mouth is closed. This may also be referred to as buck teeth. This protrusion can be caused by childhood habits, like thumb sucking or the prolonged use of a pacifier, that push the teeth into uneven positions. It can also be caused by genetic, skeletal issues that lead to the disproportionate development of the upper and lower jaws. More mild protrusions are usually dental in nature and can easily be treated with braces, invisible aligners, and other mechanical orthodontic treatments. When the jaws themselves are affected, however, they may require surgical modification in order for future mechanical treatments to be effective.
If the teeth protrude due to crowding of the teeth, dentists may also recommend surgically extracting one or two teeth before beginning mechanical orthodontic treatment; the space afforded by the removed tooth or teeth will allow the braces or aligners to effectively straighten the teeth, pushing them into their proper places, and correct the bite. As long as there is sufficient space in the mouth for all the teeth, mechanical treatments like braces and aligners can be effective in manipulating protruding front teeth back into alignment. When only a few teeth protrude, like the two front teeth, it may be simpler to treat just the adjacent teeth with dental bonding or a similar treatment rather than using braces or aligners to correct the entire dentition. With this type of treatment, the adjacent teeth are built up with dental bonding materials, creating a more even line and decreasing the appearance of protrusion. While this may be a more affordable and simpler treatment than orthodontic treatment, it isn’t the right option for everyone. Your dentist can help you determine whether dental bonding is a viable treatment option for your specific case, or whether you would benefit from traditional braces, lingual braces, invisible aligners, or other types of mechanical orthodontic treatment.
While overbites and protruding teeth may seem like they’re primarily an aesthetic concern, in reality, they can lead to complications that affect the overall health of the mouth, and they should be addressed and treated whenever possible, ensuring the health of the teeth and of the oral cavity while helping to improve the appearance of the teeth. Orthodontic treatment may take one or two years, but this is a small price to pay for a confident and healthy smile.