How to Fix Teeth Protrusion in Adults
Dental specialists measure the amount that the teeth overlap, determining what is considered normal and what is considered protrusion. In teeth that are not affected by protrusion, the upper teeth protrude no more than 3 millimeters past the lower teeth. When the teeth protrude more than 3 millimeters, this is considered a malocclusion, or bad bite; the protrusion of the teeth is considered an abnormality and is called an increased or excessive overjet. Excessive overjets are very common, but they can lead to a number of different kinds of dental issues, including pain, uneven wear on the teeth, and cosmetic concerns. It is somewhat simpler to correct an excessive overjet when the person is a child or adolescent, as younger jaws that are still developing are more malleable, though orthodontic treatment for adults is also effective and straightforward in most cases. Sometimes, however, like when the protrusion is a result of skeletal deformity, surgery may be required to fix protrusion.
Excessive overjets may be genetic, or they may be caused by certain childhood behaviors, like chronic thumb sucking or persistent use of a pacifier. If an increased overjet appears in an adult and was not present during childhood, or if an overjet increases and causes the teeth to protrude more over time, it is likely that the increased overjet is due to underlying issues with the dental health. The effects of an increased overjet on the overall dental health often depend on the severity of the protrusion of the teeth. Protrusion also affects the appearance of the smile, and the more extreme the protrusion, the more severe the aesthetic effects. Orthodontic treatment is an effective way to repair an increased overjet, and a few different types of braces can help restore your teeth to their proper alignment.
For many people, protrusion of the teeth raises aesthetic concerns, which is reason enough to correct an excessive overjet. There are other good reasons to treat this type of malocclusion, however. Protrusion of the teeth can complicate a person’s ability to speak clearly, and it can also create challenges in eating and chewing. In severe cases, protrusion can also lead to gum damage, which occurs when the lower teeth repeatedly strike the gum line on the backs of the upper teeth, which can eventually lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Excessive overjet can also cause undue wear on the teeth, chronic pain in the jaw, and headaches, and can even lead to sleep apnea.
Orthodontic treatment for protrusion begins with x-rays, which can be used to measure the position of the jaws and guide the treatment plan. Treatment is unique to each person’s situation. In some rare cases, surgery may be required to correct an increased overjet, though most cases of protrusion can be treated with simple orthodontic measures. These orthodontic treatments include traditional braces, as well as lingual braces, which are placed on the backs of the teeth, and clear aligners like Invisalign. These less visible orthodontic options may appeal to adults who wish to discreetly correct their bite without their smile being affected by visible braces. If you have dental protrusion or any other problems with your bite, your dentist can help you decide which treatment is the best for your needs.