Treatment Options for Teeth Protrusion in Children
Teeth that protrude are a common type of malocclusion or improper bite. The top teeth should, ideally, snugly meet the bottom teeth, but when there is more than 3 millimeters of protrusion and the top teeth extend over the bottom teeth, this is often referred to as buck teeth, an overbite, or an overjet. Some teeth protrude only mildly, while others may be severe enough to be visible even when a person’s mouth is closed. It is estimated that about 15% of children between the ages of 12 and 15 have an overbite, making it one of the more common orthodontic concerns for children and adolescents. The earlier treatment for protrusion of the teeth can begin, the better. Many orthodontic professionals recommend that children have an orthodontic evaluation at around age 7, and at this initial evaluation the orthodontist will determine whether there is an overbite present and what the most appropriate treatment plan might be.
Much of the time, an overbite is due to genetic conditions. When the upper jaw and lower jaw do not align properly, this can cause the upper front teeth to protrude; this misalignment of the jaws is genetically passed down. Sometimes, overbites are caused by childhood habits like thumb-sucking or persistent use of a pacifier. Children have teeth that move easily, as the bones in their jaws are still developing, and habits like this can affect the development and placement of primary teeth and adult teeth. While it is perfectly normally and not destructive for very young children to have these habits, if your child is still using a pacifier or sucking their thumb when their adult teeth begin to erupt, work with them to help them break this habit. Some children also press their tongues forward against the backs of their front teeth, habitually pushing the teeth and causing them to gradually grow forward and protrude. Overcrowding or excessive spacing of the teeth can also cause the teeth to protrude.
While protruding teeth may seem to be primarily an aesthetic concern, studies have shown that overbites can be dangerous in the long run. Teeth that protrude are more susceptible to damage than teeth that are properly aligned; in fact, children with front teeth that protrude more than 3 millimeters are 3 times more likely to sustain oral injuries than children whose teeth don’t protrude, especially to these exposed teeth that aren’t protected by the upper lip. Especially when children are active or athletic, it is not uncommon for protruding teeth to sustain considerable damage, and damaged teeth usually require multiple corrections and treatments well into adulthood and throughout the person’s life. Overbites can also interfere with a child’s ability to chew or speak properly, and many young people with overbites feel increased insecurity about their appearance and may face social challenges due to their insecurity or appearance.
Thankfully, it is often relatively simple to fix a child’s or adolescent’s overbite, and there are many different treatment methods that can be used. When the teeth protrude only minimally, it may be sufficient to use a removable retainer to bring them back into alignment. This is an especially effective solution when the patient is young and the bones are still developing. There are also multiple types of braces, any of which can successfully treat an overbite, as well as bite correction appliances that can modify the shape and position of the lower jaw to help it match the upper jaw. When protrusion is severe and is caused by mismatched jaw proportions, jaw surgery may be recommended and is likely the most efficacious solution.