It’s easy to confuse an overbite with buck teeth and many interchange the terms. They are similar but there are variants in each that make them different. Both are dental misalignment issues but how they are set in a person’s mouth is where differences lie.
An overbite is when the upper row of teeth project over the lower teeth more than 30 percent. An overbite is also referred to as a deep bite. Buck teeth are more pronounced, especially with the front teeth. They project over lower teeth more than 2 millimeters. Dentists also refer to this as overjet and some refer to buck teeth as a specific type of overbite.
What Causes Overbite and Buck Teeth?
Genetics plays a huge role in creating overbites and buck teeth. Children with these issues usually have a parent with the same issues. Another common cause is improper jawbone development. Those with jawbones not growing properly can face an overbite issue. The jawbone position is the problem as the top jawbone doesn’t align with the bottom one.
In some cases, children who have permanent teeth coming in without their baby teeth falling out can result in an overbite or buck teeth. That’s because there isn’t enough room for the permanent teeth so they push the baby teeth forward and grow into that position after the baby teeth fall out.
The most common reason for an overbite, and especially buck teeth, are bad habits. Children who suck their thumb, feed on a bottle, or use a pacifier for an extended time can get buck teeth or an overbite. Those habits put pressure on the front teeth and will move them over time, just as braces move a child’s teeth back into place.
Children should stop using a pacifier, thumb-sucking, or bottle use between the ages of two and four. This is when they have the majority of their baby teeth in and these habits could affect the positioning of those teeth. Children shouldn’t retain any of these habits once their permanent teeth start coming in as that will cause overbite issues.
Children’s permanent teeth are highly flexible so any similar habit, like sucking on lollipops, water bottles, or always using a straw, should be reduced. These types of things put the same pressure on the teeth and could move them out of place.
Risks
While there aren’t any immediate health risks to an overbite or buck teeth, there are long-term implications. Teeth issues like tooth decay and gum disease are the primary concern for those with these issues. Chewing can be uncomfortable so their nutrition may be reduced as they pick foods that are easier to eat instead of a variety. Breathing issues can become a problem and that can result in sleep issues. Those with an overbite or buck teeth can develop a speech impediment. Common problems among this group of people are pain in the jaw and neck. Headaches are common.
One of the risks of having this type of problem is with confidence and social interaction. Many children with buck teeth or an overbite are teased or mocked by other children. They may find it hard to fit in or socialize. Correcting the problem can give them a confidence boost and help them interact better with their peers.
Treatments
The good news is that overbites and buck teeth can be fixed by an orthodontist. Braces are the typical solution but those with mild cases can resolve the problem with aligners. Retainers are also an option for milder cases. Extreme cases may involve jawbone surgery but that is rare and is only done in adults.
Children with skeletal issues may need a growth modification device to position the jaw correctly. An orthodontist may recommend this device to prevent a serious overbite or to try to correct one where the jaw is seriously misaligned. Children’s bones are flexible and growing so this is an effective method to avoid more serious complications.
An orthodontist may recommend extracting teeth in both children and adults for more serious cases. With children, baby teeth can be pulled to create more space for permanent ones coming in and, hopefully, avoid an overbite or buck teeth. Orthodontists extract teeth in adults only as one of the final options in serious cases. Typically, the decision is made because the teeth are also decaying or gum disease is causing problems as well. They can replace teeth with dentures or implants placed in the proper position.
Contact us for an appointment if you are concerned about an overbite or buck teeth. Our orthodontist can evaluate the mouth and offer a solution that is right for yourself or your child.
