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Protruded upper teeth (also known as “buck” teeth) are characterized by the upper teeth protruding or extending too far forward in relation to the lower teeth.
At Castilla Orthodontics we have heard and seen concerns about protruded upper teeth for a host of reasons. While cosmetic reasons do come into play, Dr. Castilla is mostly concerned about health and safety when it comes to prominent teeth: they are at higher risk for injury in sports or other activities, can often be a cause for teasing and/or bullying, and having protruded upper teeth can compromise a person’s ability to chew properly— especially when biting into foods such as lettuce.
If you suspect that you are your child may be affected by protruded teeth, it may be time to obtain an orthodontic consultation at Castilla Orthodontics to learn about your options for treatment and correction.
Causes of prominent teeth
There are several factors that may contribute to the protrusive appearance of upper teeth:
- dental malposition (malocclusion)
- small lower jaw
- prominent upper jaw
- a combination of all these factors
Treatments for protrusive upper teeth
If the cause is related to the relationship and size of the jaws, timing of treatment becomes critical, as jaw discrepancies are best addressed while a child is still growing. In a non-growing individual, severe jaw discrepancies may require orthodontic treatment in combination with jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to completely correct
Count on us for the most up-to-date care
At Castilla Orthodontics, one of our primary goals is to sit down with families and ensure that all the options, as well as the benefits of treatment, are understood. As an orthodontics professor at Oregon Health and Science University, Dr. Castilla stays up-to-date on the latest treatments for this type of bite (malocclusion) to provide the best orthodontic care for each individual.
Interested in learning about your options? Contact Castilla Orthodontics today for a complimentary exam and consultation.
Photo Credit: GoodNCrazy via Compfight cc
