Treatment of prominent front teeth (commonly referred to as “buck teeth”) is undertaken to improve a child’s appearance and self-esteem as much as it is to improve his or her bite. While single-stage treatment during adolescence is often preferred, there is an argument to make for earlier treatment. Research shows that two-stage treatment (beginning at about age seven and continued later in early adolescence) greatly reduces the likelihood that protruding front teeth will either be knocked out or damaged in an accident. Because buck teeth are also commonly associated with mouth-breathing and speech problems that can invite unkind remarks from peers, earlier treatment is also often recommended as a means of averting emotional and social problems.
Based on diagnostic tools that include a full medical and dental health history, a clinical exam, plaster models of your teeth and special x-rays and photographs, an orthodontist can decide whether orthodontics are recommended, and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. To schedule a free orthodontic consultation, please call Fredericksburg Orthodontics & Invisalign Center at 540-898-7211. We are located at 10618 Spotsylvania Ave. (Lee’s Hill Center on Rt. 1 South). Our hours are Monday through Friday. Evening appointments are available.
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In many cases, a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation reveals that buck teeth are caused by a lower jaw that is too “retruded,” in which case early treatment is needed to correct jaw abnormalities.