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The phrase  “buck teeth” refers to an overbite, usually a deep bite, where the upper front teeth protrude forward and sometimes even show through the lips. Some patients with a deep overbite feel self-conscious about their smile. At Freeman Orthodontics, we want you to be proud of your smile.

Braces – Before and After Buck Teeth

We often treat buck teeth to help our patients get the smile they’ve always wanted. Hide your smile no longer! The difference we see in our patients with buck teeth before and after braces is often astounding. They’re more confident and excited to show off their new smile!

Before and After Buck Teeth

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This patient’s crowding and buck teeth were turned into a confident smile over 18 months with Spark aligners and elastics.

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This patient’s Buck teeth with gaps and a severe overbite were transformed over 2 and ½ years with an Herbst appliance and braces and elastics.

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In just 22 months, this patient achieved a confident smile by using an Herbst appliance, braces, and elastics.

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This patient had crowding and buck teeth and achieved a confident smile through aligners and elastics.

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This patient’s flared upper teeth and severe overbite with crowding were treated with an Herbst appliance followed by braces and elastics over 3 years. The result was a confident smile!

What Causes Buck Teeth?

A deep overbite can develop for a variety of reasons. While some can be prevented, many cannot. Whatever the cause, we can treat buck teeth with braces or clear aligners. Here are the most common causes of a deep overbite:

  • Genetics: Buck teeth can be an inherited family trait for some people. The family’s facial structures may be prone to overbites. There may also be genetic disorders that make a person prone to buck teeth. In this case, it’s not something you can control.
  • Thumb Sucking: Many parents want to know, “Do pacifiers cause buck teeth?” What about thumb-sucking? It is highly recommended that a child stop sucking their thumb or pacifier before age 3. Those who don’t stop run the risk of altering their mouth structure. The roof of the mouth is raised, and the front teeth are pushed forward because of the pressure of the thumb in the mouth.
  • Growth Spurts: A person may have a rapid growth spurt that causes the upper jaw to grow faster and protrude more than the lower jaw. This can lead to an overbite.
  • Excessively Large Teeth: Some patients naturally have larger front teeth than normal. Even if the bite is fairly normal, the patient can still have the appearance of buck teeth because of the larger teeth. 
  • Tongue Thrusting: Some patients have the habit, usually unconsciously, of thrusting their tongue forward as they swallow. Over time, the repetitive motion can cause the teeth to be pushed forward.
  • Teeth Grinding: Patients may have the habit of grinding their teeth, either consciously during the day or unconsciously during sleep. This can cause a host of oral issues, from overbites to cracked teeth.
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Do I “Need” to Fix Buck Teeth?

Because it’s easier to fix overbites and other oral issues before the jaw hardens and sets in adulthood, many patients want to correct buck teeth as early as possible. Buck teeth can also cause several oral and overall health issues that can worsen over time.

  • Problems chewing: A severe overbite can cause the misalignment of teeth, which can lead to problems chewing. It can be harder to chew food properly and into the small bites necessary for proper digestion. 
  • Digestive issues: Digestive problems can occur if the food is not properly chewed. The start of digestion is in the mouth when the saliva mixes with the food during chewing. If the food is not chewed properly, it can be harder for the stomach to digest. This can lead to problems such as indigestion. It can also reduce nutrient absorption, which can be detrimental to your overall health. 
  • Speech issues: Your speech is determined by the placement of your tongue against the roof of your mouth or your teeth. If they are not in the proper shape or in the proper location, it could cause speech impediments such as a lisp. 
  • Excessive tooth wear: Your teeth are designed to stay strong when they fit together properly. When they don’t, the misalignment can cause extreme pressure on different parts of your teeth. This can lead to rapid tooth wear, eventually leading to cracks or chips in your teeth. 
  • Breathing difficulties: Teeth that stick out can block or narrow airways. A raised palate can narrow the nasal passages, making it more difficult to breathe. Repairing your overbite can improve your breathing.
  • Self-esteem issues: Many people see an overbite as less than ideal when it comes to appearance. Those who have an overbite — especially an excessive one — tend to have lower self-esteem because they feel their teeth are not attractive. This can hurt overall mental health. Repairing your smile can give you confidence again.

Can Braces Fix Buck Teeth?

We can repair your buck teeth with braces or, in many cases, clear aligners. Freeman Orthodontics offers several treatment options for our patients in the San Jose, CA, area. It’s best to treat your overbite as soon as possible. The older you get, the more pronounced your health issues will get. The bone in your jaw is more malleable when you’re younger, so your teeth are easier to move. As you reach adulthood, the bone hardens. While it takes more time to treat adult orthodontics, you can still fix buck teeth with braces later in life.

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Braces are the tried-and-true method for repairing overbites and deep bites. We offer Pitts21 self-ligating braces using metal or clear ceramic brackets. The Pitts21 system works faster and more efficiently than traditional braces, and the brackets have rounded edges that make them more comfortable. 

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Can Invisalign Fix Buck Teeth?

While clear aligners have come a long way and can treat many more dental issues than in their early days, Invisalign is not always right for those with severe dental problems. In the case of a deep bite, braces may be best. Dr. Freeman will evaluate your case to determine which treatment method will work best for you.

We offer clear aligners from Invisalign and Spark for those who are uncomfortable with the look of braces. Clear aligners are custom-molded to your teeth to provide a personalized treatment that is often done in less time than braces. The clear aligners are also nearly invisible, so you can watch your smile transform! 

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Treatment times will vary depending on the severity of your overbite and whether there are other dental issues to fix at the same time. Braces treatment can go 9-18 months, and Invisalign or Spark clear aligner treatment can last 6-15 months, outside of rare cases. Only the doctor can tell exactly how long your treatments will take.  

Orthodontist San Jose: Getting the Smile of your Dreams

We can repair your buck teeth with braces or, in many cases, clear aligners. Freeman Orthodontics offers several treatment options for our patients in the San Jose, CA, area. It’s best to treat your overbite as soon as possible. The older you get, the more pronounced your health issues will get. The bone in your jaw is more malleable when you’re younger, so your teeth are easier to move. As you reach adulthood, the bone hardens. While it takes more time to treat adults, you can still have your buck teeth fixed with braces or clear aligners.

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