Buck Teeth : Causes, Risks and Treatment Options
Buck teeth also called protruding front teeth or an increased overjet are very common, especially in children and teenagers. For some people it’s a cute childhood feature that they grow out of; for others, it becomes a real concern that affects confidence, chewing and even speech.
In this guide, we’ll look at what buck teeth are, why they happen, when they can cause problems and which treatment options are available from traditional braces to clear aligners and jaw surgery in more severe cases.
What Are Buck Teeth?
In a healthy bite, the upper front teeth sit slightly in front of the lower front teeth, with a small, normal overlap.
With buck teeth:
The upper front teeth stick out much further than normal
There is a noticeable horizontal gap between upper and lower front teeth
From the side, the teeth and sometimes the lips can look more “forward” than the chin
Dentists often call this an “increased overjet” or Class II malocclusion.
Some people only notice it in photos. Others feel it every day when they close their mouth, try to bite into food, or smile in public.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Buck Teeth
Buck teeth can be very mild or very pronounced. Typical signs include:
Upper front teeth clearly protruding over the lower ones
Difficulty keeping the lips comfortably closed without effort
Gums and front teeth showing more than you’d like when you smile
Front teeth feeling more vulnerable when you fall or bump your mouth
Difficulty biting into certain foods (like apples or sandwiches)
Slight speech issues, especially with sounds like “s”, “z” or “sh”
Feeling self-conscious in photos or when laughing
You don’t need to have all of these signs. Even a small overjet can bother you, especially if it affects your confidence.
What Causes Buck Teeth?
Buck teeth very rarely appear “out of nowhere”. Usually, it’s a combination of genetics, childhood habits and jaw development.
1. Genetics and Family Traits
If one or both parents have:
Protruding front teeth
A smaller, retruded lower jaw
A bigger, more forward upper jaw
…then it’s quite likely that their child may have a similar pattern.
The size and shape of your jaw bones and teeth are strongly influenced by genetics, which is why buck teeth often “run in the family”.
2. Thumb Sucking, Dummy Use and Other Habits
Some habits in early childhood can push the front teeth forwards over time, especially when the jaw is still growing:
Prolonged dummy (pacifier) use
Thumb or finger sucking
Biting on toys, pens or objects for long periods
Tongue thrusting (pushing the tongue against or between the front teeth)
If these habits continue beyond the toddler years, they can gradually change how the teeth and jaws grow, leading to buck teeth.
3. Mouth Breathing
Children who breathe mainly through their mouth instead of their nose often due to allergies, enlarged tonsils or adenoids may develop changes in:
Tongue position
Upper jaw width
Facial growth pattern
Over time, this can contribute to narrow upper jaws and protruding front teeth. That’s why ENT (ear, nose and throat) problems and orthodontic issues sometimes go hand in hand.
4. Jaw Bone Discrepancies
In some cases, the main problem isn’t just the teeth, but the position of the jaws:
A small or retruded lower jaw can make the upper teeth look much more forward
An overgrown or protruded upper jaw can also exaggerate overjet
These are called skeletal discrepancies. In mild cases, braces alone may improve things. In more severe adult cases, orthognathic (jaw) surgery might be recommended along with orthodontic treatment.
5. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
If baby teeth are:
Removed too early
Lost and not replaced
Or if permanent teeth arrive much later than expected
…the remaining teeth may drift into the wrong positions. This can cause crowding, gaps or forward movement of the front teeth, and in some cases, buck teeth.
Regular check-ups in childhood help catch these issues before they become bigger problems.
Are Buck Teeth Just a Cosmetic Problem?
Not always. While appearance is a big reason many people seek treatment, buck teeth can also cause functional and health issues, including:
Higher risk of trauma: Protruding front teeth are more exposed in falls, sports and accidents, and are more likely to chip or fracture.
Uneven tooth wear: A poor bite can cause certain teeth to wear down faster than others.
Jaw joint strain: An imbalanced bite may put extra pressure on the jaw joints, sometimes leading to pain or clicking.
Chewing difficulties: Some foods are harder to bite or tear.
Speech issues: Sounds like “s” and “z” may be affected if the front teeth and tongue don’t work together efficiently.
Self-confidence: Many people with buck teeth say they avoid smiling in photos, laughing freely or speaking in front of others.
So, treating buck teeth isn’t only about “straight teeth” it’s about protecting long-term oral health and quality of life.
How Are Buck Teeth Treated?
The best treatment depends on:
Your age
The severity of the overjet
Whether the main problem is tooth position, jaw position, or both
Your general dental health
Here are the main options your dentist or orthodontist may discuss with you.
1. Braces (Fixed Orthodontic Treatment)
Braces are still the most common and reliable way to correct buck teeth.
Metal Braces
Small metal brackets attached to each tooth
Connected by wires that are tightened over time
Gradually move teeth into better alignment and reduce overjet
Very effective for mild to severe cases
Ceramic (Tooth-Coloured) Braces
Work like metal braces but use tooth-coloured or clear brackets
Less visible, often preferred by adults and image-conscious teenagers
Treat the same range of problems as traditional metal braces
With both types, the goal is to:
Move the upper front teeth back
Create a healthier relationship between upper and lower teeth
Improve function, comfort and appearance
2. Clear Aligners (e.g. Invisalign® and Similar Systems)
Clear aligners are a popular choice for people who want a more discreet option.
Series of transparent, removable trays made to fit your teeth
Worn for 20–22 hours a day, changed every 1–2 weeks
Gently and gradually move teeth into better positions
They can work very well for mild to moderate buck teeth, especially if the main issue is tooth position rather than severe jaw discrepancy. However, they require good compliance if you don’t wear them enough, they won’t work properly.
3. Functional Appliances in Growing Children
For children and early teenagers still in their growth phase, special orthodontic appliances (often removable) can help:
Encourage a small lower jaw to grow forwards
Guide upper and lower jaws into a more favourable relationship
Reduce the severity of buck teeth before full braces are fitted
These are sometimes called functional appliances. Early assessment is key: in many cases, the ideal time to intervene is between 8–14 years, depending on individual growth.
4. Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery for Severe Cases
When the overjet is very large and mainly due to jaw bone position, braces alone may not be enough in adults.
In these cases, an orthodontist and an oral & maxillofacial surgeon may recommend orthognathic surgery, where:
Braces are used to align the teeth
Surgery repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both
Braces are used again for final fine-tuning
This can dramatically change the profile, bite and overall facial balance. It is a bigger commitment and usually reserved for more complex, severe cases.
5. Cosmetic Options in Very Mild Cases
If the overjet is very small and mainly a cosmetic issue, some people may consider:
Composite bonding
Porcelain veneers
Crowns in specific situations
These can adjust the shape and appearance of the front teeth. However:
Cosmetic treatments do not correct the underlying bite or jaw relationship.
They’re best seen as a surface-level solution and should be planned very carefully with a cosmetic dentist or prosthodontist.
When Is the Best Time to Treat Buck Teeth?
There’s no single “right” age, but:
Children
First orthodontic check-up is often recommended around age 7–8.
If habits or jaw growth are causing problems, early treatment can make things easier later.
Teenagers
A very common time to start braces or aligners.
Growth can be used to our advantage to correct jaw position and overjet.
Adults
It’s never “too late” to straighten teeth.
Adults can be treated with braces or aligners; in more severe cases, jaw surgery may be discussed as an option.
The best step is always a professional assessment with a dentist or orthodontist who can look at your teeth, jaw, X-rays and facial profile.
Can You Fix Buck Teeth at Home?
Short answer: no – and trying to do so can be dangerous.
DIY methods you might see online (rubber bands, homemade appliances, pressing or pushing on teeth) can:
Damage tooth roots
Cause gum recession and mobility
Affect blood supply to teeth
Create serious bite and jaw issues
Teeth and jaws need controlled, gentle forces applied in the right direction. That’s what orthodontic treatment is designed to do.
If you’re unhappy with your teeth, the safest and smartest choice is to speak to a qualified dentist or orthodontist, whether in the UK or abroad.
What to Expect During Treatment
While every treatment plan is unique, you can roughly expect:
Consultation & examination
Photos, X-rays, possibly a 3D scan
Discussion of your main concerns and goals
Treatment planning
Braces vs aligners vs combined approach
Estimated treatment time
Any extractions or additional procedures if needed
Active treatment
Regular visits for brace adjustments or new aligner sets
Some tightness or mild discomfort after each adjustment
Retention
After your buck teeth are corrected, you’ll usually wear a retainer
This keeps your teeth in their new positions and protects your results
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Live With Buck Teeth Forever
Buck teeth are very common, but that doesn’t mean you have to simply accept them if they’re affecting your confidence or comfort.
Modern orthodontics offers many ways to correct protruding front teeth:
Traditional metal or ceramic braces
Discreet clear aligners
Growth-guiding appliances in children
Jaw surgery in more complex adult cases
If you live in the UK and feel that your front teeth are too prominent, or you’ve always been self-conscious about your smile, the first step is simple:
Book a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist to find out which treatment options are right for you and what kind of results you can realistically expect.
