Buck teeth, or protruding upper front teeth, are common in children and have several causes, including genetics, thumb sucking, long dummy use, a tongue thrust and breathing through the mouth. Teeth that stick out are more likely to be knocked or broken in a fall. Early treatment, often between about 7 and 10 years, can help in some children and is not needed in others. An orthodontist can tell you which group your child is in and when to treat.

What are buck teeth?

Buck teeth means that the upper front teeth sit well in front of the lower ones, so there is a large gap between them when the child bites. The technical term is a large overjet. It can be because the upper teeth are tipped forward, because the lower jaw is set back, or a mix of both.

A small amount of overjet is normal. A larger one can affect how the lips close, how the child bites and how they feel about their smile.

What causes buck teeth in children?

  • Genetics. The shape of the jaws and the size of the teeth run in families.
  • Thumb or finger sucking beyond the age of about 4, when the adult teeth are close to coming through. Our guide to thumb sucking and habit appliances explains the effect.
  • Dummy use over a long period.
  • Tongue thrust. The tongue pushes against the front teeth when swallowing or speaking. See our guide to tongue thrust.
  • Mouth breathing, which can change how the jaws and lips grow. See mouth breathing in children.
  • Crowding or a lower jaw that is smaller or set back.

Why does it matter?

Three reasons are worth knowing:

Injury risk.
Protruding front teeth are more exposed in falls and sports, and studies link a larger overjet with a higher chance of damaged front teeth. If a tooth is knocked, see our guide to dental trauma in children.
Function.
A big overjet can make biting into some foods and closing the lips comfortably harder.
Confidence.
Some children are teased about their teeth. This can be a strong reason to treat, though the decision should be made with the child.

Not every child with prominent front teeth has a problem, and teeth that look protruding at 7 may look different once the other adult teeth arrive.

When should treatment start?

An orthodontic check is advised by around age 7, when the first adult molars and front teeth have come through. See our guide to the right age for a first orthodontist visit. What happens next depends on the child:

Monitor.
For a mild overjet with no habit and no risk, the orthodontist may simply review every six to twelve months.
Treat early (Phase 1).
For a large overjet, a child at risk of injury, a habit that continues or a jaw growth problem, a first stage of treatment around 7 to 10 years may use a habit-breaking appliance, a functional appliance or an early brace to guide the jaws and teeth. Our guide to Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment explains the two stages.
Treat later.
Some children do better with a single stage of treatment after most of the adult teeth are in, usually from about 11 to 13 years.

Early treatment does not always shorten later treatment, and some children still need braces afterwards. The orthodontist should explain the aim of any early step and what is likely to be needed later.

What are the treatment options?

Stopping the habit.
For a thumb sucker, a calm approach, praise and sometimes a habit appliance helps. The orthodontist can advise.
Myobrace and similar appliances,
which work on habits such as mouth breathing and tongue posture, together with exercises. See our guide to how Myobrace works.
Functional or expander appliances
for growing children, to guide the jaws.
Braces or clear aligners
to move the teeth, usually in the teenage years. See our guides to metal braces and clear aligners.
A mouthguard for sport,
whatever treatment is chosen. A dentist or orthodontist can advise on a suitable one.

In a small number of cases where the jaw itself is very different in size, the orthodontist may discuss other options as the child grows.

What can I do now?

  • Help a child who sucks a thumb or dummy to stop, gently and with praise.
  • Ask the doctor if your child snores or breathes through their mouth, because the airway may need a check.
  • Make sure your child wears a mouthguard for contact sports and cycling.
  • Keep up regular dental check-ups and brushing.
  • Book an orthodontic assessment by around age 7 if the front teeth stick out.

When to see a dentist or orthodontist

See an orthodontist if the upper front teeth stick out so much that the lips do not close easily, if your child has had an injury to the front teeth, if a habit continues beyond age 4 or 5, or if your child is unhappy with their teeth. If a tooth has been knocked out or broken, see a dentist straight away, or go to an emergency department if there is heavy bleeding or a head injury.

How we can help at myPediaclinic

Dr. Mohamed Hassabu, Specialist Orthodontist, assesses children’s teeth and bite through our early orthodontic assessment and Myobrace service. Dr. Hassabu looks at the teeth, the jaws and any habits, explains whether to monitor or treat now, and writes down the plan and what to expect. Consultations at our clinic in Dubai Healthcare City are available in English and Arabic.

Frequently asked questions

Will buck teeth correct themselves?

Sometimes a mild overjet improves as the child grows and a habit stops, but a large one rarely corrects on its own. An orthodontic check tells you which is likely.

What is the best age to treat buck teeth?

It depends on the cause. Some children benefit from early treatment around 7 to 10 years, while others do better with treatment as teenagers. The orthodontist decides after an assessment.

Does thumb sucking cause buck teeth?

It can contribute, especially when it continues beyond about 4 years. Many children stop before it affects the teeth, and stopping early often lets the teeth settle.

Are buck teeth only a cosmetic problem?

No. They can raise the risk of injury and affect how the lips and bite work, as well as how a child feels about their smile.

Do all children with buck teeth need braces?

No. Some need only monitoring, some need an early appliance and some need braces later. Treatment is planned for each child.

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