Preventing Dental Trauma: Early Treatment for Protrusive Teeth with Dr Wei, your local Canberra Orthodontist
Commonly referred to as an overbite, a common concern for many parents can be "buck teeth", or the presence of protrusive upper front teeth. This results in an increased horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth which is technically called an overjet. It occurs when the upper teeth extend beyond the lower teeth. While a certain amount of overjet is normal, excessive overjet can be a cause for concern. Dr Robert Wei, our specialist orthodontist in Canberra, recommends that all kids have an initial screening by the age of 7 so that issues such as excessive overjets can be picked up early.
Issues that can arise as a result of protrusive front teeth
Our main concerns with an excessive overjet are the increased risks of front teeth trauma, especially during accidents or sporting activities. When the upper front teeth protrude significantly, they become more susceptible to direct impact, which can lead to chips, fractures, or even tooth loss. We understand that as parents, you want to protect your child's smile at all costs. If we can address these issues early on, you can help prevent fractures or chipping that protrusive teeth may be more susceptible to, particularly in active children or those involved in sports.
Causes of protrusive upper teeth
Protrusive upper front teeth can be caused by 3 main reasons
the position of the upper teeth in respect to the face and the upper jaw
the relative position between the upper and lower jaws especially if the lower jaw is smaller and set back
a combination of both teeth and jaw relationships
Often we find that protrusive front teeth often run in families and as there is a genetic contribution to the development of the size of the upper and lower jaws.
Treatment options for protrusive front teeth
Early intervention is crucial when it comes to managing protrusive teeth. Dr Robert Wei, our specialist orthodontist at Wei Orthodontics, recommends that children with protrusive front teeth receive some early orthodontic intervention, as a means of reducing these risks. Not only does it allow for effective and efficient correction, but it also helps prevent potential dental trauma.
A variety of options are available for correcting protrusive teeth early on to address the excessive overjet and minimise the risk of front teeth trauma. Dr Wei may recommend any of the following:
for patients with protrusive front teeth which are solely based on the position of the upper teeth themselves, addressing the positions of these teeth with partial braces may be sufficient
for patients with an underlying jaw issue, the treatment options can vary based on severity of the discrepancy between the jaws and includes the use of functional appliances designed to address the underlying skeletal relationships, such as twin block appliances or headgear
When it comes to your child, early orthodontic intervention can make all the difference. Early treatment for protrusive teeth is vital in preventing potential dental mishaps. If you're concerned about the risk of front teeth trauma due to your child's overjet, we're here to help.
Dr Robert Wei and the dedicated team at Wei Orthodontics are committed to providing exceptional care tailored to your child's unique needs. If you’re concerned about protrusive front teeth affecting your child’s health or self-esteem, schedule a free initial appointment with your trusted, local Canberra orthodontist.
