Buck teeth—technically called overjet and often seen in Class II malocclusion—occur when the upper front teeth jut forward over the lower set. While some people view them as a harmless quirk, research shows a large overjet can raise the risk of dental trauma, speech impediments, and jaw pain and may affect self‑esteem1.
This guide explains what causes buck teeth and, more importantly, how today’s orthodontics can correct them at any age.
Quick Facts
| At-a-Glance | |
| First ortho check‑up | Age 7, per the American Association of Orthodontists |
| Most common causes | Genetics, oral habits (thumb‑sucking, tongue thrust, mouth‑breathing), mismatched jaw growth |
| Main treatment windows | Early interceptive (6–10 yrs) • Comprehensive braces/aligners (10 yrs +) • Combined ortho‑surgery (adults, severe) |
| Average active treatment time | 12–24 months (orthodontic) · 4–6 weeks recovery (jaw surgery) |
What Causes Buck Teeth?
Most buck teeth issues are hereditary. However, some external factors after birth can also lead to buck teeth. Here are the most common causes of buck teeth listed for you.
- Thumb Sucking
- Sucking On Pacifier
- Tongue- Thrust
- Genetics Factors
- Dental Issues (missing or crowding teeth)
- Medical Conditions (cysts or tumors)
| Habit / Factor | How It Creates Overjet |
|---|---|
| Thumb‑ or Pacifier‑Sucking past age 3 | Constant pressure pushes top incisors forward. |
| Tongue Thrusting | The tongue repeatedly presses against front teeth during swallowing. |
| Genetic Jaw Discrepancy | An upper jaw that grows faster than the lower (skeletal Class II). |
| Missing / Crowded Teeth | Gaps or crowding let front teeth drift outward. |
| Airway & Medical Issues | Enlarged adenoids, cysts, or tumors can alter jaw posture. |
Thumb Sucking
Buck teeth caused by thumb sucking are a common issue among babies. Thumb sucking at a young age is normal. However, if the baby prolongs this habit into the toddler stage while getting his/her permanent teeth, it may cause the front teeth to develop at an abnormal angle.
Sucking On Pacifier
Pacifiers carry a similar risk as thumb-sucking does. Especially, sucking at a dentally critical stage can lead to malocclusion in the years that follow.
Tongue- Thrust
Tongue thrust first appears when babies are breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Though it is normal at that time, it might prolong the tongue thrust even more. It can then cause an “open bite” or overbite (buck teeth).
Genetic Factors
Genetic factors account for a large portion of buck teeth cases. For example, the shape of the jaw is a major factor that patients generally inherit from their parents. An uneven jaw size between the upper and lower teeth might lead to buck teeth.
Some Dental Issues
Patients can also have buck teeth problems due to crowding or spacing between their front teeth. Also, missing teeth may cause the remaining ones to migrate over time, which can affect the alignment of the teeth, leading to buck teeth.
Other Medical Conditions
Some patients might have buck teeth due to cysts or tumors in their mouths or jaws. The most common cause is usually a growth or persistent swelling. This type of medical condition requires more comprehensive treatment, and it is recommended that one consult other medical doctors.
How To Fix Buck Teeth?
The best way to fix buck teeth depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the issue. Treatment options typically involve orthodontics and, in some cases, may also include jaw surgery. Here are the common ways to fix buck teeth:
Treatment Pathways by Age Group
1. Interceptive Orthodontics (Ages 7 – 11)
- Palatal expanders to widen a narrow upper jaw
- Functional appliances (e.g., Twin‑Block) to guide jaw growth
- Partial (“phase I”) braces to correct flaring front teeth
- Behavioural coaching to stop thumb‑sucking or tongue thrust
2. Comprehensive Braces for Teens
- Metal, ceramic, or self‑ligating brackets realign teeth in 18–24 months on average.
- Elastics correct the jaw relationship and close any residual gaps.
3. Adult Solutions
| Treatment option | Best for / ideal cases | Core procedure(s) | Typical active time* | Key advantages | Points to consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed braces (metal or ceramic) | Mild‑to‑severe dental overjet with healthy jaw relationship | Brackets and arch‑wires progressively retract upper incisors and coordinate bite | 12 – 24 months | High control, predictable, most affordable full‑correction method | Visible appliance, requires meticulous oral hygiene and adjustment visits |
| Clear aligners | Mild‑to‑moderate overjet where appearance and convenience matter | Series of removable, 3‑D printed trays worn 20–22 h/day | 6 – 18 months | Nearly invisible, removable for meals/oral care, fewer in‑office visits | Less effective for very large skeletal overjets; patient discipline essential |
| Lingual (hidden) braces | Moderate overjet in patients who need complete discretion | Brackets fixed to tongue‑side of teeth; same biomechanics as labial braces | 12 – 24 months | Truly invisible in everyday life, full orthodontic power | Higher fee, initial tongue irritation, harder to clean |
| Veneers / minimal‑prep crowns (camouflage) | Cosmetic overjet ≤ 2 mm with otherwise functional bite | Thin porcelain shells reshape and “tuck back” upper incisors | 2–3 appointments (≈ 2–4 weeks) | Instant aesthetic change, brightens smile, no long ortho commitment | Does not correct bite mechanics, irreversible enamel reduction |
| Orthognathic surgery + orthodontics | Skeletal Class II cases (> 6 mm overjet) or jaw size mismatch in mature adults | 6–12 mo presurgical braces → jaw surgery (mandibular advancement / maxillary setback) → 4–6 mo finishing braces | 18 – 30 months total; 4–6 weeks surgical recovery | Definitive correction of jaw relationship and facial profile | Invasive, hospital stay, higher cost, temporary swelling/numbness |
| Orofacial myofunctional therapy | Adults with tongue‑thrust, mouth‑breathing, or poor oral posture | Guided exercises retrain tongue, lips, and breathing patterns | 3 – 9 months | Supports long‑term stability, can improve airway & sleep | Works best as an adjunct to orthodontics; daily practice needed |
| Lifetime retention | All adults post‑treatment | Fixed lingual wire and/or removable clear retainer worn nightly | Indefinite (per dentist’s guidance) | Keeps teeth from relapsing, protects investment | Removable retainers rely on nightly compliance; fixed wires need regular checks |
Cosmetic “Quick‑Fix” Alternatives
- Dental Veneers can mask a very small overjet when jaw alignment is acceptable.
- Bonding & Recontouring offer minor shape tweaks but do not solve functional issues.
Important: Cosmetic options hide the appearance; they don’t correct underlying bite problems. Always seek an orthodontic assessment first.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Buck Teeth?
The price can change depending on the treatment method. The following table shows several dental treatments’ average prices in the Turkey, the UK and USA.
| Procedure | Turkey | UK | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | $1,900 – $3,200 | £1,800 – £3,900 | $3,000 and $7,000 |
| Clear aligners | $2,500 – $4,500 | £2,000 – £5,000 | $3,000 to $8,250 |
| Jaw surgery + orthodontics | $8,000 – $12,000 | £8,000 – £15,500 | $20,000 – $60,000 |
Remember these are averages and the actual cost can differ significantly based on your specific needs, the complexity of the treatment, where you have the procedure done, and your insurance coverage.
Read more: ‘Comparing Dental Treatment Prices in Turkey ‘
Before And After Images of Buck Teeth
Here are before and after images of buck teeth.
How to Correct Buck Teeth At Home?
There are no proven home remedies to correct buck teeth. At-home remedies, such as tongue exercises or retainers, may help to improve the appearance of buck teeth, but they will not correct the underlying problem. You can choose not to take any action with your buck teeth unless you feel uncomfortable with them.
Correcting the alignment of the teeth requires planned pressure applied under the control of a medical professional. Putting pressure, pulling teeth, or adjusting your jawbone at home might create serious injury to the jaw or teeth. Therefore, you should see your dentist or orthodontist to address any possible treatment for buck teeth.
FAQs About Buck Teeth
Here, you can find the most common questions about buck teeth.
Are buck teeth always genetic?
No—oral habits and mouth‑breathing can also drive overjet.
Can clear aligners fix severe cases?
Mild‑to‑moderate overjets respond well; severe skeletal cases may require braces or surgery.
Is seven really the best age to start?
Seven is ideal for evaluation, not necessarily braces. Early checks catch problems while they’re easier (and cheaper) to guide.
Will treatment change my facial profile?
Yes—repositioning the upper front teeth often balances lip support and jaw harmony.
Do veneers work without orthodontics?
They can cosmetically mask small overjets but do not correct bite mechanics.
Does Mouth Breathing Cause Buck Teeth?
Bad habits such as mouth breathing can cause malocclusion, according to the study2. Breathing through the mouth keeps the jawbone in an improper position, and it might lead to buck teeth.
Is It Normal To Have Buck Teeth After Getting Dentures?
Some denture treatments might result in buck teeth, but they can be avoided through good communication between the patient and the dentist.
SOURCES
- Arraj GP, Rossi-Fedele G, Doğramacı EJ. The association of overjet size and traumatic dental injuries—A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dent Traumatol. 2019; 35: 217–232. https://doi.org/10.1111/edt.12481 ↩︎
- Grippaudo C, Paolantonio EG, Antonini G, Saulle R, La Torre G, Deli R. Association between oral habits, mouth breathing and malocclusion. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2016 Oct;36(5):386-394. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-770. PMID: 27958599; PMCID: PMC5225794. ↩︎
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