While teeth that protrude to an unusual degree can be embarrassing for those who have them, there are other concerns related to them that aren’t commonly discussed. Studies have shown that those who have protruding teeth are at greater risk of experiencing dental injuries. Correcting protruding teeth is usually easy to do at the hands of a skilled dentist or orthodontic specialist. The sad truth is that many children don’t receive the orthodontic treatment they need unless they already have their adult teeth. This leaves those with protruding teeth open to severe dental injury and potential complications during the arrival of their adult teeth.
What Are The Risks For Those With Protruding Teeth?
A study was conducted that involved observation of 50,000 children under the age of 10 to determine the effects of protruding teeth on dental injury in children. Those who were under the age of six demonstrated a risk of dental trauma triple that of those with teeth that stuck out less than 3mm. While this data did not include adults, it stands to reason that adults with protruding teeth would exhibit a similar degree of risk of dental injury. Even in young children, it’s important to correct this condition through the use of orthodontic care, even though they still haven’t had their adult teeth arrive. A healthy set of primary teeth will help adult teeth come in straight, strong, and in the right places.
What Can Cause Teeth To Protrude?
While it’s possible for protruding teeth to be a natural occurrence caused by imperfections in the eruption of the teeth, there is usually an external cause. The most common cause of protruding teeth is pressure applied to the teeth, usually through using a pacifier or sucking a thumb as a child. As the primary teeth come in, they’re pushed out of alignment by this habit, resulting in protruding teeth. Dental trauma can be the cause of protruding teeth, depending on the nature of the damage.
How Can Protruding Teeth Be Addressed?
The specific details of correcting protruding teeth depend on the severity of your case and certain other elements of your oral health. The most common treatments include braces, with traditional braces generally being used in children due to the inability for them to be removed or forgotten. For adults, Invisalign clear aligners may be an option and can produce meaningful results that will protect the teeth from injury and produce a beautifully aligned smile.
Do you or a member of your family currently have protruding teeth, and you’re wondering what options are available to correct them? Dr. Maureen Karl helps patients of all ages get corrective treatment for these and other dental conditions. St. Clair Dental operates out of Granbury, TX, and is dedicated to providing affordable and effective dental treatment options for the surrounding community. Ready to take steps to properly align your smile and protect your teeth from damage? Schedule your visit to our offices today and protect your smile for today, tomorrow, and the lifetime to come.