Dealing With Buck Teeth
Children with prominent front teeth, also known as buck teeth, often require orthodontic work to help straighten their teeth, correct their bite or to improve their appearance. Upper front teeth that stick out are more likely to be broken or knocked out in an accident or while playing sports. In addition, their appearance can lead to a child feeling self-conscience, being made fun of or even bullied.
Orthodontists, parents, and children are faced with deciding whether to treat in one stage during early adolescence (ages 10-16) or in two stages with the first stage between 7-11 and the second during early adolescence. In general, the earlier the treatment starts the longer it lasts, which in turn increases the cost.
A review carried out by authors of the Cochrane Oral Health Group*, analyzed data from 17 randomized controlled trials of children all under the age of 16 who had prominent upper front teeth. The trials included 721 children. The research team concluded that providing treatment early slightly reduced the risk of children damaging their front teeth if they had an accident while playing or participating in sports, but offered few other benefits.
“There was no other benefit for having treatment early, age 8, as opposed to having treatment during adolescent age.”
Just like children, teeth come in different shapes and sizes. While there is no official standard of care when it comes to treating prominent front teeth, the important thing is that an informed decision be made that not only focuses on the needs of the child, but also justifies the time and expense involved.
* November 2013, Cochrane Library, issue 11
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