Treating Buck Teeth with Invisalign^® Clear Aligners

Ever hear of buck teeth? Know anyone who has them? Do you have them?

Buck teeth is an issue where your teeth don’t line up correctly; your upper teeth extend over and past the teeth on your lower jaw. This is also called overbite.¹ While many people can and do live with buck teeth, some cases can lead to injury and other issues if not properly treated.

Why are they called buck teeth?

The phrase “buck teeth” goes back to the mid-1700s.² It comes from a reference to certain adult animals, like rabbits, which have protruding front teeth.³

Do you have to fix buck teeth?

If you have (or think you have) buck teeth, talk to your dentist. While some overbites can be normal⁴ and not require treatment, more severe cases can have serious ramifications on your health and quality of life. In addition to affecting your appearance, buck teeth can make your teeth more susceptible to injury.⁵ They can also lead to damage to your teeth and gums, as well as pain while chewing.¹ Buck teeth can even cause speech problems.⁶

Buck teeth can even make caring for your teeth more difficult. When your teeth don’t line up correctly, it’s easier for bacteria to hide and harder for brushing to reach all the surfaces of your teeth. Over time, this can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.⁷

It’s important that you visit your dentist regularly if you have buck teeth. Your dentist can help monitor your dental health and alert you if things get worse or interfere with the health or function of your teeth.

Treating buck teeth with Invisalign^® aligners

If you and your dentist decide it’s time to address your buck teeth, you’re in luck. There are many options available to align your smile.

You may want to ask your dentist about treating your buck teeth with Invisalign aligners. Invisalign treatment gradually aligns your teeth over time, like braces, but without the metal brackets and wires. Instead, you’ll wear a series of clear, removable plastic aligners that guide your teeth into the proper alignment.

Because Invisalign aligners are clear and removable, they can fit into most people’s daily routine better than metal braces that are bonded to your teeth and require that you avoid certain foods.

Invisalign treatment can be faster than braces. Studies have shown that Invisalign treatment for adults to be as much as six months faster compared to treatment with traditional braces.⁸

In addition to being faster and removable, Invisalign treatment is less painful and more comfortable than treatment with braces.⁹

Other treatment options for buck teeth

Some other treatment options your dentist may suggest include:

See what Your new smile might look like

Curious about how your new smile might look after treating your buck teeth? Try the Invisalign SmileView™ tool to get a simulation of what your new smile might look like after treatment with Invisalign aligners.

Talk to Your orthodontist

If you want to learn more about overbite and buck teeth, or want to get started on treatment, talk to your dentist, or visit an orthodontist. They can review your specific situation and work with you to lay out a treatment plan that works for you. Interested in exploring Invisalign treatment? Try the Invisalign Doctor Locator tool to find an Invisalign provider near you.