When one or more teeth jut out, it can be a source of insecurity. If a jutted tooth is causing you to hide your smile, treatment for a jutted tooth may be right for you. At Fort Bend Dental, we provide the latest advancements in cosmetic dentistry to give our patients flawless, beautiful smiles. To discover which treatment for a jutted tooth is right for you, contact our practice in Missouri City, TX.
About Jutted Teeth
A jutted tooth is a tooth that sticks out from the rest of the teeth. A jutted tooth may protrude slightly or significantly, and in some cases, cause the tooth to rest on the lip. Some people may only have one jutted tooth or multiple jutted teeth.
A jutted tooth may be inherited through genetics or acquired over time from certain oral habits. When genetics are the underlying cause, a tooth may jut forward due to overcrowding of the teeth or due to the skeletal characteristics of the jaw.
When a jutted tooth is acquired, it may be caused by oral habits such as pacifier use, bottle use, or thumb sucking into and beyond the toddler years. A jutted tooth may also be acquired as a result of a swallowing reflex disorder called tongue thrush. Those who have tongue thrush push their tongue into their upper teeth rather than the roof of the mouth when swallowing. Over time, the constant force of the tongue pressing against the teeth can cause one or more of the upper teeth to jut forward.
Treatments for a Jutted Tooth
Besides the cosmetic concerns, a jutted tooth can lead to oral health issues, which may be prevented with treatment. Jutted teeth may overlap other teeth, making it difficult to properly clean the surrounding teeth, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Jutted teeth may also cause alignment issues, putting stress on the jaw or leading to uneven enamel wear. The following treatments can help improve the appearance of jutted teeth as well as address the potential oral health problems associated with jutted teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-shaped shells that may be used to treat one or more mildly jutted teeth. Porcelain veneers are custom-made to the desired shape, size, and color and bonded to the outer surface of the front teeth to make the teeth appear even and transform the smile's appearance in as little as one to two dental appointments. Because porcelain veneers are only suitable for mild jutting, those with more moderate or severe issues often require orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® offers discreet orthodontic treatment, making it one of the leading options for jutted teeth and other alignment issues. Invisalign® orthodontics treatment consists of wearing a series of clear aligner trays to reposition the teeth and enhance the smile. The trays may be removed for eating and brushing and flossing the teeth, making treatment convenient and comfortable.
Invisalign® has helped many people achieve the smile of their dreams, however, it is not suitable for everyone. Those with severe jutting or alignment issues may be better served by traditional orthodontics.
Traditional Orthodontics
Traditional orthodontics with metal braces is one of the most effective treatment options for correcting jutted teeth. With traditional orthodontics, braces are attached to the teeth, allowing targeted pressure to be applied. This pressure gradually forces the teeth to realign, creating beautifully straight teeth over a period of several months. Traditional orthodontics may be used to treat mild to severely jutted teeth or other alignment issues, making it a suitable treatment for most people with one or more jutted teeth.
Find out Which Treatment Is Right for You
For more information about treatments for jutted teeth and to find out which treatment is right for you, please schedule a consultation with our team at Fort Bend Dental.
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