What Causes Protruding Teeth?

Several factors can contribute to protruding front teeth:

  • Genetics (jaw size and tooth position often run in families)
  • Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use in childhood
  • Tongue thrusting, where your tongue pushes forward against your teeth when you swallow
  • Jaw size discrepancies, where your upper jaw is larger or positioned further forward than your lower jaw

Sometimes it’s a combination of factors. During your evaluation, Dr. Henry will determine what’s causing your protruding teeth so he can create the most effective treatment plan.

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Why Treat Protruding Teeth?

Beyond the cosmetic concerns that bring many patients to our St. Johns office, protruding teeth can cause real functional issues:

  • Increased injury risk: Front teeth that stick out are much more vulnerable to being chipped, cracked, or knocked out during sports or accidents.
  • Speech difficulties: Some people with significant protrusion have trouble pronouncing certain sounds clearly.
  • Lip strain and mouth breathing: When your lips have to stretch to close over protruding teeth, it can cause lip strain and make it harder to keep your mouth closed comfortably, which can lead to mouth breathing and dry mouth.
  • Chewing problems: Severe overjet can make it difficult to bite through foods properly.
    For kids especially, protruding teeth can affect confidence during those crucial growing-up years.

How Dr. Henry Corrects Protruding Teeth

Treatment depends on what’s causing the protrusion and how severe it is. Dr. Henry might recommend:

  • Braces or Invisalign to move your upper teeth back and improve the relationship between your upper and lower jaws. Many patients see excellent results with traditional braces or clear aligners alone.
  • Functional appliances for younger patients who are still growing. These devices help guide jaw growth to reduce protrusion naturally.
  • Elastics worn between your upper and lower teeth to help bring your upper teeth back or encourage your lower jaw forward.
  • Selective extractions in some cases, Dr. Henry might recommend removing one or more teeth to create space for your front teeth to move back. This isn’t always necessary, but when it is indicated, it can dramatically improve your results.

What Parents Should Know

If your child has protruding teeth, you might worry about teasing or injuries. The good news is that early evaluation, around age 7, allows Dr. Henry to determine if early treatment would be beneficial or if it’s better to wait until more permanent teeth have come in.

Some parents ask about letting their child “grow into” their teeth, but significant protrusion rarely improves on its own. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends evaluation by age 7 for this reason.

What to Expect

Most patients with protruding teeth see significant improvement within 18-24 months, though every case is unique. You’ll have regular appointments at our office near St. Augustine so Dr. Henry can monitor your progress and make any needed adjustments.

During your consultation, Dr. Henry will take detailed records and show you what your treatment would involve. He’ll also discuss all your options so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you or your child has protruding teeth, Dr. Henry can explain exactly what treatment would involve and what results you can expect. Contact Henry Advanced Orthodontics in St. Johns, serving patients throughout St. Augustine and the Jacksonville area.

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Testimonials

Not only do both my children go to Dr Henry’s but I do as well. We are all treated with kindness by a staff that’s very friendly and patient. Juggling each of our own needs, personalities and tolerance to the “adjustments”, I know we are in the best hands in St Johns County.

K Geary

We are only a few months into our first kid’s treatment but are very happy so far! Easy to get in for an appointment, never have to wait long and the office staff is super friendly and professional! Can’t wait to see how good my son’s teeth look in about a year! I was also very impressed that Dr Henry didn’t force early treatment for my daughter but took a wait & see approach…the questionable tooth shifted and that conservative approach saved us a couple thousand dollars. She will still need braces and we will definitely be using Dr Henry!

Meredith

Dr. Henry has a great way of making visits a fun adventure for my son. He always looks forward to going for his check ups. Wonderful staff all around!

April

I love going to Henry Advanced Orthodontics! Dr Henry is very good at what he does and my daughter loves going to the orthodontist! How many parents can say that? His staff are the nicest people and treat everyone like they are family! 100% recommend to anyone needing orthodontic care!

Andrea