If you have a buck tooth, or if your child does, you probably want to do what you can to fix the problem. This problem is known dentally as an overbite. Basically the top part of your "bite", otherwise known as your occlusion (the alignment of your teeth), is overextended. Cosmetically this creates problems because it's considered unattractive. It also creates health problems because of the unhealthy alignment of your teeth. Overbite correction can also be quite difficult in many cases.

       A buck tooth can come either from genetics or can be created by thumb sucking. By the age of seven it is generally possible to tell what oral health problems a child will have and it is therefore much easier to treat these problems if treatment is started at a younger age. This way a dentist can guide the child's growth and if any orthodontic treatment is needed later on it will be minimal. Early treatment can be handled through the use of an orthodontic appliance or orthodontic headgear, although the latter solution has gone by the wayside thanks to the development of dental technology.

       If a buck tooth is not treated early, later orthodontic treatment like braces may be a slow process. It is also a problem because you may desire to fix the buck teeth because of the way they look and the impact that is having on your social life, yet braces can have just as big an impact. Traditional metal braces are an ugly addition to any mouth despite the fact that they are working to a good cause. Invisalign braces are an alternative that allows a person to undergo orthodontic treatment without anyway knowing. The problem is that this is not as effective as braces in this matter and they cannot be used for all cases. The only way to find out if they will work for you is to visit a dentist who offers lingual braces like Invisalign.

       If you are interested in learning more about the problems related to a buck tooth and how best to fix it or if you just want to speak with a dentist in the Atlanta area, consider visiting the Atlanta Dental Group PC.Our Atlanta dental team has over 45 years of combined experience serving Atlanta's dental needs. Our dentists are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and you are more than welcome to join our family of patients. Dr. Padolsky has been offering orthodontic care for about 25 years. If you would like to schedule a free orthodontic consultation appointment with this Atlanta cosmetic dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, call to make an appointment at 404-874-7428.