Are Your Front Teeth Pushed Back?
If you’re asking yourself ‘why are my front teeth pushed back?’, then it’s important for you to consider how this issue can affect their appearance and function. Also, having front teeth pushed back increases the risk of poor oral hygiene.
In this article, we will explore some of the potential reasons why you might have pushed back front teeth, and discuss some possible treatments for this problem.
Table of Contents
Why the Front Teeth are Important
The front teeth, or the anterior teeth, are made up of 12 teeth that show when you smile. The front teeth are made up of the canines, lateral incisors, and central incisors. If your front teeth are pushed back, it involves at least one of these 12 teeth.
The front teeth are important for eating and speaking as well as influencing facial development. If your front teeth stick out, then they are at an increased risk of fracturing and other traumas. When a front tooth is pushed back, it makes it harder to clean and can increase your cavity risk.
Reasons For Front Teeth Pushed Back
This article will provide you with the information you need to understand the causes and potential solutions for pushed-back front teeth.
There are several potential reasons why someone’s front teeth might be pushed back. Some common causes include the following:
1. Genetics
Genetics can play a role if your front tooth is pushed back. There are certain genetic factors that contribute to how your smile looks and the way your teeth are aligned. When your front teeth are pushed back it could be from:
- Overbite: An overbite causes your front teeth to stick out by the position of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth.
- Overjet: An overjet is when the front teeth are angled outward causing the front teeth to stick out.
- Open Bite: An open bite occurs when the front top teeth are not touching the bottom top teeth when the jaw is closed.
2. Over-Crowding
Overcrowding of the teeth can be a reason why a front tooth pushed back is occurring. This is because there isn’t enough space for all of the teeth to fit properly, so they end up being pushed back into the mouth.
Overcrowding can happen when a child’s smile is developing due to genetics, premature baby tooth loss, or the mouth being too small for all the adult teeth. It’s important for children to see the dentist every 6 months. Sometimes a dentist can intervene with space management and prevent permanent overcrowding.
3. Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is a common cause of front teeth pushed back. The pressure caused by a thumb-sucking habit can influence the teeth alignment and bone structure of the mouth.
Thumb-sucking should stop around age 2. This will prevent any influence on the bone development that makes up the palate and teeth alignment.
4. Trauma
Trauma to the face or mouth, such as from a fall, a sports injury, or a car accident, can be the cause of front teeth pushed back. The impact of the trauma can cause the teeth to be pushed out of their normal position.
If this occurs, call your dentist right away. There is a risk of damaging the nerves of the teeth which can cause an infection. When the nerve of a tooth is harmed, a root canal or an extraction may be needed.
For more information on root canals, check out our articles Root Canal Infections and Root Canal Costs.
5. Gum Disease
Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing or flossing regularly, can influence the front teeth pushed back. Over time, poor oral hygiene can cause harmful bacteria to destroy the bone that supports the teeth. Bone loss can cause the teeth to be mobile and shift positions.
The best way to prevent gum disease in the mouth is to have a good oral hygiene routine. This includes:
- Brushing 2 times a day for 2 minutes and floss daily.
- Have a well-balanced diet that supports a healthy smile.
- See your dental team at least every 6 months, if not sooner, for routine dental cleanings and exams.
For more tips on preventing gum disease, check out our articles below!
Consult Your Dentist with Pushed Back Front Teeth
If your front teeth pushed back are bothering you, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the cause of the problem and recommend the best course of treatment.
Front Teeth Pushed Back - How To Help
There are several ways you can work with your dental team to help fix pushed back front teeth. Misaligned teeth can be corrected through several dental treatments over time. The position of the teeth can be corrected through braces and other orthodontic treatments.
For more information on braces, check out our articles below.
- Our Getting Braces Guide
- Braces vs Invisalign
- How Much Do Braces Cost?
- 5 Reasons To Get Braces With Missing Teeth
If the front teeth pushed back is a problem, it’s important to target the reason why while straightening. Your dentist may recommend a dental appliance to stop certain habits like thumb-sucking or help with space maintenance.
Your dental team can work with you to improve your oral health and help if you have pushed back front teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do when teeth pushed back?
It’s important to consult your dentist if your teeth are pushing back. If you notice a change in your teeth’s alignment, your dentist may be able to intervene and prevent further shifting. If your front teeth are suddenly pushed back, contact your dentist right away.
Can teeth be pushed back into place?
Teeth can be straightened and realigned with the help of braces and retainers. This usually takes about 1-2 years on average to fully straighten the teeth. If your front teeth are pushed back due to bone loss, then braces will not help stabilize the teeth in order to be pushed back. Consult your dentist to help improve your smile.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
