"Bunny teeth" is a colloquial term describing a condition where the upper front teeth protrude significantly forward, resembling the teeth of a rabbit or bunny. This is technically known as an overjet or an overbite, although the term "bunny teeth" usually refers to a more pronounced overjet.
Here's a breakdown:
- Appearance: The upper front teeth (incisors) stick out noticeably over the lower front teeth. This can be due to the teeth themselves being angled forward or the upper jaw being positioned further forward than the lower jaw.
- Technical term: The more formal term is an overjet, which describes the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth. Overbite refers to the vertical overlap. "Bunny teeth" usually refers to a large overjet.
- Causes: Bunny teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetics: A predisposition to jaw structure and tooth alignment can be inherited.
- Childhood habits: Thumb sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrusting can contribute to the development of bunny teeth.
- Missing lower teeth: If lower teeth are missing, the upper teeth may drift forward.
- Consequences: Depending on the severity, bunny teeth can lead to:
- Difficulty closing the lips completely.
- Increased risk of injury to the front teeth.
- Speech impediments in some cases.
- Self-consciousness about appearance.
- Treatment: Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign, can usually correct bunny teeth. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to reposition the jaw.
In essence, "bunny teeth" is a descriptive, albeit informal, term for protruding front teeth. Orthodontic treatment is typically the best solution for correcting this condition.
