Glossary

Incisor protrusion

Alternate terms: Buck teeth; Flared incisors; Splayed incisors.

A term used to describe forward tipping of the incisor teeth. In children, this generally occurs in response to thumb sucking or other oral habits. In adults, it may occur following the loss of several posterior (back) teeth, which produces excess tipping force on the anterior (front) teeth—especially the four incisors. Periodontal disease may accelerate incisor protrusion in adults, but is not generally a problem for children.
Learn more: Diagnoses › Loss of vertical dimension of occlusion
Learn more: Diagnoses › Oral habits of children
Learn more: Diagnoses › Periodontitis