Can protruding teeth become longer?

Oct 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, protruding teeth (buck teeth) do not noticeably increase in length as a person ages. However, changes in tooth position or surrounding tissues may create the visual or physical impression that the teeth have become longer; this change is not due to actual tooth growth. If significant changes in the appearance of protruding teeth are noticed, or if symptoms such as gum recession or tooth sensitivity occur, it is important to seek timely evaluation and treatment from a dental professional.

Under normal circumstances, protruding teeth (buck teeth) do not actually increase in length as a person ages. However, changes in tooth position or surrounding tissues may create the visual impression or subjective sensation that the teeth have become longer. This perceived change is not due to actual tooth growth. The specific analysis is as follows:

Human teeth generally stop growing after puberty, and their actual length does not increase further. Protruding teeth are often caused by dental protrusion or abnormal jawbone development. If left untreated, with aging, the gums surrounding the teeth may recede, leading to increased exposure of the tooth roots.

Once the roots are exposed, the visible height of the teeth in the mouth appears greater. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as tooth mobility and sensitivity, creating the mistaken impression that the protruding teeth have grown longer. Additionally, long-term malocclusion or不良 oral habits may worsen the degree of dental protrusion and lead to further misalignment, which could indirectly reinforce the illusion that the teeth have become longer.

If significant changes in the appearance of protruding teeth are noticed, especially when accompanied by gum recession or tooth sensitivity, it is important to seek timely evaluation from a dental professional. The dentist will examine the condition to determine the underlying cause and, if necessary, recommend orthodontic treatment to realign the teeth or periodontal therapy to improve gum health, preventing further progression and maintaining both oral health and aesthetic appearance.

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What should I do if my child has protruding front teeth?

In general, children developing protruding teeth is usually caused by factors such as genetics, bad habits, dietary habits, calcium deficiency, and allergic rhinitis. Treatment options include general therapy, physical therapy, surgical intervention, and medication. It is important to cultivate good oral habits, ensure a balanced diet, adjust eating habits, and appropriately consume harder foods to stimulate oral development.

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How to differentiate bony protrusion from dental protrusion

For more severe skeletal protrusion (buck teeth), it is recommended to visit a正规 hospital and undergo orthognathic surgery under the guidance of a qualified specialist. This procedure corrects the positional relationship between the upper and lower jaws, thereby improving protruding teeth caused by skeletal issues. The reference cost is generally 20,000–40,000 yuan per session. Noticeable improvement typically appears within three months, although potential complications such as nerve damage or bleeding may occur.

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Can protruding teeth be corrected at age 45?

Whether 45-year-old individuals with protruding teeth can undergo orthodontic treatment depends on their oral health condition. Orthodontic correction is possible for those with good oral health and no severe periodontal issues. However, if serious periodontal disease, alveolar bone loss, or loose teeth are present, orthodontic treatment is not advisable until underlying oral conditions are properly treated. During orthodontic treatment, special attention must be paid to oral hygiene, and tools such as water flossers and dental floss should be used to clean between teeth thoroughly.

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Is orthodontic treatment effective for protruding teeth caused by adenoid face?

Orthodontics refers to dental alignment. Adenoid facies is a complication caused by adenoid hypertrophy. The effectiveness of orthodontic treatment for protruding mouth caused by adenoid facies mainly depends on individual conditions. If the bones are still developing and the protrusion is related to the teeth, timely orthodontic treatment usually has some effect. However, if bone growth has ceased or the protrusion is unrelated to the teeth, orthodontics may not be effective.