--- title: "Teeth Sticking Out UK: Causes & Treatment Options" url: https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/teeth-sticking-out description: "Front teeth sticking out — a large overjet — can affect confidence and raise injury risk. Braces or aligners can bring teeth into a more balanced position." updated: 2026-10-15T00:00:00Z publisher: Virtual Consultant Online --- # Teeth Sticking Out Treatment UK If your front teeth look like they sit forward, it’s usually a combination of tooth position and bite relationship. Orthodontic treatment such as [clear aligners](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners) or [braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/braces) can often bring teeth into a more balanced position. ## Signs your teeth may be protruding Upper front teeth look prominent in side photos Lips feel stretched or don’t rest comfortably Front teeth feel more exposed or vulnerable The bite feels like the upper teeth sit far ahead of the lowers ## Why do my teeth stick out? Teeth that stick out usually involve the upper front teeth sitting forward relative to the lower teeth — technically called an overjet — caused by crowding, tooth angle, or bite patterns such as an overbite. Orthodontic treatment focuses on guiding the teeth into a more balanced position while improving how the bite meets. ## What causes teeth to stick out? **Overbite:** upper teeth sit too far over the lower teeth. **Crowding:** lack of space pushes teeth forward. **Tooth angle:** teeth gradually tip forward. **Relapse:** teeth drift after previous orthodontic treatment. ## What treatments fix teeth sticking out? **Clear aligners:** often suitable for mild-to-moderate protrusion where space and bite changes are achievable. [Clear Aligners Overview](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners) **Braces:** sometimes used when crowding, rotations, or deeper bite changes are required. [Braces Overview](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/braces) ## Problems often linked with protruding teeth **Overbite** Upper teeth sit further over the lowers. [Learn about overbite →](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/overbite) **Crowded teeth** Crowding can push front teeth forward. [Learn about crowded teeth →](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crowded-teeth) **Crooked teeth** Alignment changes often accompany bite patterns. [Learn about crooked teeth →](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crooked-teeth) **Relapse after braces** Teeth may drift without retention. [Learn about relapse →](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/relapse-after-braces) Check Your Bite Upload guided photos to see whether this is mainly tooth position, crowding, or a bite pattern like an overbite. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) Related Problems [All Problems](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems) [Crooked teeth](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crooked-teeth) [Crowded teeth](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crowded-teeth) [Crowded teeth treatment cost](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crowded-teeth-treatment-cost) [Gaps in teeth](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/gaps-in-teeth) [Gaps in teeth treatment cost](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/gaps-in-teeth-treatment-cost) [Overbite](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/overbite) [Overbite treatment cost](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/overbite-treatment-cost) [Underbite](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/underbite) [Underbite treatment options](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/underbite-treatment-options) [Crossbite](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crossbite) [Crossbite treatment options](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/crossbite-treatment-options) [Open bite](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/open-bite) [Teeth sticking out](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/teeth-sticking-out) [One tooth out of line](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/one-tooth-out-of-line) [Relapse after braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/relapse-after-braces) [Retainer does not fit](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/retainer-does-not-fit) [Clear aligner not fitting](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/clear-aligner-not-fitting) [Missing teeth](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/missing-teeth) [Teeth straightening for adults](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems/teeth-straightening-adults) [See your future smile](https://virtualconsultant.online/tools/smile-visualisation) [All Treatments](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) [Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/braces) [Adult braces near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/adult-orthodontist-near-me) [Clear braces near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/braces-near-me) [Emergency orthodontist near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/emergency-orthodontist-near-me) [Clear Aligners](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners) [Ceramic Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/ceramic-braces) [Lingual Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/lingual-braces) [Invisible Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/invisible-braces) [Retainers](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/retainers) [Retainers near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/retainers-near-me) [Replacement retainers](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/replacement-retainers) [Do You Need Braces?](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/do-you-need-braces) [How Long Do Braces Take?](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/how-long-do-braces-take) [Braces for Adults](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/braces-for-adults) [Orthodontic Quote Online](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontic-quote-without-visiting) [Adult braces UK](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/adult-orthodontics-uk) [Am I suitable for clear aligners?](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/am-i-suitable-for-clear-aligners) [How to compare orthodontists](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/how-to-compare-orthodontists) [Lost or broken retainer](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/lost-or-broken-retainer) [Fixed vs removable retainers](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/fixed-vs-removable-retainers) [Broken braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/broken-braces) [Loose bracket](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/loose-bracket) [Orthodontic emergency advice](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontic-emergency-advice) [IOTN Score Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/iotn-score-checker) [NHS Eligibility Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment) [Braces Cost](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs/braces-cost) [Braces cost near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/cheap-braces-near-me) [Clear aligners cost near me](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners-near-me) [How to take orthodontic photos](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/process/how-to-take-orthodontic-photos) [Browse Locations](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) ### Frequently asked questions Is this the same as an overbite? Not exactly. Teeth sticking out relates to the overjet — the horizontal projection of the upper front teeth beyond the lower front teeth. An overbite is a vertical measurement — how much the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth vertically. The two often occur together, particularly in cases where the upper front teeth are both protrusive and overlapping, but they can also occur independently. An orthodontist will measure both to understand the full bite picture. Can aligners bring teeth back? Yes, clear aligners can retract protruding upper front teeth in mild-to-moderate cases. The movement involved — controlled retraction of the incisors — is within the reliable range of modern aligner systems, particularly when combined with small tooth-coloured attachments to aid grip and force direction. Significant overjet reduction, especially where extractions are needed to create space for retraction, is more reliably managed with fixed braces that provide greater control over root position during movement. Are protruding teeth easier to chip? Yes. Upper front teeth with a significant overjet are more vulnerable to trauma because they protrude beyond the protection of the lower lip and jaw. Studies show a markedly higher rate of tooth fracture and injury in children and adults with an overjet greater than 5mm. Reducing the overjet through orthodontic treatment reduces this vulnerability and is one of the clinical justifications for treating significant overjets even when there is no functional complaint. How long does treatment take? Treatment duration for protruding teeth depends on the size of the overjet, whether extractions are needed to create space for retraction, and whether the bite also needs correcting. A modest overjet with mild bite involvement may be corrected in 12–18 months. Larger overjets requiring extractions and significant incisor retraction typically take 18–24 months. Cases with both a large overjet and a deep overbite requiring bite correction can take 24 months or longer. What causes teeth to stick out? Protruding upper front teeth most commonly result from an increased overjet — the horizontal distance the upper front teeth project beyond the lower. This can be caused by skeletal differences in jaw position, the positioning of the upper or lower teeth, or childhood habits such as thumb sucking or dummy use. Can protruding teeth affect daily life beyond appearance? Protruding teeth are more vulnerable to trauma — incisors with a large overjet have a higher risk of injury from a fall or accident. Many people with significantly protruding front teeth also find them more visible in smiles and photographs, which can affect confidence. These practical factors are additional reasons people choose treatment beyond purely aesthetic motivations. Will NHS treatment be available for protruding teeth? Significantly protruding upper front teeth — technically a large overjet — often score at IOTN grade 4 or 5, which qualifies for NHS orthodontic treatment for under-18s in England. An overjet greater than 6mm is typically graded DHC 4; overjets above 9mm with lip incompetence often reach DHC 5. Adults are not routinely eligible for NHS orthodontics, regardless of severity, and would need to pursue private treatment. A dentist can assess and score the overjet during a routine check-up and make a referral if the threshold is met. Understanding Protruding Teeth ### How Teeth That Stick Out Are Usually Treated Teeth that stick out are usually influenced by tooth angle, spacing, and bite relationship. Orthodontic treatment focuses on creating space and guiding teeth into a more balanced position. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) Takes about 5 minutes • No obligation 1. Assess the bite Bite is evaluated. 2. Plan the treatment Treatment plan created. 3. Guide the teeth Teeth move gradually. 4. Maintain results Retention maintains results. Treatments [Explore](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) Problems [Explore](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems) Costs [Explore](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs) Explore your options Quick links Not sure where to start? Use these quick links to explore orthodontic treatments, typical costs, and helpful guides that explain what different options involve. Whether you're researching braces or clear aligners, comparing pricing, or just getting a feel for what comes next, you can browse at your own pace and come back when you're ready to request a quote. Explore [Get Quote](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Costs](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs) [Browse Treatments](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) [Teeth Straightening](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/teeth-straightening) [Browse Problems](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems) [Locations](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) [Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/orthodontic-treatment-near-me) [NHS Eligibility Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment) [IOTN Score Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/iotn-score-checker) [How To Take Orthodontic Photos](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/process/how-to-take-orthodontic-photos) [Online Orthodontist](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/online-orthodontist-uk) [Research Papers](https://virtualconsultant.online/research) [Social Channels](https://virtualconsultant.online/social) ## Want to see if teeth sticking out can be treated? A guided photo assessment can show whether your alignment looks like crowding, relapse after braces, or a bite pattern that orthodontic treatment could improve. [Start Photo Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Explore Treatments](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) Takes about 5 minutes No obligation Citation details Title Teeth Sticking Out UK: Causes & Treatment Options Publisher Virtual Consultant Online Published 2024-06-01 Updated 2026-10-15 URL [https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/problems/teeth-sticking-out](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/problems/teeth-sticking-out)