How Is My Bite Supposed to Fit Together?
A Guide to the Ideal Bite

Flared teeth—also known as proclined teeth or teeth that stick out—aren’t just a cosmetic issue. While they can make you self-conscious about your smile, they also affect how your bite functions and can lead to long-term dental problems if left untreated.

What Are Flared Teeth?

Flared teeth, also known as protruding or proclined teeth, refer to upper front teeth that angle forward excessively toward the lips. This condition can affect both the look and function of a person’s smile and bite. When left untreated, flared teeth can lead to speech problems, lip strain, and long-term dental health issues.

What Causes Teeth to Flare?

1. Childhood Habits

Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use, or extended bottle feeding can apply forward pressure on the upper front teeth, pushing them out of alignment.

2. Tongue Thrusting

Improper swallowing or speaking patterns where the tongue pushes against the front teeth can cause them to flare over time.

3. Mouth Breathing

When someone consistently breathes through their mouth—often due to allergies, enlarged tonsils, or nasal obstruction—the lips aren’t able to keep the teeth in place. This often results in dental flaring and an open bite.

4. Genetic and Skeletal Factors

Some people naturally have a more protrusive jaw or lip posture, which can cause or exaggerate the appearance of flared front teeth.

5. Bad Orthodontic Work

Yes, flared teeth can be caused by orthodontics done wrong. Over-expansion, poor elastic mechanics, or insufficient anchorage can all lead to teeth tipping forward instead of aligning properly.

Why Flared Teeth Are a Problem

Functional Complications

Flared teeth can lead to a range of problems beyond appearance. Speech difficulties, especially with “s,” “z,” and “f” sounds, are common. Lip incompetence—when lips don’t comfortably close at rest—can result in dry mouth, bad breath, and increased risk of cavities.

Aesthetic and Structural Issues

Teeth that stick out affect facial balance and can create psychological insecurity. They’re also more vulnerable to trauma during falls or contact sports. Over time, a misaligned bite caused by flared teeth can place stress on the jaw joints (TMJ), leading to chronic pain or dysfunction.

How to Fix Flared Teeth

Orthodontic Braces for Flared Teeth

Braces are often the most effective way to retract flared teeth. The key is using proper anchorage—such as TADs (temporary anchorage devices), power arms, or headgear when needed—to avoid worsening the flare during treatment.

Invisalign for Mild to Moderate Flaring

Clear aligners like Invisalign can correct flared teeth in many cases, especially when paired with attachments or elastics. The results depend on precision and patient compliance.

Treating the Underlying Cause

If the flaring is due to tongue thrust or airway issues, those habits must be addressed in tandem with orthodontic care. Myofunctional therapy or ENT consultation may be necessary to prevent relapse.

Jaw Surgery for Severe Cases

In skeletal cases where the upper jaw itself is protrusive, orthodontics alone isn’t enough. Orthognathic surgery may be required to reposition the jaw and bring the teeth back into alignment.

Final Thoughts: Should You Be Concerned About Flared Teeth?

Absolutely. Flared teeth are more than a cosmetic issue—they’re often a sign of underlying dysfunction in the bite, muscles, or airway. If left untreated, they can lead to relapse, gum damage, and TMJ problems. If you’ve had braces before and your teeth are flaring again, or if your front teeth seem to be pushing forward more over time, don’t ignore it. Early intervention by an experienced orthodontist can prevent bigger problems down the road and give you a smile that’s not just straighter, but also healthier and more stable.