Retruded teeth—sometimes called upright incisors—refer to front teeth that are positioned further back than ideal. Instead of leaning slightly forward and following the natural curve of the arch, they tilt inward or sit vertically upright. This is most commonly seen in the upper front teeth and can affect both appearance and function.

For some, retruded teeth give the impression of a “sunken” smile or lips that lack support. Even if the teeth look straight individually, this type of alignment may signal that the front teeth are not in the best position to support the bite or facial profile.

Several factors can cause teeth to appear retruded or overly upright:

• Developmental jaw growth: Some patients naturally develop with smaller upper jaws or a retrusive maxilla, causing the upper front teeth to sit behind where they should be.
• Class II Division 2 malocclusion: This bite pattern is defined by a deep overbite and upright or retroclined upper central incisors. The teeth may appear straight but are actually positioned too far back.
• Orthodontic treatment history: In some cases, aggressive retraction of front teeth—especially during extraction cases—can result in overly upright or retruded incisor positioning.
• Oral habits or compensation: Clenching, grinding, or postural tongue habits can affect the angle of the front teeth over time.

While flared teeth are more commonly discussed, upright or retruded incisors pose their own challenges:

• Lack of lip support: The lips may appear sunken or flattened, especially in profile views.
• Facial imbalance: Retruded teeth can contribute to a “dish-face” appearance, particularly when paired with jaw underdevelopment.
• Deep bite issues: Upright teeth are often involved in deep overbites where the lower incisors bite too far up into the upper arch, leading to enamel wear or gum trauma.
• Functional limitations: The front teeth are responsible for guiding jaw movements and protecting the back teeth. When they’re retruded, they may not provide adequate anterior guidance, leading to clenching, jaw pain, or back-tooth wear.

Retruded teeth can affect more than just your smile. They can be a red flag for:

• Skeletal discrepancies
• Jaw position imbalances
• Airway issues (in growing patients)
• Long-term instability or risk of relapse after braces

That’s why a proper bite assessment is critical. Even if your teeth appear straight, your bite may still need correction if the incisors are too upright.

At Agape Orthodontics, Dr. Luke Wu evaluates the full picture—not just the angle of your teeth, but your jaw relationship, lip support, bite function, and facial profile.

Treatment for retruded teeth may include:

• Braces or clear aligners to procline the teeth (bring them forward) and open space if needed
• Bite opening mechanics to reduce deep overbites
• Elastics or anchorage devices to allow controlled tooth movement without overcompensating
• Orthognathic surgery in severe skeletal cases to reposition the jaw and improve facial balance

Each case is customized. The goal is not just to improve how the teeth look, but how they function within the whole face.

Retruded teeth may seem like a minor detail, but they often signal larger bite and jaw alignment issues. Left uncorrected, upright incisors can contribute to joint strain, excessive tooth wear, or long-term instability. Fortunately, with proper orthodontic care, they can be brought into a position that enhances both your bite and your appearance.

If you think your smile looks sunken, or your bite feels deep or restricted, it’s worth getting a professional evaluation. At Agape Orthodontics, we’re here to help you uncover the root of the issue—and guide you toward a balanced, functional smile that lasts.