Treating Buck Teeth in Children: What is a Twin Block Appliance & Can it Fix an Overbite?


Written by Dr. Pitipat Tunksook
M.Sc. Orthodontics, Mahidol University

Treating buck teeth in children

 

Important Note for International Families:
Because orthodontic care requires consistent, long-term monitoring, this service is exclusively available for Expats and Long-term Residents working or living in Thailand. It is not suitable for short-term tourists.

Did you know? In Thailand, certified orthodontists are quite rare. We highly recommend choosing a Board-Certified Specialist for your child's safety and best results.

What is a Twin Block?

The Twin Block is a Removable Functional Appliance developed by Dr. William Clark over 30 years ago. It is widely used worldwide for treating buck teeth in children—specifically when the upper teeth protrude significantly compared to the lower jaw (a condition known as overjet).

Twin block braces for buck teeth

This appliance consists of two separate acrylic plates (upper and lower) with bite blocks that interlock at an angle of approximately 70 degrees. When the child bites down, the lower jaw is gently guided forward, encouraging the jaw structure and facial muscles to adapt to a more optimal position.

What is a twin block appliance

What is the Twin Block Used For?

The Twin Block is designed to correct facial structure and bite issues in the following key areas:

Stimulate Lower Jaw Growth

It helps stimulate a short lower jaw to grow forward appropriately, balancing the facial profile.

Treating Buck Teeth & Bite Problems

Reduce Buck Teeth (Overjet): Decreases the severe gap between the upper and lower front teeth for children whose upper teeth protrude due to skeletal alignment.

Correct Deep Bite: Helps balance the bite alignment vertically so the front teeth don't overlap too much.

Expand the Upper Jaw (in some cases)

An expansion screw can be incorporated into the upper plate to widen a narrow palate if needed.

What is the twin block used for

Who is the Twin Block Suitable For?

The Twin Block works best in children who are still in their active skeletal growth phase. This includes:

  • Children with active facial growth
    • Girls aged approximately 10–11 years old
    • Boys aged approximately 12–13 years old
  • Children suffering from severe buck teeth, a short lower jaw (receding chin), or a deep bite.

If started too late, the results will be less effective. If started too early, the appliance may need to be worn for a longer period. Therefore, the optimal age for treating buck teeth must be evaluated by a certified Orthodontist.

Twin block indications for children

How Does the Twin Block Work?

The treatment is divided into 2 main phases:

Active Phase: 6–9 Months

The child wears the appliance to bring the lower jaw forward and properly align the bite, effectively reducing the appearance of buck teeth.

Maintenance Phase: 3–6 Months

The dentist will adjust the appliance to maintain the jaw position and wait for the premolars to erupt and fully interlock.

Most importantly, the child must wear the appliance for at least 20–22 hours a day for it to work effectively.

How Much Does the Twin Block Cost?

At CDC Dental, we offer the same price as locals for all our international patients. The Twin Block is priced at 8,000 THB (~$235 USD) and is part of Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics. The detailed costs are as follows:

  1. Evaluation + X-ray + Treatment Plan – 3,000 THB (~$88 USD)
    Includes photos, impressions, or a 3D digital scan for detailed analysis.
  2. Dental Clearance before appliance
    Fillings, scaling, or cavity treatments (price varies depending on condition).
  3. Twin Block Appliance – 8,000 THB (~$235 USD)
    Plus adjustment fees every 1–2 months at 1,000 THB (~$30 USD) per visit.
  4. Retainers after Phase 1 – 2,000–3,000 THB (~$60-$88 USD)
    To hold the teeth and jaw in position after stopping the appliance.
  5. Phase 2 Orthodontics (when all permanent teeth erupt)
    You can choose metal braces or opt for clear aligners if you are looking for Invisalign for kids bangkok, Invisalign First, or Invisalign for kids near me. View options here.

Benefits of the Twin Block for Buck Teeth

  1. Stimulates the lower jaw to grow forward, ideal for children with a short or receding chin.
  2. Effectively treats buck teeth (overjet) and helps fix deep bite problems.
  3. Reduces the risk of trauma or injury to the protruding upper front teeth during play or sports.
  4. Boosts the child's confidence in smiling and socializing by improving their facial profile.
  5. Helps expand the airway, which can benefit children who snore or mouth-breathe.

Things to Consider

  1. Results depend heavily on starting at the right age and strict cooperation in wearing the appliance daily.
  2. During treatment, it is normal to experience an "open bite" at the back teeth. They will gradually erupt and meet naturally after transitioning to a retainer.
  3. In some cases, extraction of first premolars may still be necessary during Phase 2 braces, depending on the severity of crowding.

Real Twin Block Case Review by CDC Dental Orthodontist

This is a real case of treating buck teeth in a child with an overjet (protrusion) of more than 8 millimeters and a skeletal short lower jaw. After consistently wearing the Twin Block for about 8–10 months, the buck teeth were significantly reduced, and the lower jaw moved forward visibly.

Twin block case review treating buck teethKid braces overjet buck teeth review

Sample patient of Dr. Pitipat Tunksook (Lic. 17030). Published with consent. Treatment results vary by individual.

When using the Twin block for about 6-9 months, an open bite at the back teeth is a normal occurrence. The teeth will naturally erupt to fill the space. Cases like this are common in growing, cooperative children, making the Twin Block a highly effective tool for childhood facial structure correction and fixing buck teeth.

Want to Consult About Treating Buck Teeth for Your Child?

If you would like to evaluate whether your child is a suitable candidate for the Twin Block, you can schedule a complimentary consultation with our English speaking dentist and team.

CDC Dental has certified Orthodontists available daily, ready to provide evidence-based advice tailored to your child's specific developmental stage.

Interested in Consulting? Chat with us now!


 

Saphan Khwai Branch


(Chatuchak Dental Center)

Near BTS Saphan Khwai, Chatuchak, Ari, Phahonyothin, Pradiphat, Sutthisan.

Call 097-925-2424

Google Maps - Saphan Khwai

Lat Phrao 109 Branch


(Prinya Dental Clinic)

Near Bangkapi, Lat Phrao 109, Lat Phrao 101, Ramkhamhaeng.

Call 097-925-2442

Google Maps - Lat Phrao 109

 

Pediatric Orthodontics Bangkok

References

Dr. Pitipat Tunksook
Article by

Dr. Pitipat Tunksook (Dr. Jam)

Orthodontist

Contact Click