Are bunny teeth caused by large teeth or teeth that stick out?
Both happen. “Bunny teeth” is not a diagnosis; it's a word for when the two upper front teeth stand out because they are longer or larger than the teeth beside them or stick out forward. Even teeth that aren't large look bigger from the side when they tilt forward.
So I don't remove tooth structure just because I hear “Please make my big teeth smaller.” I separate whether it's size, angle, overlapping alignment, or proportion with the neighboring teeth. I look not only from the front but at the side profile too.
What treatment is used for bunny teeth, by cause?
| Why they stand out | Treatment done first | What we don't do |
|---|---|---|
| The teeth themselves are long or large | Contour length, width, and proportion, or porcelain veneers | Reduce only the two teeth regardless of the neighboring teeth |
| Tilted forward | Move them with partial orthodontics | Place something on top so they stick out more |
| Overlapping alignment | Move them with orthodontics | Cover it up |
| Position is even; only shape or color is the issue | Porcelain veneers | Remove more tooth than needed |
Neither bonding nor moving is always the better treatment. Where that tooth is right now decides it. A similar decision is also described in how to choose between tooth contouring and orthodontics.
Are porcelain veneers placed on bunny teeth that stick out?
On teeth that are tilted a lot, I don't place anything on top without preparation either. Even a thin layer adds thickness and makes them look more protruding. Brinate is thin—Basic around 0.3mm, Build-up and Platinum 0.1mm or less—but on a protruding tooth, even these numbers add up.
To make a protruding tooth look set back using porcelain alone, a lot of tooth has to be removed and there isn't enough enamel. So in consultation, I explain based not on “Can veneers be placed?” but on “How much would have to be removed to create that shape?” If the angle is large, we first move the teeth with front tooth partial orthodontics, and if length or color is still lacking after that, we place veneers.
Partial orthodontics moves teeth by attaching appliances to only a few front teeth. If there isn't enough space, we sometimes make room by very slightly reshaping between the teeth, and if the molar bite also needs to change, we consider full orthodontics.
Can I get porcelain veneers on just the two front teeth?
Yes, if the color, width, and length proportions match the neighboring teeth. If only two are brighter and longer, they actually look more like bunny teeth. Cutting only the length makes the proportion more awkward, so we also match the width, the edge line, and the line visible when you smile. If needed, we extend the range to the neighboring teeth or first match the surrounding color with whitening.
We also check where the upper and lower teeth meet. If the shape is pretty but force concentrates on one edge, the porcelain chips.
After treatment, you should cut back on the habit of biting through hard food with your front teeth. Teeth that were moved are held in place with a retainer, and porcelain placed on top is cared for so force doesn't concentrate on one edge. At regular checkups, we check the bite and the porcelain edges together.
How we do it at Wonjin Dental
We look at front tooth shape with Brinate and position with partial orthodontics, separately. Brinate involves no tooth removal, so there is no anesthesia and no temporary teeth; Basic is same day, Build-up takes about 1 week, and Platinum takes about 2 weeks. Partial orthodontics (MTA) is ₩1,800,000, and Brinate is ₩330,000–₩990,000 per tooth. As of September 2026, VAT included (cosmetic treatment). All items are on the full fee list.
Frequently asked questions
How long does partial orthodontics for bunny teeth take?
It depends on how much the teeth need to move, but partial orthodontics focused on the front teeth usually takes around 6 months to 1 year. If the molar bite also needs to change, we consider full orthodontics.
Can porcelain veneers be done after orthodontics?
Yes. We first move the teeth to correct their position, and if length or color is still lacking, we place veneers. In this order, less tooth needs to be removed.
What if my child's front teeth look big like bunny teeth?
It's common for permanent front teeth to look big right after they come in. The proportions may even out as the neighboring teeth and face grow, so we decide based on the stage of growth.
Can't bunny teeth be filed down to make them smaller?
Slightly smoothing the edges is possible within the enamel. But reducing them a lot means removing a lot of tooth, which makes them sensitive and weak, so if they look large because they stick out, moving them preserves more of the tooth.
