What Are Bunny Teeth? Are They Attractive?

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Learn the causes and health risks associated with bunny teeth

Co-authored by Nidhi Pai, DDS and Amber Crain

Last Updated: October 22, 2025 Fact Checked

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• What are bunny teeth?
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• Causes
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• Health Risks
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• Treatment Options
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• Are they attractive?
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• FAQs
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• Video

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If you’ve recently heard the term “bunny teeth,” you’re probably wondering what it means and whether it’s negative or not. Bunnies are adorable, so having bunny teeth must be cute, right? Well, it certainly can be, but in rare cases, bunny teeth can cause health concerns. In this article, we spoke with cosmetic dentist Nidhi Pai, DDS to help explain exactly what bunny teeth are, what causes them, and the possible health risks associated with them. We’ll also talk about medical procedures to get rid of bunny teeth if you don’t love the way yours look. Keep reading for the full scoop!

Bunny Teeth Explained

Cosmetic dentist Nidhi Pai, DDS says “bunny teeth” refer to prominent upper front teeth that look larger or longer than the teeth around them. They are very common and typically caused by genetics and early childhood habits. Bunny teeth don’t need to be treated unless they’re negatively affecting your health.

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Section 1 of 6:

What are bunny teeth?

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1. 
   “Bunny teeth” are two upper front teeth that look large and long. According to Dr. Pai, “‘Bunny teeth’ is a playful term for prominent upper front teeth that may appear larger than their neighbors.” In general, the two upper front teeth (incisors) stick out a little, similar to how a rabbit’s teeth look. Bunny teeth are usually associated with having an overbite, which is when the upper teeth noticeably overlap the lower teeth more than they should. “Bunny teeth” isn’t a medical diagnosis, though—it’s more of a nickname.

   • Are bunny teeth normal? Dr. Pai explains that bunny teeth are “common and natural,” and “often simply a dental variation found in both children and adults.” For instance, she says lots of K-pop stars, like Jungkook, have them.
   • Do bunny teeth need to be fixed? According to Dr. Pai, “If bunny teeth interfere with eating or speaking, treatment is recommended.” However, she explains that bunny teeth don’t always need to be fixed, as it “truly depends on the case.”
   • Dr. Pai adds that “the overall fit of the teeth in relation to an individual’s facial proportions matters too.” For example, she says prominent bunny teeth can cause emotional distress in people who have smaller, petite faces, and it might make it harder for them to seal their lips properly.
   • Additionally, some people simply don’t like the way their bunny teeth look, and seek medical treatment to improve their appearance (and there’s nothing wrong with that).

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Nidhi Pai, DDS is a board-certified cosmetic dentist with over 25 years of experience. She helps patients with smile makeovers that emphasize and enhance their natural beauty.
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Section 2 of 6:

What causes bunny teeth?

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1. Genetics and early childhood habits cause bunny teeth. Bunny teeth (like most dental issues) are hereditary, so if you have family members with an overbite or protruding front teeth, you’re more likely to develop them, too. Certain habits during early childhood, like thumb-sucking and prolonged pacifier use, can also cause an overbite and bunny teeth.

   • Less commonly, bunny teeth can be caused by childhood tongue-thrusting (pushing the tongue up against the front teeth repeatedly).
   • While rare, bunny teeth can also be caused by cysts or tumors in the mouth or jaw area. Cysts and tumors usually cause other noticeable symptoms, too (like jaw swelling or a growth that doesn’t go away).

Section 3 of 6:

Do bunny teeth cause health problems?

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1. 
   Severe overbites can cause misalignment and difficulty chewing. Bunny teeth, especially milder cases, typically don’t negatively affect your physical health, although some people may dislike the way they look aesthetically. In more severe cases, an overbite can cause the surrounding teeth to shift, making it harder to chew and potentially causing pain or speech impediment issues.

   • Dr. Pai adds that bunny teeth can potentially lead to other issues, such as:
     • Cavities and plaque buildup: Prominent bunny teeth can make it difficult to keep the mouth closed. Dr. Pai explains that “lip closure is important for oral health because persistent open lips can lead to dry mouth, increased cavities, and more plaque buildup.”
     • A lisp: Dr. Pai says, “Bunny teeth can also contribute to a lisp, since certain sounds rely on the tip of the tongue touching the incisal edges of the upper front teeth.”
     • Tooth trauma: “Prominent bunny teeth are more prone to trauma if they stick out,” explains Dr. Pai.
     • Gum disease: According to Dr. Pai, “poor lip support combined with misalignment can further increase the risk of plaque and gum disease.”
   • If having bunny teeth is affecting your mental or physical health, discuss it with your dentist or orthodontist to find out what treatment options are available to you.
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Section 4 of 6:

Treatment Options to Get Rid of Bunny Teeth

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1. 1
   Metal braces Metal braces are a common treatment option for bunny teeth, says Dr. Pai. They’re generally recommended for children and teens–but it’s not unheard of for adults to get braces, as well. Metal braces are made of stainless steel bands, brackets, and wires that are bonded to the surface of your teeth and slowly push them back over time.

   • Treatment duration: 12-24 months
   • Best for: Correcting an overbite (mild to severe)
   • Typical age range: Children and teens (some adult cases)
   • Cost: $3,000 to $7,000
   • Dental insurance coverage: Yes (with a formal diagnosis)
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   Clear aligners Dr. Pai agrees that clear aligners are another treatment option for bunny teeth. They are custom-made trays that you wear for most of the day to straighten your teeth over time. They work similarly to traditional metal braces, except clear aligners are removable (although you should only take them out briefly to eat, drink, and brush your teeth).

   • Treatment duration: 22 hours a day for 6-18 months
   • Best for: Correcting an overbite (mild to moderate)
   • Typical age range: Teens and adults
   • Cost: $4,000 to $7,400
   • Dental insurance coverage: Yes (with a formal diagnosis)
3. 3
   Veneers Veneers are custom-made shells that fit on top of your teeth to hide cosmetic or aesthetic issues (like bunny teeth). They provide an instant aesthetic boost by improving your smile and concealing imperfections. In most cases, getting veneers is an elective cosmetic procedure, so dental insurance won’t cover it. There are different kinds of veneers, as well, with some costing more than others.

   • Dr. Pai shares that “a simple and conservative solution involves dental bonding or no-prep veneers applied to the lateral incisors. By subtly increasing the size of these adjacent teeth, the overall proportions of the smile can be improved, often eliminating the ‘bunny’ look without drilling or the need for anesthesia.”
   • Treatment duration: 2-3 appointments (2-4 weeks total)
   • Best for: Addressing imperfections and aesthetic issues (not medical)
   • Typical age range: Adults
   • Cost: $1,000-$2,500 per tooth
   • Dental insurance coverage: No (unless medically necessary)
4. 4
   Tooth reshaping Tooth reshaping, or enameloplasty, is when a dentist removes small amounts of tooth enamel (usually by filing) to correct imperfections and improve the look of your teeth. It’s a common cosmetic dental treatment, painless and less invasive than other procedures like veneers. It’s an elective cosmetic procedure, though, so insurance typically won’t cover it.

   • Treatment duration: 30 minutes (1 appointment)
   • Best for: Correcting mild cosmetic imperfections (not medical)
   • Typical age range: All ages
   • Cost: $145 per tooth
   • Dental insurance coverage: No
5. 5
   Jaw surgery Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) helps with severe overbite and misalignment issues. During the surgery, the surgeon will alter the structure of your jawbone to create proper alignment. It’s an invasive procedure that takes years to complete because it requires multiple visits, but the success rate is incredibly high (~95%).

   • Treatment duration: 2-3 years total (requires multiple visits + recovery)
   • Best for: Correcting severe overbite and misalignment
   • Typical age range: Adults
   • Cost: $10K and up (highly dependant on complexity)
   • Dental insurance coverage: Yes (with a formal diagnosis)
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Nidhi Pai, DDS

   Cosmetic Dentist

   Dr. Nidhi Pai is a board-certified cosmetic dentist based in Del Mar, CA. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Nidhi has helped over 1,000 patients with their smile makeovers, emphasizing enhancing their natural beauty and creating holistic solutions that go beyond just fixing teeth. In addition to cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Nidhi is also an innovator, and in 2022, she founded ZEROBrush, a revolutionary, custom oral care solution designed to maintain healthy smiles. Dr. Nidhi previously worked at Stanford School of Medicine’s craniofacial plastic surgery and taught at the University of Washington’s School of Dentistry. She has been featured on ABC 7 News, NBC, as a Top Doc in Silicon Valley, Top 100 Dentists in America, Top Doctor Magazine, and Expertise's 2021 Best Dentist in Palo Alto.

   

   Nidhi Pai, DDS
   Cosmetic Dentist

   Get a dental evaluation to determine which treatment is best for you. A comprehensive evaluation ensures that you make the best choice for both your health and aesthetics. Whatever you choose, it will be carefully tailored to the severity of the misalignment and your functional needs.
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Section 5 of 6:

Are bunny teeth attractive?

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1. 
   The attractiveness of bunny teeth is entirely subjective. Some people find bunny teeth to be adorable, attractive, and very youthful looking. Others dislike the look and seek out medical treatments to get rid of their bunny teeth. Some people actually love the way bunny teeth look and have dental procedures to get them! Opinions vary widely. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all!

   • There’s been a recent trend of young people pursuing dental procedures to get bunny teeth and sharing their results on social media. For example, in this TikTok video, TikToker @jennette_to shows off her results.
   • In another TikTok video, user @ulyanikitaa shares the results of her bunny teeth procedure and how thrilled she is with how they look.
   • Dr. Pai shares that she knew a doctor who got veneers to give herself bunny teeth. While the doctor initially loved her new look, she ultimately regretted getting them because people started to comment on her teeth, which caused her emotional distress.
   • Dr. Pai notes that this just goes to show “how personal and varied our ideas of beauty can be.” She says, “Stories like these show that the ‘right smile’ genuinely depends on individual values and comfort.”

Section 6 of 6:

Frequently Asked Questions

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1. 1
   Is it rude to say someone has bunny teeth? Whether “bunny teeth” is rude or not to say largely depends on who’s saying it and in what context, agrees Dr. Pai. She says that the term “bunny teeth” might be “seen as cute by some, but others may find it insensitive, especially among those who feel self-conscious about their teeth.”

   • In general, “bunny teeth” can be used as a playful term of endearment and it usually isn’t considered outright mean—but it isn’t very nice, either.
2. 2
   Do bunny teeth go away on their own? No, bunny teeth don’t go away on their own, and may even become more pronounced over time, especially in older adulthood. Typically, you’ll need to pursue medical treatment if you want to get rid of bunny teeth.
3. 3
   Can you fix bunny teeth at home? Unfortunately, no. Corrective dental procedures are always done by orthodontists and other professionals who are highly trained. Never attempt to “fix” your bunny teeth at home by filing them or otherwise altering them—you could seriously hurt yourself and permanently damage your teeth.
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