Can Braces Fix Overjet?
When teeth overlap the horizonal dimension (i.e. the top teeth extend over the bottom teeth) this is referred to as an overjet, although “overbite” is the term that is more commonly used. In addition to being unappealing aesthetically, an overjet can cause a range of oral health issues to develop. Fortunately, there are methods for treating overjet that can be performed at most periodontal clinics. To learn more about overjet and what steps you can take to correct this issue, please refer to the following.
What Steps are Involved in Correcting Overjet?
The first step to correcting your overjet is to schedule an appointment with your periodontist. During this evaluation, they will measure the length your top teeth are protruding over your bottom teeth. A normal overlap amount ranges from 2-3mm. Anything that exceeds this length will fall into a Class 1, 2,or 3 category, depending on the length of the overbite. A Class 1overbite is the least severe case of overjet, with an overlap of 2-4mm. A Class 2 overjet is characterized by a larger value between the upper and bottom teeth, and a Class 3 overjet is characterized by the lower teeth protruding further than the upper teeth.
Underlying Causes of Overjet
Overjet occurs when the upper jaw extends further forward compared to the lower jaw, which results in the upper teeth shifting towards the bottom jaw to address a perceived skeletal discrepancy. This discrepancy may occur either due to a mandible developing further than it should have or because of an excessively prominent upper jaw. The length of the arch or a discrepancy in the number of teeth can also result in an increased overjet, as can childhood habits, such as excessive thumb sucking, use of a pacifier or bottle, and tongue-thrusting, or due to tooth loss.
Correcting Overjet With Orthodontic Braces
While adults who have overjet will likely require oral surgery in addition to orthodontic treatment, if overjet is identified early enough in children, it may be possible to avoid oral surgery in the future with orthodontic braces, which can reduce the overjet and align your child’s teeth. If your child’s protrusion is significant or if crowding is occurring, selective extraction of teeth may also be necessary in addition to orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic camouflaging may also be performed, which involves removing the first or second premolars in the middle of your arch, which will allow for your upper teeth to retract into that space. Once they have retracted, the empty space the extracted teeth have made will be eliminated. For individual’s who have more severe overjet, orthodontic camouflaging will likely not be a viable option, and jaw surgery may be required to correct the overjet.
Contact Your Orthodontist Today
Everyone should have a bright, fully, healthy looking smile. If you or your child has an overjet or overbite, contact your periodontist today for an evaluation. In addition to the benefits they will experience with regards to their self-confidence, correcting this issue will also improve their overall oral health!