What is the Difference Between Overjet and Overbite?
While there are similarities between overjet and overbite, there are also important differences, which will impact the type of treatment options you should consider to correct your malocclusion. To learn more about the differences between these conditions and what procedures may be best suited for you or your child, please refer to the following overview.
Differences Between Overjet and Overbite
The primary difference between overjet and overbite is that overjet is characterized by horizontal misalignment between the lower and front teeth, wherein the upper teeth push outward greater than three millimeters, whereas overbite is characterized as a vertical misalignment between the lower and upper teeth and overlap the bottom front teeth excessively when the back teeth are closed. Prevalence of overjet and overbite are nearly identical among children and adults, with a rate of approximately 20%.
What Causes Overjet and Overbites?
Family history is one of the leading reasons why a person may have overjet or an overbite. Due to genetic predisposition, a person may be born more likely to have an underdeveloped mandible or an overdeveloped maxilla. Both overjet and overbites are classified as malocclusions, which is a term used to describe when teeth do not fit together properly. Other causes of overjet and overbite may include excessive use of pacifiers or thumb sucking or due to tooth loss.
Due to the skeletal nature of overjet and overbite, oral surgery may be recommended followed by orthodontic braces. If identified at a young enough age, orthodontic intervention may be all that is necessary for children to avoid the need for oral surgery in the future.
Symptoms of Overjet and Overbite
In addition to the impact overjet and overbite have on the physical appearance of one’s smiles, both can cause issues to one’s oral health, such as the following:
- Affected speech, such as a lisp
- Mouth breathing
- Discomfort or difficulty while biting or chewing
- Increased risk of teeth being chipped or broken
If you are concerned that your child may have overjet or overbite, schedule an appointment with your periodontist as soon as possible. By treating the issue early, it may be possible to avoid them experiencing unnecessary oral pain or develop feelings of self-consciousness due to the appearance of their smile.
Treatment Options
Most cases of overjet and overbite can be corrected with a combination of oral surgery and orthodontic treatment. Removal of teeth at an early age to prevent overcrowding may also be sufficient in preventing overjet and overbite. Growth modification therapy may also be implemented in addition to orthodontic therapy. Although these treatments can be successful for younger patients, adults who have overjet or overbite will typically have to undergo surgery to correct the issue. This surgery will involve reshaping your jaw, making it either shorter or longer and utilize wires, plates, or screws to stabilize your jawbone.
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.