What is Overjet?
Overjet is a term used to describe when a person’s upper teeth protrude over their bottom teeth. While overjet can range in severity, in general a person is said to have an overjet if their upper front teeth extend more than 3 mm over their bottom teeth. Many patients who have overjet experience feelings of self-consciousness, which can lead to depression and isolation. Fortunately, overjet can be corrected. To learn more about overjet, how it is different from an overbite, and what steps you can take to correct overjet, please refer to the following overview.
Causes of Overjet
There are a number of different factors that can cause or contribute to overjet, one of the most common being genetic predisposition, either because a person was born with an underdeveloped lower jawbone or if their mother or father also had an overjet. Overjet can also develop as a result of sucking one’s thumb or pacifier for an extended period of time as well as tongue thrust.
In addition to affecting the appearance of your smile, having an overjet can also cause jaw pain and inhibit a person’s ability to bite, drink and chew. For more severe cases of overjet, a person may also develop speech issues, not be able to completely close their lips, and/or frequently bite the inside of their cheek or tongue.
Difference Between Overjet and Overbite
Although there are similarities between overjet and overbite (in that both involve upper teeth protruding over bottom teeth), the primary difference between overjet and overbite is that individual’s with an overjet have teeth that protrude at an angle past the bottom teeth, whereas patients who have an overbite have teeth that remain downward or straight.
Treating Overjet
There are several treatment options for correcting overjet, which include:
- Dental braces: Overjet may be corrected with dental braces, which will gradually shift your teeth to their desired location. The length of time and type of dental brace used (removable clear aligners or metal braces) will vary depending on the severity of your case, but on average, overjet can be corrected within 18-24 months.
- Veneers: Veneers may also be recommended to correct your overjet. These veneers (typically made of porcelain) are attached to the front of your teeth and are designed to mimic the natural look of your teeth.
- Dental bonding: Dental bonding may also be recommended to improve the appearance of protruding teeth. This natural looking resin will change the size and shape of your teeth, has the strength and appearance of your natural teeth, and will last several years before needing to be replace.
- Dental crown: To make the appearance of protruding teeth appear to be uniform, a dental crown may be placed.
- Oral surgery: For more significant cases of overjet, oral surgery may be necessary, which will involve making significant adjustments to the position of your jaw and upper palate.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
If you have overjet and feel self-conscious about your smile, contact your periodontist today. They will perform a thorough examination and determine which treatment option is best suited to meet your needs or recommend an orthodontist or oral surgeon who can provide you with the necessary care.