Overjet is a common orthodontic concern that describes how far the upper front teeth sit horizontally in front of the lower front teeth. While some cases are mild and may not require treatment, a more pronounced overjet can sometimes affect the bite, function or position of the front teeth.
In this guide, we explain what overjet is, what can cause it and when a Specialist Orthodontist may recommend treatment.
Quick Summary
- Overjet describes the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth, where the upper teeth sit further forward.
- Overjet can be influenced by several factors, including genetics, jaw development and certain childhood oral habits.
- Not every overjet requires treatment. Whether orthodontic treatment is recommended depends on factors such as its severity, your bite, tooth position and individual needs.
- For suitable patients, clear aligners are one treatment option that may be used to address certain types of overjet.
What is Overjet?
Overjet is a common orthodontic concern where the upper front teeth sit further forward than the lower front teeth. Sometimes colloquially referred to as “buck teeth”, an increased overjet may affect the appearance of the smile and, in some cases, be associated with concerns around bite or function.
Overjet is often confused with an overbite, but they describe two different bite relationships. Overjet refers to the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth, while overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth.
The severity of an overjet can vary from person to person, and not every case requires treatment. Understanding what may be contributing to an overjet, and whether it is affecting your bite or function, can help you make informed decisions about your orthodontic care.
At Urban Smile, our Specialist Orthodontists can assess your teeth and bite to determine whether treatment is recommended and discuss the options that may be appropriate for your individual needs.
What Causes Overjet?
Hereditary Jawbone Structures or Teeth Arrangements
Overjet can be hereditary3. Like every other part of our body, genes are a factor to consider as they can pass on specific jawbone structures or certain teeth arrangements that may cause the form of overcrowded or misaligned teeth that eventually develop through the years.
Thumb-Sucking, Pacifiers, and Prolonged Bottle Feeding
While thumb-sucking or pacifiers are considered self-soothing for children, overjet is developed by the continuous pressure that causes damage even after the baby teeth are off; more especially when the habit goes on beyond the age of 5.
Tongue-Thrusting
Similar to thumb-sucking, the pressure that comes from tongue-thrusting2 can cause teeth to be continuously pushed outwards causing malformed teeth, gaps, open bites or overjet. Oftentimes, overjet occurs when tongue-thrusting is present during early oral habits of swallowing or unconsciously in sleep or times of stress.
Swelling, Lumps, or Tumours
When jaws change shape, they cause teeth to realign themselves to follow how the mouth or jaw are positioned. Any form of persistent swelling or growth such as lumps or tumours, whether soft tissue or bony, can be a factor to overjet causing parts of the mouth or jaw to shift teeth outward.
Skeletal Discrepancy
Skeletal discrepancy can cause overjet when there is an incompatibility5 of the jaw bone that may cause teeth to shift or protrude outwards.
When Might Overjet Treatment Be Recommended?
1. Appearance and Confidence
For some people, a noticeable overjet can affect how they feel about the appearance of their smile. This may be particularly relevant during the teenage years, when appearance and self-confidence can become more important. However, every person feels differently about their smile, and appearance alone doesn’t necessarily mean treatment is required.
2. Difficulties in Eating and Drinking
Depending on its severity, an overjet may affect the way the front teeth and lips come together. For some people, this can make certain everyday functions, such as biting into foods, less comfortable or convenient.
3. Speech Issues
The position of our teeth and jaws can play a role in how we form certain sounds. In some cases, an overjet or other bite concern may contribute to speech difficulties. As speech can be influenced by many factors, an orthodontic assessment can help determine whether tooth or jaw position may be playing a role.
4. Recurring Dental Issues
With a more pronounced overjet, the upper front teeth may sit further forward and can be more exposed to accidental knocks or injury, particularly during sports and other physical activities. Your orthodontist can assess whether the position of the teeth presents a concern and whether treatment may be beneficial.
5. Other Bite Or Oral Health Considerations
Overjet can occur alongside other orthodontic concerns involving the teeth, bite or jaws. Rather than assuming an overjet needs to be corrected, it’s important to have it properly assessed. A Specialist Orthodontist can consider its severity, your individual needs and any associated concerns before recommending whether treatment is appropriate.
Overjet Treatment Options
The right treatment for an overjet depends on factors such as its severity, your bite, tooth position, age and individual orthodontic needs. Treatment may involve braces, clear aligners or other orthodontic approaches, depending on your diagnosis.
At your consultation, our Specialist Orthodontists will assess your teeth and bite and recommend an appropriate treatment option for you.
For suitable patients, clear aligners can be used to gradually move the teeth and address certain types of overjet. Because they’re transparent and removable, they offer a discreet treatment option that can fit conveniently into everyday life.
Not every overjet can be treated with clear aligners alone, so an orthodontic assessment is important to determine whether they’re suitable for your individual needs.
Related: How to Treat a Teeth Gap?
FAQs
Can Clear Aligners Treat Severe Overjet Teeth?
Clear aligners are a popular way to fix overjet teeth. In most cases, they can address mild to moderate overjet issues. To better measure the severity of your overjet, it’s important to consult with your orthodontist to decide on the most convenient treatment that’s best for you.
How Long Does It Take for Clear Aligners to Treat an Overjet?
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your overjet, the tooth movements required and your individual treatment plan. Your Specialist Orthodontist can provide a more personalised estimate after assessing your teeth and bite.
Do Clear Aligners Treat Overjet or Overbite?
While overjet and overbite share similarities, they are different orthodontic concerns. However, clear aligners may help treat both concerns depending on the severity and advice of your orthodontist.
Are Clear Aligners Comfortable to Wear While Treating Overjet?
Clear aligners are made from smooth, transparent material and can be removed for eating, drinking and oral hygiene. It’s normal to experience some pressure or discomfort when teeth are moving, particularly when changing to a new set of aligners. Individual experiences vary.
Summary
If you have an overjet and are considering a straighter smile, the first step is understanding your individual orthodontic needs. A consultation with a Specialist Orthodontist can determine the severity of your overjet, whether treatment is recommended and whether clear aligners may be a suitable option for you.
Depending on the individual, treating an overjet may help address concerns with the bite, tooth position or function. The right time to begin treatment will vary, which is why a personalised orthodontic assessment is recommended.
At Urban Smile, our clinical team will assess your teeth and bite, including concerns such as spacing, crowding and alignment. Your records are reviewed by one of our Specialist Orthodontists, who will recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.
Ready to learn more about your overjet? Book a free consultation at your nearest Urban Smile studio to find out whether clear aligners could be right for you.