Overjet: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

If your front teeth protrude further forward than what is considered "normal", you may have a common dental condition called an overjet.

While it is often dismissed as a purely cosmetic issue, an untreated overjet can affect everyday activities like speaking and chewing.

Over time, this condition places extra strain on the jaw and increases the risk of oral disease.

If you have an overjet, you'll be glad to know that modern orthodontics offers a wide range of effective solutions that can improve both the function and appearance of your teeth.

In this article, the experts at 3Dental explore the symptoms and causes of overjet and discuss the various treatment options available.

An overjet is a type of malocclusion, a term used to describe a misaligned bite.

It specifically describes the horizontal overlap between your upper front and lower front teeth when your front teeth protrude over the lower.

A small overjet of between 2 and 3mm is considered normal, but anything larger than this can result in the upper front teeth protruding forward noticeably.

Often referred to as "buck teeth" or a "bad bite", an overjet can affect your smile's appearance and increase the risk of traumatic dental injuries.

In severe cases, it can also affect chewing, speech, and overall dental health.

You need qualified dental professionals to diagnose this condition properly so you get the right orthodontic treatment.

Whether your case is mild or severe, the team at 3Dental will tailor your treatment to fit your specific needs.

The most obvious sign of an overjet is the forward protrusion of the upper front teeth. You might also notice several other symptoms:

• Difficulty biting into certain foods, such as sandwiches and apples.
• Speech problems, particularly with pronouncing sounds like "s" and "th".
• Increased risk of dental injuries, especially chips and fractures.
• Jaw pain and strain in the muscles surrounding the TMJ (temporomandibular) joints.
• Uneven tooth wear or gum irritation.
  Self-consciousness about your smile's appearance.

If left untreated, these symptoms (especially the dental issues) could get worse.

This is why it's so important to seek professional orthodontic treatment sooner rather than later.

Overjet is typically diagnosed during a routine orthodontic examination.

Your dentist will measure the horizontal gap between your upper and lower front teeth to determine whether or not the distance is normal.

Anything more than 3mm is usually considered a "deep overjet".

X-rays and 3D scans might be needed to figure out whether the problem comes from your teeth or your jaw.

This thorough assessment gives dentists a clear picture of your condition so they can create the best treatment plan possible.

The right treatment for overjet depends on the patient's age, the severity of the bite, and whether the cause is dental or skeletal.

Common options include:

Functional appliances (such as bite plates and retainers) are a good choice for children, as these devices help guide jaw growth and correct alignment.

Early intervention often reduces the need for complex orthodontics later on.

Traditional braces are one of the most popular and effective treatment methods for moderate to severe overjet.

Braces gradually move the upper front teeth back into position, correcting both their function and appearance.

For mild to moderate cases, clear aligners such as Invisalign may be a suitable option.

These clear, removable trays are discreet and subtle, which makes them popular among teenagers and adults.

In severe cases, when the lower jaw is underdeveloped or there is significant jaw misalignment, corrective jaw surgery may be necessary.

In most cases, surgery is combined with other orthodontic treatments for optimal results.

Damaged or missing teeth could complicate your treatment plan.

However, restorative solutions such as implants or crowns could be used alongside orthodontic care to restore a functional bite.

Several factors can contribute to the development of a deep overjet, including:

Your family history plays a significant role in your dental alignment.

Jaw shape, size, and tooth positioning could be inherited from your parents.

The following habits can push the front teeth and increase the horizontal gap:

• Thumb sucking.
• Prolonged use of a dummy.
• Tongue thrusting when swallowing or speaking.

An underdeveloped lower jaw or excessive forward growth of the upper jaw can create a noticeable overjet.

These skeletal issues typically require surgery.

• Gaps from missing teeth, which can affect bite balance.
• Mouth breathing, which may influence jaw and dental development over time.

If an overjet is not treated, it can lead to both functional and oral health problems, including:

• Vulnerability to injuries, especially in children and teenagers.
• Excessive wear on certain teeth, potentially leading to tooth decay.
• Jaw pain and TMJ discomfort from strain on your jaw muscles and joints.
• Gum irritation and difficulty cleaning your teeth, which can result in periodontal issues.
• Impact on self-confidence and esteem.

Fortunately, the right dental care can help mitigate most of these risks if you seek treatment in time.

Despite what many people assume, overjet is not just a cosmetic issue.

In fact, this condition presents many oral health challenges.

Firstly, protruding upper teeth are more prone to chips and fractures than they would be if the teeth were perfectly aligned.

Secondly, an uneven bite can lead to excessive wear on the teeth.

Over time, this can result in the breakdown of enamel, tooth decay, and eventually result in the need for extraction.

Lastly, the position of the teeth may make them difficult to clean, leading to a higher risk of gum issues.

Overjet can affect your daily life by impacting activities like speaking and eating.

Biting into hard or chewy foods may be challenging, and you may find it difficult to pronounce certain sounds.

It's not just the functional impact that's important, though.

Many people with overjets have low self-confidence, avoid smiling, and stay away from social situations.

Fortunately, early orthodontic treatment can improve your bite function as well as your teeth's overall look.

While they are related, overjet and overbite are different conditions.

Overjet refers to the horizontal difference between the front upper and lower teeth, while an overbite refers to the teeth's vertical overlap.

Some patients may have both conditions, which can complicate their treatment plan.

Understanding the distinction is important, as finding the right treatment option will depend on your exact diagnosis.