What Is an Overjet?
An overjet is a type of bite problem where the upper front teeth sit further forward than the lower front teeth. A small amount of overjet is completely normal, but when the upper teeth protrude too far, it is known as an excessive overjet.
Some people refer to a pronounced overjet as “buck teeth”, but the amount of protrusion can vary from person to person. An overjet may be caused by the position of the teeth, the way the jaws have developed or a combination of both.
What Causes an Overjet?
Overjets can develop for several reasons. Genetics is one of the most common causes, influencing the way the teeth and jaws grow. Childhood habits such as prolonged thumb sucking, dummy use or tongue thrusting may also contribute in some cases.
Some overjets are caused by the position of the teeth, while others are related to differences in jaw development. Understanding the underlying cause is an important part of planning the most appropriate treatment.
Overjet vs Overbite: What's the Difference?
Overjet and overbite are often confused, but they describe two different bite problems.
An overjet refers to the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth. When the upper front teeth protrude too far forward, it’s known as an excessive overjet.
An overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. A small amount of overlap is normal, but when the upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth, it’s considered an excessive overbite.
Although they’re different conditions, it’s common for people to have both at the same time. An orthodontic assessment can determine whether you have an overjet, an overbite or a combination of the two and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
How Can an Overjet Affect Your Teeth and Bite?
Increased Risk of Injury
Because the upper front teeth protrude further forward, they may be more vulnerable to accidental knocks or sporting injuries.
Biting and Chewing
A more pronounced overjet can affect the way the front teeth come together, making it harder to bite into certain foods.
Lip Closure
In some cases, a significant overjet can make it difficult to comfortably close the lips without strain.
Speech
Depending on its severity, an overjet can influence the pronunciation of certain sounds.
Smile Appearance
Protruding front teeth can affect the balance of the smile and facial profile, which may cause some people to feel self-conscious.
How Is an Overjet Treated?
There isn’t a single treatment for every overjet. The most appropriate approach depends on what’s causing the problem, whether it’s related to the teeth, the jaws or a combination of both.
For many patients, braces can be used to gradually improve the position of the teeth and reduce the overjet. For younger children, early orthodontic treatment may sometimes be recommended if jaw growth is contributing to the problem. In more complex cases, treatment planning may involve working alongside your general dentist or other dental specialists to achieve the best long-term outcome.
Following a thorough assessment, Dr Nino will explain what’s causing the overjet, whether treatment is recommended and the approach that’s most appropriate for your individual needs.
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When Should an Overjet Be Assessed?
If you or your child have front teeth that protrude noticeably, it’s worth arranging an orthodontic assessment. A more pronounced overjet can sometimes affect the way the teeth function or increase the risk of injury to the front teeth.
Dr Nino will assess the position of your teeth and jaws, explain what’s causing the overjet and recommend whether treatment, monitoring or no treatment is the most appropriate next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an overjet and an overbite?
An overjet refers to the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth, while an overbite describes how much the upper front teeth vertically overlap the lower front teeth. It’s common to have both conditions at the same time.
How do I know if an adult tooth is actually missing?
An X-ray can show whether the adult tooth is present beneath the gum, developing later than expected or absent altogether.
Will my child's overjet correct itself?
Some bite changes occur naturally as children grow but a more pronounced overjet doesn’t always improve on its own. Early assessment allows Dr Nino to monitor development and recommend treatment at the most appropriate time if needed.
Can adults have treatment for an overjet?
Yes. Overjets can be treated in both teenagers and adults. The most appropriate treatment depends on the position of the teeth, the bite and the underlying cause of the overjet.
Does every overjet need treatment?
No. A small overjet is completely normal. Treatment is usually only recommended when the overjet is affecting the way the teeth function, increasing the risk of injury or when you’d like to improve the appearance of your smile.
