You might have questions about what are overjet teeth? What does an overjet teeth look like? How is an overjet different than an overbite? What causes overjet teeth? How can you fix overjet teeth and what happens if you don’t fix an overjet?
Fortunately, we will learn more about them in just a bit. Before we begin, let’s hear from the experts of orthodontic medicine about overbite vs overjet.
Although it seems intuitively that malocclusions should contribute to periodontal disease by making it more difficult to perform proper oral hygiene and to take care of teeth, research suggests it has minimal effect (Al-Jasser,2021).
An individual’s wellness and motivation in fact has a greater effect on oral hygiene than how well their teeth are aligned (Al-Jasser,2021).
Some studies have found associations between periodontal disease and overjet or overbite (Al-Jasser,2021).
What are Overjet teeth and What Does an Overjet teeth Look Like?
You might be wondering what overjet teeth are exactly, and what they look like. You may have heard of the terms overbites and overjet, and might be wondering what the difference is. The main thing to note about overjets is that an overjet refers to the horizontal deviation of the upper front teeth away from the mouth. That’s a lot of fancy words to say teeth that project forward.
Overjet vs. Overbite: What’s the Difference?
In general, malocclusion is poor alignment of the teeth. Two types of malocclusions are overbite and overjet. But what is the difference overjet vs overbite?
Both overbite and overjet cause visible deformation in the jaw line and can be considered unsightly. Both of these conditions have been linked to a higher risk of other dental issues but fortunately the conditions can be treated. It is especially beneficial if they are identified at a young age. It is therefore necessary for children to visit their orthodontists early to ensure that any potential dental issues can be identified and rectified as soon as possible.
An overbite is when the top front teeth overlap excessively over the lower front teeth. In medical terms, the term overbite only truly applies when the distance between the front and lower teeth are measured vertically.
Overjet on the other hand is when the upper front teeth protrude outwards. Unlike overbite which is defined as excessive vertical distance between the upper front teeth and lower front teeth, overjet is more measured by the horizontal differences between the two sets of teeth. In lay terms, overjets can be referred to as buck teeth.
In fact, an individual might have such a significant overjet that they are unable to comfortably and completely shut their mouth without the teeth being in the way. This is likely to cause injuries due to the resting position of the jaws. It can also make it hard to eat and speak because the tongue will not strike the back of the teeth correctly to form letters.
What Causes Overjet Teeth?
Overjet teeth can be caused by genetics. However, it can also be caused by poor habits such as thumb sucking during childhood, or thrusting against the teeth with the tongue which both children and adults can be guilty of. It can also happen because of an unnecessary prolonged use of a bottle which can cause the teeth to protrude forward in the mouth. This happens during the development of the teeth and they grow out instead of down.
What Are the Symptoms of Overjet?
If you have an overjet, or if you suspect that your child has an overjet, you might notice the following symptoms such as: speech problems such as slurs or lisps. You might notice pain or discomfort while eating, in addition to difficulty with chewing, swallowing, and biting food.
Additionally, you might have trouble sleeping and an inability to close your lips or your mouth, and you may have problems with your facial appearance.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, or your child is complaining about any of the symptoms, this might be the right time to visit your orthodontist and get the problems sorted out.
What Are the Repercussions of Untreated Overjet?
The problem with not treating any medical conditions that require treatment is that the conditions can get worse. This is true with overjet. If you or your child have overjet, it is essential that you speak to an orthodontist who can examine your mouth, determine the severity, and in collaboration with you help you decide what treatment options would be most suitable for you.
Overjet teeth can create problems with speech, eating, and can be generally unsightly, as we’ve noted above. This can create problems with self-esteem issues and poor social interactions. Overall, these can lead to poor mental health in an individual.
It is necessary that overjet is treated or avoided as much as possible. Due to the many repercussions of untreated overjet, and how it can affect different areas of life including social areas, it is important for parents to get their children’s teeth fixed if necessary.
How to Fix Overjet Teeth?
There are multiple treatment options for fixing overjet teeth. Depending on the severity of the condition that you may have, your orthodontist might be able to treat the overjet with Invisalign. Your orthodontist might also be able to treat your overjet with traditional braces if that is the better option for you.
The best way to treat an overjet is to prevent it from occurring if possible, and as such it is crucial for you to take your children to the orthodontist to ensure that any predisposition to overjet is identified and can be quickly corrected.
Any good parent will want to avoid and minimize any unnecessary negative effects or negative consequences their children may experience, especially when it is no fault of their own.
You will want to have a regular orthodontist who can help you with overjet or overbite, or any other orthodontic conditions that may be present. If you don’t have a regular orthodontist that you visit, feel free to visit www.ivanovortho.com and book an appointment today. We’ll be glad to provide you with a free initial consultation and answer any questions you may have.
Reference:
Al-Jasser R. N. (2021). The effect of overbite and overjet on clinical parameters of periodontal disease: A case control study. The Saudi dental journal, 33(4), 201–206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sdentj.2020.02.002
