Overjet With Braces (Explained)

An overjet occurs when teeth overlap horizontally. In other words, the top teeth protrude over the bottom teeth. Orthodontists always refer to it as overjet instead of overbite, although it is sometimes called overbite. Adults with overjets can be treated with braces.

Overjet occurs when there is a too-large horizontal gap between the top front teeth and the bottom front teeth.

The rows of teeth line up when the mouth is closed in a patient with healthy, properly aligned teeth and a correct bite. There should be little space between the top row and bottom row of teeth at the front of the mouth. Overjets like this are called normal overjets.

A horizontal gap exists between the top and bottom front teeth when the top teeth do not sit properly over the bottom teeth. A person with excessive overjet either has too high or too low front teeth, which is characterized by pronounced forward teeth on the upper or lower teeth.

Some people unkindly refer to the top teeth as “buck teeth” because of the horizontal gap between the top and bottom teeth.

How Long Do You Need Braces for an Overjet?

Overjets can be corrected with dental braces in a variety of time frames depending on their severity. It usually takes 18 to 24 months to get used to braces. It costs between $5,000 and $7000 to get braces for adults.

Overbites VS Overjets

When the jaw is closed, overjets are measured by the horizontal distance between the top and bottom teeth. Overjet occurs when there is a large space between the teeth – more than 3-4 millimeters.

The vertical distance between the top teeth and the top teeth is used to measure overbites. An overbite occurs when the top teeth obscure more than 25% off the bottom teeth when the teeth are closed.

Approximately 20% of the global population is estimated to suffer from both of these orthodontic conditions. Having both an overjet and an overbite is relatively common.

A licensed orthodontist in an accredited orthodontic office can treat overjets with quality orthodontic care. In order to correct overjets, there are several reliable, effective treatment options available.

Treatment Options for Overjet

Malocclusions are diagnosed by dentists routinely, and most cases do not require treatment. It is very common for people to have slight malocclusions. Patients with severe malocclusions will typically be referred to an orthodontist for follow-up examinations and treatment. Treatment options recommended by the orthodontist include:

• The removal of certain teeth
• Straightening teeth with dental braces
• Implants, caps, or dental bonding
• Jawbone reformation through orthognathic surgery
• Stabilizing the jawbone with metal wires or plates

According to a patient’s age, orthodontic needs, and other personal factors, a customized treatment plan is created.

Metal braces, Damon braces, lingual braces, clear aligners, tooth extraction, and orthognathic surgery are some common orthodontic treatments for overjet and other malocclusions.

Traditional Metal Braces

Teeth and jawbones can be gradually repositioned with the help of metal brackets, archwires, hooks, and elastic bands known as ligatures. To achieve the desired correction, most patients wear these for 1-3 years. Orthodontists are required to readjust this system on a regular basis.

You can now move your teeth more quickly and with less pain by using heat-activated archwires. Today’s most noticeable dental braces are these, which are the least expensive.

Over the past few decades, classic metal braces have evolved quite a bit. In addition to being smaller, the brackets are now available in a variety of colors.

Damon Braces

Known as a new approach to aligning teeth and enhancing your facial aesthetics-usually without extractions or rapid palatal expanders. Damon braces are backed by a number of clinical studies.

Passive braces are self-ligating, which means they do not require elastic ligatures like traditional braces do. Unlike classic metal braces, they have shape-memory wires.

Lingual Braces

Other types of braces are placed on the front of the teeth, but lingual braces are placed on the back. Other devices, such as brackets, archwires, hooks, ligatures, and other devices are also used, but they are hidden behind the tongue and cannot be seen. Many adults prefer them because they do not want to be seen wearing braces.

Clear Aligners

Designed to fit each patient’s mouth, clear aligners are made with strong, transparent plastic. It is recommended that they be worn up to 20 hours a day, and they can only be removed when brushing, flossing, or eating.

Patients’ teeth look very natural when wearing clear aligners like Invisalign®. Various types of malocclusion can be corrected by them in adolescents and adults. They are not recommended for cases of severe overjet, overbite, or underbite caused by irregular jawbones.

Teeth Extraction

An overjet or other dental malocclusion is often corrected with selective tooth extraction. According to MedlinePlus, removing the maxillary first premolars and retracting the anterior teeth can correct an excessive overjet. Patients with short mandibles may benefit from this.

Orthognathic Surgery

A patient with deficient mandibular (lower jaw) development may require orthognathic surgery to correct excessive overjet. This may also require repositioning of the maxillary (upper jaw) teeth.

Overjet With Braces

Disclaimer – This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about orthodontics and general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your orthodontist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Perry Stevens

Perry heads up a dynamic marketing team that has help the leading orthodontic practices in the USA 10X their business for over a decade. He’s a tea connoisseur, avid reader, traveling and grower of exotic fruits in his permaculture food forest.