What is overjet an overbite and why does it matter?

If you’ve ever heard the term “overjet” or “protrusion”, you might be wondering what it means and why it’s important. Let’s simplify it and explore how you can address it.

What is Overjet?

An "Overjet" is commonly called "Overbite", but the real meaning of an overjet is the horizontal distance between your upper front teeth and your lower front teeth when your mouth is closed. If your top teeth stick out significantly more than your bottom teeth, that’s an increased overjet.

"Overbite" on the other hand, refers to the vertical overlap of your upper front teeth over your lower front teeth.

Why It Matters

Appearance: A noticeable overjet can affect the look of your smile, making you feel self-conscious.
Function: An excessive overjet can make it difficult to bite and chew food effectively and might impact your speech.
Dental Health: Protruding teeth are at a higher risk of getting chipped or damaged.

Common Causes

Overjet can result from:

Genetics: Sometimes, it's just in the family.
Thumb Sucking: Extended thumb sucking in childhood can lead to an increased overjet.
Jaw Issues: Misalignment between the upper and lower jaws can cause overjet.

Treatment Options

The good news is that overjet can be treated effectively! Here’s how:

Braces: Traditional metal or ceramic braces can help realign your teeth and reduce overjet.
Clear Aligners: Discreet options like Invisalign can also address overjet without the look of metal braces.
Functional Appliances: These devices can help adjust the position of your jaw to correct overjet.
Surgery: In more severe cases, surgical options might be necessary to correct jaw alignment.

How to Get Started

At Orthomontreal, Dr. Nguyen brings 25 years of expertise to help you with overjet and other orthodontic concerns. It’s important to schedule a consultation to assess your case and determine the best treatment options that fit your needs and budget.

To book a consultation: