Contents
- What are Overjet and Overbite?
- What Causes Overjet and Overbite?
- Overjet vs. Overbite: What is the Difference?
- How to Measure Overjet and Overbite?
- How to Fix Overbite and Overjet?
- Can you Fix an Overbite Without Braces?
- How Much Does It Cost to Fix an Overbite?
- How to Correct Overbite Naturally?
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What are Overjet and Overbite?
Overjet Definition
An overjet occurs when the upper teeth project outward and rest on top of the lower teeth. Having an overjet affects more than just your appearance.
You may also have difficulties chewing, drinking, or biting. It may potentially result in jaw pain. Overjets might be modest and barely detectable, or they can be severe.
In addition to problems biting or chewing, poor tooth alignment can make it difficult to close your lips entirely. You could also develop speech issues or bite your tongue or the inside of your cheek regularly.
Keep in mind that when you close your mouth, it's typical for your upper front teeth to be slightly in front of your lower teeth - they're normally 2 millimetres (mm) apart.
If you have an overjet, however, your upper front teeth may extend in front of your lower teeth by more than 2 mm.
Overbite Definition
An overjet is a horizontal problem, whereas an overbite is a vertical problem. When the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth by more than one-third, this is referred to as a deep overbite.
In extreme circumstances, the lower teeth may even come into contact with the gum tissue behind the higher front teeth. In general, a normal overbite range is 2-3 millimetres.
What Causes Overjet and Overbite?
Causes of Ovejet
There is no single cause of an overjet, but rather a number of factors that can contribute to this condition.
Overjets are sometimes inherited. If your mother or father had one, you may develop one as well. This can happen if your lower jawbone is undeveloped, causing your upper teeth to protrude wider than they should.
However, genetics is not the main cause of this. An overjet can also emerge if you sucked your thumb or fingers as a toddler.
A tongue push can potentially cause an overjet, as can using a dummy for an extended period of time.
Causes of Overbite
An overbite is inherited (runs in families) in some situations. The alignment of your teeth might be affected by genetic factors such as your jaw shape.
Other factors include:
- Nail biting is excessive.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding).
- Thumb-sucking, also known as nonnutritive sucking behaviour (NNSB), that develops after the age of three.
- Tongue-thrusting occurs when the tongue moves forward too far into the mouth.
- Using a dummy, particularly after the age of three.
Overjet vs. Overbite: What is the Difference?
- Although an overbite and an overjet may appear to be identical, the fundamental distinction is the angle at which the upper teeth sit.
- A vertical misalignment is an overbite, whereas a horizontal misalignment is an overjet.
- In an overbite, the upper teeth point straight down, whereas in an overjet, they protrude diagonally against the lower teeth.
- It is important to note that an overbite and an overjet can coexist.
How to Measure Overjet and Overbite?
The horizontal distance between the top and bottom teeth, while the jaw is closed, is used to calculate overjets.
Overjet occurs when the space between the teeth is too large - greater than 3-4 mm.
The vertical distance by which the top teeth overhang the top teeth is used to calculate overbites.
An overbite occurs when the upper teeth cover too much of the bottom teeth, covering more than 25% of the bottom teeth while the teeth are closed.
Both of these diseases are among the most prevalent orthodontic issues seen by people worldwide; both are believed to impact roughly 20% of the global population. Both an overjet and an overbite are rather frequent.
How to Fix Overbite and Overjet?
Treatment for overjet teeth is slightly more difficult than treatment for overbite teeth, simply because you must reposition your teeth vertically.
However, it is not impossible, and your orthodontist will advise you on the best treatment after diagnosing your bite.
1. Traditional Braces
Typically, braces are placed on many patients when they are children or teenagers, but adults who want to completely escape the stigma associated with wearing metal braces have not found them to be as popular.
Traditional braces progressively move teeth into a straighter grin by manipulating them over time.
To avoid retention or recurrence, the procedure could take at least 18 months, and retainers would need to be worn religiously for a long time.
2. Clear Aligners
Aligners, a preferred alternative among our teen and adult patients, straighten teeth without the use of metal braces.
Instead, a series of personalised thermoplastic trays are used in this method to gradually shift the teeth over time.
This kind of treatment is beneficial for those with mild to severe malocclusion. Nobody will ever know you are getting orthodontic treatment because the aligner trays are almost unnoticeable.
3. Dental Veneers
Porcelain veneers, which involve tiny porcelain shells covering the front of your teeth, are now among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures.
Each tooth must go through a tiny amount of enamel removal during this process to make way for these personalised veneers.
Adhesive bonding is utilized to attach them to your teeth after they have been properly fitted, providing you with long-lasting results.
Using dental veneers is an excellent technique to fix uneven, stained, and worn-down teeth.
For overbite situations that fall within the scope of restorative or orthodontic therapy, veneers might be a fantastic solution.
4. Dental Crowns
Dental crowns for overbite correction are becoming a popular choice for people who want to get rid of their overbite.
It can be used to conceal a tooth that may have become damaged or worn down as a result of teeth grinding for a lengthy period of time.
By using crowns to correct an overbite, a tooth can regain its normal size and form, gaining additional strength and aesthetically pleasing alignment with the surrounding teeth.
5. Dental Bonding
Tooth bonding may be used to treat mild overbites. Your dentist coats the harmed teeth with tooth-coloured composite resin throughout this process.
Bonding can give the appearance that the teeth are aligned by subtly changing the size and shape of the teeth.
Can you Fix an Overbite Without Braces?
Children and adults have distinct overbite repair needs. If an overbite is discovered in childhood, therapy may include:
Growth modification devices, often known as palate expanders, are used to reposition the jaw during growth spurts.
Baby teeth or permanent teeth are extracted to make way for adult teeth.
Retainers are used to maintain the teeth in place after braces have been removed.
Treatment for adults may include:
- Only the teeth impacted by the overbite will be moved with clear aligners.
- Surgery to realign the jaws.
- Teeth extraction to make room for the remaining teeth.
Other options available to fix overbite correction without braces are:
Veneers
Your doctor may also recommend veneers to remedy an overjet. This is a piece of porcelain that is affixed to the front of your teeth. It's a custom-made design that looks like your natural teeth.
Veneers can conceal or conceal crooked teeth and other flaws. Traditional porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years and cost $925 to $2,500 per tooth, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry.
Dental Bonding
Your dentist will use a composite resin to change the shape and size of your teeth through dental bonding. This can help to conceal protruding teeth.
The resin is as robust as genuine teeth and once installed, the bonding can endure for years before needing to be replaced or repaired.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix an Overbite?
On average, correcting your overbite will cost between $2,000 to more than $40,000, depending on the method you choose.
Here's a quick summary of the costs:
Braces cost approximately $4,500, depending on the dentist.
Depending on the dentist, traditional aligners cost around $5,000.
At-home aligners prescribed by a doctor cost around $2,000, depending on the company.
Depending on the severity of your overbite, surgery might cost anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000.
Both braces and aligners can correct an overbite problem, but aligners are better for mild to moderate cases, and choosing this option could save you thousands of dollars.
How to Correct Overbite Naturally?
Overbite cannot be corrected naturally; braces or surgery will be required.
However, some forms of overbite can be avoided by eliminating childhood habits such as thumb sucking, pencil chewing, and the excessive use of dummies for babies.
Key Takeaways
Overjets do not always cause issues. However, having one can often make it difficult to speak, eat, chew, and drink.
Consult your dentist if you are experiencing issues or simply dislike the appearance of an overjet. They can either recommend a treatment plan for you or send you to an orthodontist.
Treating an overjet does more than just make some chores simpler. It can also brighten your smile and raise your self-esteem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are overjet and overbite the same?
No, overjet and overbite are not the same. Overjet refers to the horizontal protrusion of the upper front teeth beyond the lower front teeth, while overbite is the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth.
What are normal overjet and overbite?
A normal overjet is around 2 to 4 millimeters, while a normal overbite ranges from 2 to 4 millimeters as well. These measurements can vary depending on individual dental anatomy.
How to know if you have an overbite?
Stand in front of a mirror and close your mouth naturally. If your upper front teeth significantly cover your lower front teeth, you likely have an overbite. Consulting a dentist for an accurate assessment is advisable.
Do aligners work for overbites?
Clear aligners like Invisalign can work for mild to moderate overbites. They gradually shift teeth into proper alignment, but their effectiveness depends on the specific overbite's severity.
Can dental implants fix an overbite?
Dental implants primarily replace missing teeth and don't directly address overbites. Correcting an overbite usually involves orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners.
Do veneers fix an overbite?
Veneers can improve the appearance of teeth but are not designed to fix the alignment of overbites. Orthodontic interventions are typically necessary to address overbite issues.
Can braces fix an overbite?
Yes, braces are a common and effective solution for correcting overbites. They gradually move teeth into proper alignment, helping to reduce or eliminate the overbite issue.
How to prevent an overbite?
While some overbites are genetic, you can reduce the risk by discouraging thumb-sucking and pacifier use in children, promoting proper tongue posture, and discouraging prolonged bottle feeding.
Regular dental check-ups can also catch early signs of developing overbites.
