Malocclusions have become predominantly common among individuals around the world. Overbite and Overjet are known dental issues that are often mixed up. In this guide, we will provide you with a complete understanding of these dental malocclusions and the key differences. Moreover, we’ll also explain how Smilepath clear aligners can help achieve a healthier smile.
Understanding Overbite vs Overjet
Overbite
An overbite is a dental condition in which the front teeth of the upper arch excessively overlap from the lower arch vertically. This overlap condition is also known as a deep bite. A normal overbite is around 2-3 millimeters whereas a measurement greater than this can lead severe dental issues.
Overjet
Overjet is often mistaken for an overbite. In this issue, the upper front teeth protrude too far forward from the lower teeth in a horizontal direction. It is also known as buck teeth and is more noticeable as compared to an overbite.
Causes and Risk Factors
Genetics
Some people have a genetically smaller jaw which may lead to an overbite or overjet.
Lifestyle
Some lifestyle factors including thumb-sucking or prolonged usage of pacifiers could have an increased risk of an overjet.
Jaw Development
Early loss of baby teeth could lead to issues with jaw development.
Key Differences Between Overbite and Overjet
| Feature | Overbite | Overjet |
|---|---|---|
| Misalignment | Vertical teeth protrusion | Horizontal teeth protrusion |
| Common Causes | Genetics | L ifestyle factors (Thumb-sucking) |
| Potential Risks | Gum irritation, enamel wear | Speech issues, difficulty biting |
What Happens If An Overbite or Overjet Is Left Untreated?
Jaw Pain
Misaligned bites can cause strain to the jaw muscles and joints. If not treated on time, it may lead to chronic jaw pains.
Difficulty Speaking
Tooth misalignments can often cause issues while speaking. Overjets, in particular, can cause lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.
Tooth Wear
Excessive pressure on the teeth due to an overbite or overjet can lead to enamel wear making teeth sensitive.
Impacted Appearance
Apart from impacting dental health, misalignments can have a certain effect on the overall confidence of an individual.
Treatment Options for Overbite and Overjet
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are one of the oldest methods used for teeth straightening. Be it an overbite or an overjet, braces can help you overcome it. Braces include metal brackets that are fixed on the tooth surface with attached wires that help to exert pressure. Over time, braces move teeth to bring about a desirable change. They are known for treating mild to even severe dental issues.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners have emerged as a popular teeth-straightening method. Unlike metal braces, they are not fixed to the teeth. Instead, they are worn on both arches of the teeth and exert pressure on them. Aligners have become a popular option for fixing malocclusions due to their discreet and comfortable nature. Moreover, individuals can see results within four to six months. They are best recommended for individuals with mild to moderate cases.
Smilepath Clear Aligners
Say Goodbye to your dental misalignments discreetly with Smilepath Clear Aligners. We offer at-home teeth straightening at the most affordable prices in town. Our aligners are composed of BPA-free material making them an ideal solution for your smile makeover. With our clear aligner plans, you can transform your smile day or night. Choose from any of our plans and get your dream smile in no time.
All-Day Clear Aligners
If you are looking forward to getting your smile fixed as early as six months, Smilepath All-day clear aligner plan can be the best solution for you. The wear time of our daytime aligners is 22 hours daily. Individuals are recommended to adhere to the wear time to achieve their desired results without any delays.
NightOnly Clear Aligners
Apart from the daytime smile transformation, Smilepath brings the ease of transforming your smile while you sleep. It is the ideal solution for individuals with busy routines to get their teeth straightened without disturbing their routine. The average treatment duration for nighttime transformation ranges between six to eight months. However, you must ensure you wear your aligners for at least 10 hours every night.
How It Works?
Recap
Overbite and Overjet are among the most common dental malocclusions that have been affecting a number of individuals around the world. Both of these issues are often confused. Overbite is a malocclusion in which there is a vertical protrusion of teeth. On the other hand, overjet is the horizontal protrusion. Genetics, lifestyle factors, or issues with jaw development are the common causes of malocclusion. However, Smilepath has made it easier to fix an overbite or an overjet. Our clear aligners are composed of cutting-edge technology to help you overcome your dental issues. So, what are you waiting for? Pick a plan that best suits your lifestyle and begin your smile transformation.
FAQs
An overbite or overjet can be easily determined by looking in the mirror. If your upper front teeth are overlapping the lower teeth, you have an overbite. However, if your upper front teeth protrude towards the outside, then you have an overjet.
A normal overbite is around 2-3mm. Anything above 4mm is considered excessive. A normal overjet is also about 2-3mm. Over 6mm is usually considered severe.
Yes, a 7mm overjet is considered severe and may cause difficulty in biting, speech issues, or tooth damage.
Yes, adults can easily fix an overjet with any of the teeth straightening methods; clear aligners or traditional braces.
References:
Dentists, K. S. (2023, April 21). Overjet vs overbite | Causes, symptoms, treatment. Knight Street Dentists. https://knightstreetdentists.com.au/overjet-vs-overbite/
Australia, O. (2024, July 12). What’s the difference between an overbite and an overjet? Orthodontics Australia. https://orthodonticsaustralia.org.au/overbite-and-overjet/
Overjet. (2024, July 31). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/overjet
Shahabuddin N, Kang J, Jeon HH. Predictability of the deep overbite correction using clear aligners. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2023 Jun;163(6):793-801. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2022.07.019. Epub 2023 Jan 19. PMID: 36681525.
Hamdan, A. M., Lewis, S. M., Kelleher, K. E., Elhady, S. N., & Lindauer, S. J. (2019). Does overbite reduction affect smile esthetics? The Angle Orthodontist , 89(6), 847–854. https://doi.org/10.2319/030819-177.1
Nanda R. (1997). Correction of deep overbite in adults. Dental clinics of North America, 41(1), 67–87.
Chite-Quispe L, Sánchez-Tito M. Analysis of the association between facial biotype, overbite and overjet in the permanent dentition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37214746/ J Clin Exp Dent. 2023 May 1;15(5):e376-e381. Accessed 6/14/2024.
Cobourne MT, DiBiase AT, Seehra J, Papageorgiou SN. Should we recommend early overjet reduction to prevent dental trauma? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36085463/ Br Dent J. 2022 Sep;233(5):387-390. Accessed 6/14/2024.
De Ridder L, Aleksieva A, Willems G, Declerck D, Cadenas de Llano-Pérula M. Prevalence of Orthodontic Malocclusions in Healthy Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35742703/ Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jun 17;19(12):7446. Accessed 6/14/2024.
Ghodasra R, Brizuela M. Orthodontics, Malocclusion. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276298/ 2023 Apr 23. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan. Accessed 6/14/2024.
Staufert Gutierrez D, Carugno P. Thumb Sucking. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556112/ 2023 May 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan. Accessed 6/14/2024.
Australia
New Zealand
Malaysia
English
Portuguese
English
English
English
English
English
Canada