If you have an overjet and want advice on your treatment options, you’re in the right place. At Orthodontics by Jackie, we specialise in straightening teeth using the latest clear, removable and hidden braces.
What is an overjet?
An excessive overjet is a type of dental malocclusion (misaligned bite) where your upper front teeth protrude outward past your lower teeth by more than a few millimetres.
Overjets are sometimes referred to as buck teeth. If your upper front teeth vertically overlap your bottom teeth, you have an overbite. It’s not uncommon to have an overjet combined with an overbite.
When the front teeth protrude, they appear larger and more prominent than your lower teeth. Freddie Mercury famously had an overjet (created by extra teeth in his upper jaw).
Overjets can be very subtle, but more severe overjets can affect the appearance of your teeth and profile and even impact the health of your teeth.
What causes an overjet?
Some overjets are caused by a skeletal discrepancy where the upper jaw is positioned further forward. You may have a more prominent upper jaw, or your lower jaw could be positioned further back than it should be.
The position of your teeth can also create an overjet, for example, missing teeth in your lower jaw or extra teeth in your upper jaw.
Like many bite issues, the cause of your overjet could be genetic and passed down from your parents. Environmental factors, including prolonged thumb sucking, can also affect the shape of your jaw and the inclination of your upper teeth, resulting in an overjet.
Why we treat overjets
Patients seek to straighten their overjets for different reasons. Some don’t like the appearance of their teeth or side profile, while others want to improve the way their teeth function.
Some patients with severe overjets struggle to close their lips over their teeth. This reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay.
If your teeth protrude, they can be more at risk of damage and accidents, for example, knocks when drinking from a glass. This can cause chips, premature wear and even tooth loss.
If your teeth don’t bite together correctly, it can also make biting and chewing more difficult.
Treatments for overjets
There are several ways we can treat overjets, depending on the size of your overjet and your age.
The first step is to visit us in Clonmel or Newbridge for a no-obligation consultation. Specialist orthodontist Dr. Jackie Bracken will carefully examine your smile and go through all your treatment options.
You’ll receive a personalised quote for your preferred options, including our weekly and monthly repayment plans.
Functional appliances
While children are still growing, we can sometimes treat an overjet using a functional appliance. A twin block appliance is a removable brace that positions the lower jaw forward to improve the relationship between your upper and lower jaw. We usually follow twin block treatment with fixed braces or Invisalign.
Fixed braces
Traditional braces are a tried and trusted way to straighten crooked teeth and bite discrepancies. Fixed braces consistently achieve excellent results for all ages. You can choose from metal braces or clear braces that feature discreet ceramic brackets. Both options are a great choice for a wide range of complaints – particularly if you want a brace that’s fixed in place and can’t go missing.
Invisalign
If you’d prefer the convenience of clear aligners, Invisalign is a fantastic option. It aligns teeth without metal brackets or wires. Instead, it uses clear, custom-made aligners to gradually move your teeth. Invisalign is the market-leading aligner system, and unlike some mail-order aligners, it can rival the efficiency and results of fixed braces.
Jaw surgery
If the position of your jaws is creating your overjet, you might need jaw surgery to achieve the best possible result. If this is an option for you, we can refer you to the hospital for a consultation. We’ll work closely with your consultant throughout your treatment for a seamless journey – and an incredible smile.
Get started with a consultation
If you’re ready to speak to an expert about your overjet, you can arrange a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Jackie Bracken.
During this relaxed appointment, we’ll listen to all your concerns and show you how we can achieve your smile goals using the latest braces and techniques.
You can book your first appointment online or contact our friendly team, who will be delighted to answer your questions.
