What are the Differences Between an Overjet and an Overbite?

What are Overjet and Overbite?

Overjet Definition

An overjet occurs when the upper teeth project outward and rest before the lower teeth. This condition affects more than just appearance; it can also cause chewing, drinking, and biting difficulties. Overjets can range from mild and barely noticeable to severe.

In addition to problems with biting or chewing, poor tooth alignment can make it hard to close your lips completely. This may lead to speech issues or cause you to bite your tongue or the inside of your cheek frequently.

It's normal for your upper front teeth to be slightly ahead of your lower teeth when you close your mouth, typically by about 2 millimeters (mm). However, if you have an overjet, your upper front teeth may extend more than 2 mm in front of your lower teeth.

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 called 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 several 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.

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?

Overjet is measured by the horizontal distance between the top and bottom teeth when the jaw is closed. An overjet occurs when this distance is greater than 3-4 mm.

Overbite is measured by the vertical overlap of the top teeth over the bottom teeth. An overbite is present when the upper teeth cover more than 25% of the bottom teeth.

Both overjet and overbite are common orthodontic issues, affecting about 20% of the global population.

How to Fix Overbite and Overjet?

Treating overjet is slightly more challenging than overbite, as it involves repositioning teeth vertically. However, both can be effectively treated with various orthodontic options:

Traditional Braces
Braces gradually move teeth into alignment. The process typically takes at least 18 months, with retainers needed afterwards to maintain results. Braces are most common in children and teenagers, but some adults also choose them.
Clear Aligners
A popular choice for teens and adults, clear aligners use custom thermoplastic trays to gradually shift teeth. They are nearly invisible, making them a discreet option for mild to severe malocclusion.
Dental Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover the front of teeth, perfect for correcting uneven, stained, or worn-down teeth. The process involves minor enamel removal and bonding the veneers to the teeth, offering long-lasting results.
Dental Crowns
Crowns can correct an overbite by restoring a tooth's normal size and shape, providing strength and alignment. They're ideal for teeth damaged by teeth grinding.
Dental Bonding
Tooth-coloured composite resin can be applied to reshape teeth and improve alignment, suitable for mild overbites.

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.