Many of us have likely had or know someone who has had corrective braces for crooked or misaligned teeth. However, there are many more types of teeth-related issues that braces may treat.
An overjet is a term many may not be familiar with. Typically most people are familiar with the term overbite, a spacing issue between the top and bottom rows of teeth that causes a person’s bite to be misaligned. While an overbite is characterized by the vertical spacing between the top and bottom teeth, an overjet is very different.
On the other hand, an overjet refers to the protrusion of the top row of teeth, specifically them sticking out further than the bottom teeth. This is colloquially known as “buck teeth” and can have severe consequences if left untreated.
An untreated overjet can cause the lower jaw to rest uncomfortably and unnaturally, leading to other dental issues, possibly even TMJ (lockjaw).
Several factors can cause an overjet. Genetic factors may cause minor overjets, but more severe overjets are likely caused by behavior in childhood that affects the position of the front teeth.
Excessive thumb sucking, pacifier use, bottle suckling, and even pressing against the front teeth with the tongue can all shift the position of the front teeth and cause an overjet. It’s best to correct these behaviors as soon as possible to prevent severe dental complications from occurring.
While there are many options to repair an overjet, if the overjet happens in adulthood or remains untreated into adulthood, then the scope of the damage may require oral surgery before the overbite can be corrected using corrective braces.
If caught early, one of the best ways to correct an overjet is with braces. Most overjets can be corrected using standard metal or ceramic braces or even clear plastic aligners. The best time to correct the issue is in early childhood before the condition can become severe or create other dental issues.
Braces and aligners work by gradually shifting the teeth into position over time until they are straight. Typically, braces are installed over the teeth and are adjusted manually by your dentist at regular intervals in order to safely and effectively move the teeth into the proper position.
This is often why parents of children with an overjet will choose to get braces over other options so that spacing issues can be corrected over time. This way, the entire smile can be straightened out at one time, especially if the overjet has caused crowding or shifting for the other teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.orthoisfun.com or call Henry Orthodontics at (910) 685-7395 for an appointment in our Pinehurst office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Corrective Braces in Pinehurst, NC.
Clear braces for teens and traditional braces are two popular options for teenagers who need teeth straightening treatments. Braces are the first effective procedure for straightening teeth and have been used since the 1800s.Virtually everyone on the planet grew up with someone who wore braces, and that is a testament to how effective these devices…
Wondering whether you should choose clear braces to straighten your teeth? General dentists say this is a great choice when you want to be a little more discreet about wearing braces. It really is important for you to choose an option that fits in with your lifestyle, as wearing braces requires you to make a…
It is never too late to achieve a better smile through straightening your teeth, and adult braces are a great way to do exactly that.All too many adults are hesitant about the idea of getting braces, fearing they may be judged by others and it is simply too late for them. However, this is not…
Invisalign® has changed how willing teenagers –– and everyone else –– are to start teeth straightening treatments. It provides an alternative to traditional metal braces that is virtually impossible to detect. Invisalign® treatments work the same way conventional braces work, the aligner trays exert a force on the patient's teeth pushing their teeth into better…
Invisalign® has changed how willing teenagers –– and everyone else –– are to start teeth straightening treatments. It provides an alternative to traditional metal braces that is virtually impossible to detect. Invisalign® treatments work the same way conventional braces work, the aligner trays exert a force on the patient's teeth pushing their teeth into better…
Clear braces for teens and traditional braces are two popular options for teenagers who need teeth straightening treatments. Braces are the first effective procedure for straightening teeth and have been used since the 1800s.Virtually everyone on the planet grew up with someone who wore braces, and that is a testament to how effective these devices…