Correcting Excessive Overjet: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Meta Description: Excessive overjet, also known as "buck teeth," can impact your smile and oral health. Discover the symptoms, causes, and effective treatment options available to correct this dental misalignment.
Excessive overjet, characterized by upper front teeth protruding beyond the lower teeth, can lead to self-consciousness, speech difficulties, and increased risk of dental issues. While it may not always cause immediate problems, addressing an excessive overjet is essential for restoring proper teeth alignment and improving confidence. This article explores the symptoms, causes, and various treatment options for correcting excessive overjet.
What is an Overjet?
An overjet refers to the horizontal misalignment of the top and bottom teeth, resulting in the upper front teeth protruding outward. Normally, a small gap exists between the upper and lower teeth during a bite. However, if the upper teeth extend more than 2mm beyond the lower teeth, it indicates an excessive overjet or "buck teeth" condition.
Symptoms of Excessive Overjet:
Excessive overjet can cause both esthetic concerns and discomforting symptoms. Individuals with severe overjet may experience toothaches, jaw pain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Chewing, biting, and speaking can become challenging, and individuals may find it difficult to close their lips. Additionally, mouth breathing, worn-down or chipped teeth, increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, tooth loss, and dental injuries are associated with an excessive overjet.
Overjet vs. Overbite:
Although often used interchangeably, overjet and overbite are distinct misalignment issues concerning the relationship between the upper and lower front teeth.
Overjet: Excessive overjet primarily involves the horizontal misalignment of the upper and lower teeth, where the upper teeth protrude outward instead of resting in front of the lower teeth.
Overbite: On the other hand, an overbite refers to the vertical misalignment of the upper and lower teeth, where the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth.
Causes of Excessive Overjet:
Multiple factors contribute to the development of an excessive overjet:
Genetic inheritance of protruding teeth from parents.
Overcrowded teeth.
Childhood habits like thumb-sucking and pacifier use.
Tongue thrusting, where the tongue pushes against the teeth instead of resting on the palate.
Treatment Options for Excessive Overjet:
Addressing an excessive overjet typically requires the assistance of a general dentist, orthodontist, and sometimes an oral surgeon. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the overjet:
Dental Braces: Traditional metal braces are effective for correcting excessive overjet, as well as crowded, gapped, and crooked teeth. Braces gradually align the teeth over 18 to 24 months.
Clear Aligners: Removable clear aligners, such as Invisalign, provide an alternative to braces. Invisalign trays help straighten teeth, but they are suitable for mild to moderate misalignment. Treatment duration is shorter compared to traditional braces.
Dental Devices: Functional appliances, either temporarily glued in or removable, can help correct poor alignment and excessive overjet. These devices are typically worn for a few hours daily.
Veneers: Dental veneers are thin shells that cover natural teeth, effectively addressing an excessive overjet for cosmetic purposes. Depending on the material used, veneers can last up to 20 years.
Dental Crowns: A dental crown, or cap, can be used to make protruding top teeth appear uniform and aligned by covering the entire surface of a natural tooth.
Dental Bonding: Dental bonding involves the use of composite resin to modify the size and shape of teeth, helping correct an excessive overjet. Bonding lasts several years but may require periodic replacement.
Tooth Extraction: In cases where a child has an excessive overjet, their dentist may recommend removing certain baby teeth to create space for proper eruption of adult teeth. Tooth extraction may also be necessary to address severe crowding or as a prerequisite for orthodontic treatment.
Corrective Jaw Surgery: While braces are effective for children and teens, adults with jaw misalignment may require corrective jaw surgery. This procedure involves repositioning the upper and/or lower jaw to achieve proper alignment and may involve a hospital stay and extended recovery period.
Conclusion:
An excessive overjet, commonly referred to as "buck teeth," can have aesthetic and functional implications. Although not always problematic, severe cases can lead to discomfort and oral health issues. Thankfully, numerous treatment options are available to correct excessive overjet, including braces, clear aligners, dental devices, veneers, dental crowns, dental bonding, tooth extraction, and corrective jaw surgery. Consulting with a dental professional can help determine the best course of action for achieving proper teeth alignment and improving both oral health and self-confidence.