Your Southern Ontario Invisalign® Provider
What is an overjet teeth?
An overjet refers to a large gap between the top and bottom front teeth. In healthy teeth, the rows should line up when the mouth is closed, with the top row slightly overlapping the bottom teeth. However, in some cases, the top teeth don't sit properly over the bottom teeth, creating an excessive overjet.
This can make the top teeth appear more prominent than the other teeth. This has led to the term "buck teeth."
What causes overjet teeth?
Overjet teeth can be caused by a variety of factors. One common cause isis genetic factors (genetics). Certain individuals may inherit a jaw structure or tooth size that leads to an overjet.
Additionally, oral habits such as thumb sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier can also contribute to the development of overjet teeth.
How can an overjet be bad for your teeth?
An overjet may cause some of the following problems.
- Speech issues and speech difficulties such as lisps or slurs.
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing.
- Discomfort or pain while eating (chronic jaw pain and joint pain).
- Irregular facial appearance.
- Embarrassment when smiling.
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Inability to close lips.
- Greater risk of chipped or broken teeth.
- Gum (gum damage) and teeth decay from excessive plaque build-up.
How can you treat an overjet?
While a dental overjet in teeth may cause the above dental issues before treatment, after-treatment results may include improved function and a more harmonious and beautiful smile. Your specific treatment plan will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size of your jaw and the severity of your overjet, but these are the most common orthodontic treatment options:
Braces
Braces treatment (such as traditional braces) can help fix an overjet by gradually applying pressure to the natural teeth, which helps to align them properly. This pressure helps to move the upper teeth back and the lower teeth forward, reducing the overjet and improving the overall bite tooth alignment.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign can help fix an overjet by gradually shifting the position of the teeth. By using a series of clear aligners, they apply gentle pressure to guide the teeth into their proper places, reducing the overjet and improving the bite (deep bite).
Additionally, Invisalign allows for easy removal, making it convenient for eating, brushing, and flossing throughout the treatment process and overall improving oral health.