Overjet [Teeth] | Buck Teeth Treatment

Treat overjet fast with orthodontic treatments at your local YDS clinic - contact us for options, pricing and pay monthly finance.

Overjet occurs when the upper teeth protrude past the lower teeth. Often referred to as ‘buck teeth’, this misalignment is quite common and can be corrected with a variety of dental treatments.

The Causes Of Overjet

Like many other malocclusions (misalignments), it may be hereditary. This means that, if members of your family have an overjet, you are more likely to have one too. Genetics aren’t the only factor that play a role in how your jaw and mouth develops – childhood habits also influence this. For example, if you sucked your thumb or used a dummy excessively, the continuous pressure placed on the teeth can lead to the formation of an overjet. Another contributing factor is tongue thrusting. Caused by stress, allergies and poor swallowing habits, the habit describes when the tongue presses too far forward in the mouth. This continuing motion increases your risk of overjet development.

Does An Overjet Need To Be Fixed?

The side effects of overjet vary from patient to patient. If left untreated, it may lead to various health issues, alongside a lack of confidence in your smile. Here are some of the effects of overjet:

Jaw pain
Headaches
Accidental tongue or cheek biting
Worn teeth
Difficulty when biting and chewing
Dry mouth due to an inability to close lips properly

What Is The Difference Between Overjet & Overbite?

The direction of the overlap is what differentiates overbite and overjet. An overbite is a vertical misalignment where the upper front teeth overlap the bottom teeth more than normal. On the other hand, an overjet is a horizontal misalignment where the upper front teeth protrude outward and sit over the bottom teeth.

Treatment Options

The severity of your overjet may influence the viability of certain dental procedures. Your dentist will talk you through your options and which will work best.

Clear Aligners & Fixed Braces For Teeth

Clear aligners and fixed braces work the same way. By exerting pressure onto the teeth, they are gradually encouraged to move back into their correct position. There are some key differences however to take into account before choosing your procedure. Clear aligners are a great option for mild to moderate overjet cases. Almost imperceptible in the mouth, the transparent trays discreetly straighten your teeth in a short period of time. They can also be removed when eating or brushing. Then there are fixed braces for teeth. Attaching to your teeth with a thin wire and small brackets, this extremely effective device is ideal for severe overjet cases. Alongside braces, your dentist may suggest tooth extraction or elastics.

Jaw Surgery