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Everything You Need to Know About Overjet

Overjet teeth

It’s not easy to live with misaligned teeth. It affects your eating experience, self-esteem, and overall life quality in some way or the other. This post is written to throw light on one such widespread misalignment of teeth – Overjet. Read on to learn critical information on overjet teeth.

What is an Overjet?

An overjet in teeth is the horizontal distance between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. If you have an overjet, your upper teeth stick out past your lower teeth. Having an overjet of teeth can make it hard to bite or chew food. Sever overjet can also adversely affect how you speak.

What are the Causes of an Overjet?

There are a few different causes of overjet, but the most common ones are thumb sucking, thumb thrusting, and hereditary factors.
Many children pick up the habit of thumb-sucking. It can cause the front teeth to protrude. If your child is a thumb sucker, you should try to break the habit as soon as possible.
Thumb thrusting is another common cause of overjet. This is when the thumb is pushed forward into the mouth while the other fingers are clenched. This can cause the teeth to protrude.
Hereditary factors can also play a role in overjet. If you have a family history of overjet, you may be more likely to have it yourself.

What are the Symptoms of an Overjet?

Are you not sure that do you have an overjet or not? If you are experiencing some of the following symptoms, there are strong chances that you might be having overjet teeth.

  • Speech issues – lisps or slurs
  • Difficulty and pain in biting, chewing, and eating food
  • Improper facial appearance and imperfect smiling
  • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
  • Trouble in sleeping
  • Not able to close lips
  • chipped and broken teeth
  • Plaque build-up leading to gum and tooth decay

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then it’s important to see a dentist or orthodontist to get a proper diagnosis.

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How to Fix an Overjet?

An overjet is a common dental problem, and there are a number of treatment options available. Some of the most popular ones are as follows:
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  • Braces
    Braces are the most common treatment for overjet. They work by slowly moving your teeth into the correct position. This can take a few months to a few years, depending on the severity of your overjet.
  • Veneers
    Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth. Veneers can fix your overjet and give you a straighter, more attractive smile in just a few weeks.
  • Dental Bonding
    Dental bonding is another popular treatment option for an overjet. In this procedure, a tooth-colored resin is bonded to the front of your teeth. Bonding can give you a straighter, more attractive smile in just a few hours.
  • Crowns
    When treating your overjet with a crown, your dentist or orthodontist places a porcelain crown over the entire tooth. Crowns can give you a straighter, more attractive smile in just a few weeks.
    Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about the best treatment option for you.
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    Overjet vs. Overbite

    Another thing to remember is you might get confused between overbite and overjet as both are well-known orthodontic problems. But they both are different.

    So, what’s the difference between overbite and overjet?
    Overbite is caused by your upper teeth biting down too far over your lower teeth. While overjet is caused by your upper teeth protruding too far forward. Overbite is measured by the vertical distance between the top and bottom teeth. Whereas, overjet in teeth is determined by horizontal distance.
    Both can cause pain and discomfort. But overbite is more likely to cause misalignment in your lower teeth. Overjet is more likely to cause pain when you try to close your mouth.

    If you are not sure whether you have an overbite or overjet, your dentist can help you determine which one you have. He or she will also be able to tell you which treatment option is best for you.
    Dr. Pai offers quality dental services with his 14 years of experience and a team of experts at Putnam Orthodontist. You can receive a free consultation regarding overjet or any other orthodontic issue you are facing.

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Dr. Satish Pai

Dr. Satish Pai – an Ivy League trained dentist and a faculty at Columbia University, believes that a perfect smile not only makes a person look great but feel great while boosting confidence.  As the founder of Putnam Orthodontics, he is dedicated to not only creating perfect smiles for his patients but also educating people with his engaging articles about all things related to a perfect smile and oral health. Spending time with his family always brings a smile on his face. 

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