Overjet and Overbite: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the terminology your dentist uses can really help you look after your teeth.

Two terms that often come up are “overjet” and “overbite“.  They might sound similar, but they refer to different issues with how your teeth are aligned. Let’s explore what each one means and how they differ…

What is an Overjet?

An overjet occurs when your upper front teeth stick out past your lower front teeth. If you were to look at your teeth from the side, you’d see that the upper teeth extend forward. This condition can sometimes make the upper teeth appear more prominent. Here are some key points about overjet:

• Appearance: Upper teeth protrude horizontally over the lower teeth.
• Causes: Often caused by habits like thumb-sucking or prolonged use of a dummy (pacifier), but can also be due to genetics or the shape of your jaw.
• Impact: Can affect your bite and the way you chew, and sometimes it impacts speech.

What is an Overbite?

An overbite, on the other hand, is when your upper front teeth overlap significantly over your lower front teeth. When you close your mouth, your upper teeth cover more of your lower teeth than usual. Here’s what you need to know about overbite:

• Appearance: Upper teeth vertically overlap the lower teeth significantly.
• Causes: Often hereditary, but can also be influenced by childhood habits such as thumb-sucking or excessive nail-biting.
• Impact: Can lead to wear and tear on your teeth, jaw pain, and can affect your smile’s appearance.

Key Differences Between Overjet and Overbite

While both conditions involve misalignment of the teeth, they are different in their presentation and effects:

1. Direction of Misalignment:
   Overjet: Teeth protrude horizontally.
   Overbite: Teeth overlap vertically.
2. Causes:
   Overjet: Often due to habits like thumb-sucking or genetic factors.
   Overbite: Typically hereditary or due to certain childhood habits.
3. Impact on Oral Health:
   Overjet: Can affect chewing and speech.
   Overbite: Can cause excessive wear on teeth and jaw discomfort.

How Are They Treated?

Both overjet and overbite can be treated with orthodontic solutions. Here’s a quick look at some common treatments:

• Braces: Traditional braces can correct the alignment of your teeth over time.
• Clear Aligners: Devices like Invisalign can be used to gradually shift teeth into the correct position.
• Retainers: Often used after braces or aligners to keep teeth in place.
• Orthognathic Surgery: In severe cases, surgery might be needed to correct the alignment of the jaw.

Why Addressing These Issues is Important

Correcting overjet and overbite is not just about aesthetics. Proper alignment of your teeth is crucial for good oral health. It can help prevent:

• Tooth Decay: Misaligned teeth can create hard-to-clean areas.
• Gum Disease: Proper alignment helps maintain healthy gums.
• Jaw Pain: Correcting alignment can relieve pressure on your jaw.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between overjet and overbite can help you identify any issues you might have and seek the right treatment. If you suspect you have an overjet or overbite, or if you just want to ensure your teeth are as healthy as possible, make an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist. They can provide the best advice and treatment options to keep your smile healthy and bright.

For more dental tips and advice, consider downloading the Toothfairy app. It’s a handy tool for managing your dental health, offering professional advice, prescriptions, and unique features for members.

By knowing the differences between overjet and overbite, you’re taking a step towards better dental health. Remember, regular check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are your best defence against dental problems. Keep smiling!