Overjet refers to a malocclusion where the upper part of your teeth protrudes outwards and overlaps the bottom portion. Most people outside the dental fraternity often confuse this condition with an overbite. In the case of an overbite, your front teeth vertically cover one-third of the bottom teeth. On the other hand, overjet is the horizontal protrusion of the upper portion of your front teeth by 4 millimeters. It is a genetic abnormality resulting from the underdevelopment of the upper and lower segment of your jaw.  However, certain childhood tendencies can also cause this condition. These are thumb-sucking, persistent use of a pacifier, or tongue-thrusting after the growth of the adult teeth.

Dr. Kami Hoss – What health issues can an overjet patient suffer from?

Dr. Kami Hoss is a popular dentist from Chula Vista, California, with a wealth of 20 years of experience. He is a graduate of the famous University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry. He even has the honor of serving in the Board of Counselors of his alma mater. His area of expertise is in orthodontics, pediatric, and general dentistry. He is also the author of many authoritative books on these subjects. Currently, he is the co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer of The Super Dentists- a prominent award-winning dental clinic serving the community in Southern California.

An insight into the meaning of overjet

He says overjet distorts your aesthetic facial appearance and can make you look unattractive. This malocclusion can have adverse effects on your self-confidence.  As a result, you might feel socially awkward in front of other people, lonely, and suffer from depression. However, this condition also leads to following serious oral health issues which might affect you:

• Having digestive problems because of the inability to bite into and chew your food properly,
• Developing speech impediment as you advance in age,
• Experiencing an excruciating pain as the teeth of your upper and lower jaw rub abnormally against each other, and
• Difficulties in drinking liquids and performing normal oral functions properly.

Treatments for overjet

He further clarifies the orthodontist treating you for Overjet malocclusion will first diagnose the severity of your condition. In doing so, he will first examine your past medical history and recommend a few x-rays. Only then will he determine which of the following treatments are suitable for you:

1. Prescribe you to wear dental braces to align and straighten your teeth,
2. Resort to dental bonding by applying a tooth-colored resin material to your teeth,
3. Extract one or more of your teeth,
4. Conduct orthognathic surgery to properly align your jawbone, and
5. Insist your wear suitable metal wires stabilize your jawbone.

Dr. Kami Hoss concludes by saying overjet condition can mar the aesthetic appearance of your face. You might have digestive problems because of your inability to bite into and chew your food. You also find it difficult to drink liquids and perform ordinary oral functions. In a worst-case scenario, you might even develop a serious speech impediment. Fortunately, you can address this malocclusion through proper treatment under the supervision of a qualified orthodontist. This dental specialist may prescribe you to wear braces, metal wires, undergo orthognathic surgery, or extract a tooth.