Many of us have likely had or know someone who has had corrective braces for crooked or misaligned teeth. However, there are many more types of teeth-related issues that braces may treat.
An overjet is a term many may not be familiar with. Typically most people are familiar with the term overbite, a spacing issue between the top and bottom rows of teeth that causes a person’s bite to be misaligned. While an overbite is characterized by the vertical spacing between the top and bottom teeth, an overjet is very different.
On the other hand, an overjet refers to the protrusion of the top row of teeth, specifically them sticking out further than the bottom teeth. This is colloquially known as “buck teeth” and can have severe consequences if left untreated.
An untreated overjet can cause the lower jaw to rest uncomfortably and unnaturally, leading to other dental issues, possibly even TMJ (lockjaw).
Several factors can cause an overjet. Genetic factors may cause minor overjets, but more severe overjets are likely caused by behavior in childhood that affects the position of the front teeth.
Excessive thumb sucking, pacifier use, bottle suckling, and even pressing against the front teeth with the tongue can all shift the position of the front teeth and cause an overjet. It’s best to correct these behaviors as soon as possible to prevent severe dental complications from occurring.
While there are many options to repair an overjet, if the overjet happens in adulthood or remains untreated into adulthood, then the scope of the damage may require oral surgery before the overbite can be corrected using corrective braces.
If caught early, one of the best ways to correct an overjet is with braces. Most overjets can be corrected using standard metal or ceramic braces or even clear plastic aligners. The best time to correct the issue is in early childhood before the condition can become severe or create other dental issues.
Braces and aligners work by gradually shifting the teeth into position over time until they are straight. Typically, braces are installed over the teeth and are adjusted manually by your dentist at regular intervals in order to safely and effectively move the teeth into the proper position.
This is often why parents of children with an overjet will choose to get braces over other options so that spacing issues can be corrected over time. This way, the entire smile can be straightened out at one time, especially if the overjet has caused crowding or shifting for the other teeth.
Request an appointment here: http://www.tennisonortho.com or call Tennison Orthodontics at (817) 522-7358 for an appointment in our Cleburne office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Corrective Braces in Cleburne, TX.
You may have seen someone wearing ceramic braces without even knowing it. These are most well-known for their discreet appearance and are ideal alternatives for patients who are concerned about how noticeable their braces would look. Read on to learn more about why ceramic braces are trusted among orthodontic professionals.Ceramic braces are among the most…
Clear braces for teens are recommended when a dentist notices that your child is developing teeth or jaw alignment issues. The American Association of Orthodontists advises taking your child for orthodontic assessment once they reach the age of 7.At this point, their smile should be fully developed and developing issues can be detected. Appliances like…
Wondering if ceramic braces are the right teeth straightening option for you? There are a few different types of braces available nowadays. While traditional metal braces are a common choice amongst teenagers, the majority of adults are looking for a more discreet option. Especially adults who find themselves in a position in which they need…
If the idea of wearing clear aligners intrigues you, do not hesitate to find out more about this treatment. For a long time, traditional metal braces were the only teeth-straightening method available. Now, you can count on aligners to correct bite problems and misalignments.It is not difficult to see braces on a person. This orthodontic…
Treatment with orthodontics can typically take somewhere between 12 to 36 months, and many people would be happy to shorten that length. Orthodontics is used to address issues with a person’s teeth or jaw alignments, like a crossbite, underbite, or overbite. Oral appliances, like braces and clear aligners, are often used to push misaligned teeth…
Asking about invisalign for teens® is important. This allows parents like you to know what their teenagers will face during the treatment. This is a more comfortable, discreet way to straighten teeth. Even so, it is important to know what you can about it. If you want to ask your orthodontist about Invisalign for teens,…