How to Fix an Increased Overjet
An increased overjet, often referred to a “buck teeth”, is one of the most common orthodontic concerns patients present with when they visit Dr Trudy Stewart at Noranda Orthodontics
Essentially, this type of malocclusion means that your top front teeth stick out well past your lower teeth, sometimes even past the lower lip.
What Causes An Increased Overjet?
There can be many causes for an increased overjet, including a smaller lower jaw, a discrepancy between tooth size and jaw size (large teeth with a small jaw) and even some habits such as prolonged thumb sucking.
Is An Increased Overjet Bad?
One common question we hear from patients and parents when someone presents with an overbite, is, “what happens if I don’t correct my overjet? Is it bad to not start orthodontic treatment?”
When a patient asks these questions, our specialist orthodontist Dr Stewart always provides honest and professional advice specific to the cause of your bite. In some cases, treatment may be recommended sooner, particularly if there is an increased risk of trauma to the teeth or self image concerns.
If you are aware that you or your child have an increased overbite and are concerned, we recommend booking in an initial consultation at Noranda Orthodontics to discuss your options.
How Do You Correct An Increased Overjet?
When you book your initial consultation with Dr Stewart, she will provide you with a comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan that is suited to your specific needs and age.
In most cases, Dr Stewart will recommend orthodontic treatment with metal or clear braces, or clear aligner treatment such as Invisalign. Both braces and clear aligner treatment work by gently shifting the teeth over a prolonged period of time to bring them into proper alignment, closing any gaps between the teeth and bringing your upper and lower teeth into proper alignment. The type of treatment recommended and duration of your treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your increased overjet as well as the severity of your case.
