The Difference between Overjet and Overbite

People are sometimes unaware of the difference between overjet and overbite, or are commonly confused about these two different types of dental malocclusions.

Often they are both described as an ‘overbite’ instead of their correct dental term. Both of these malocclusions involve the upper and lower teeth but they are not the same.

Overbite

It’s not unusual for people to have an overbite. The overbite describes the overlap of the upper front teeth, from the bottom. Because the overlap varies, a dental appointment with Hawthorn East Dental will help you to clarify the extent of your overbite to ascertain if your overbite is problematic for you and would require dental work.

Overjet

The overjet concerns the distance from a horizontal perspective between the top front teeth and the bottom front teeth. Often an overjet is called ‘buck teeth’ because the front teeth protrude over the bottom teeth. Sometimes this condition is so extreme that people have troubles keeping their lips closed over the teeth.

Other Dental Bite Issues – Open bite and Cross bite

Open bite is another dental issue where the teeth do not meet when rested. There is a gap between where the teeth should meet when not in use.

A cross bite is common with cleft palate where the dental arches have a lateral misalignment.

Dental Treatment for malocclusions

Overjet is best treated early and Hawthorn East Dental encourages you to bring your child in before age 7 for a dental check-up. If an overjet malocclusion is not caught early, it can be more difficult to treat than other dental bite issues.

‘Bite’ corrections may involve the extraction of a tooth, dental appliances such as braces or surgery.

It’s important to get protruding teeth treated to reduce the risk of dental injury such as being chipped or broken. Further, if a malocclusion is not treated, it could lead to gum recession, further jaw growth malalignment, tooth wear or loosening of the opposing teeth. Other complications include jaw pain, headaches, speech problems, chewing issues and sleep apnoea.

Why Hawthorn East Dental is your Best Choice for Overbite or other Bite Corrections

Dr Cao, the founding principal of Hawthorn East Dental, has extensive cosmetic dentistry experience and has a ‘bed side manner’ matched by very few dentists in Melbourne. He has extensive experience as a dentist and uses state of the art technology to ensure you get the very best dental care.

If you would like to book in for a malocclusion check then we welcome you to call our friendly team on (03) 9882 6606. We take care of the dental needs of patients across Melbourne and welcome all ages.