There are many dentists out there who claim to know how to fix overjet vs overbite. But do they really know the difference between the two problems? Do they understand why one requires more treatment than the other? The answer is probably not, but you can learn more about overjet vs overbite by reading this article. After reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of these two dental issues, and you’ll be able to choose the treatment that best fits your needs.
Get Ready to Learn About Your Teeth
If you’re new to all of these dentist terms, it can be hard to keep up with what’s going on. That’s why a good first step is to learn more about your teeth so you have a baseline for what we mean when we talk about overbite vs normal. In general, we refer to overbites as having trouble closing your upper jaw completely over your lower jaw. As a result, there is excess vertical space that allows food and liquids into your mouth between your teeth (aka overjet). If left untreated, an overbite could lead to problems like gum disease or tooth decay. But don’t worry—you can prevent it!.
Know what Overjet and Overbite are
For those unfamiliar with orthodontic terms, an overjet is a measurement of how much space there is between your upper front teeth. It’s measured in millimeters (mm). The normal average for humans ranges from 0-5mm; anything outside of that range could signal a problem with bite alignment. Not surprisingly, an overbite occurs when your lower jaw protrudes past your upper jaw. Generally speaking, it’s also worth knowing that overbites can result in increased dental wear, as well as periodontal disease down the road. Neither issue means you should ignore one if you have it – especially if you’re not experiencing any pain or other problems at present time.
Understand the Role of Jaw Movement
Jaw movement, or jaw function, is crucial to maintain optimal dental health. When your jaw stays in one position for too long, your overbite vs normal can change. Excessive overjet can lead to misalignment of your teeth due to disuse of jaw muscles or excessive use of others. And a poor bite, either overbite or underbite, can cause headaches and ear pain due to a misaligned jaw. Get yourself back on track with an appliance that aligns your teeth properly—and allows you back into those French fries without worrying about whether it will hurt!
How Can I Tell if I Have an Overbite or Overjet
There are two quick and easy ways that you can tell if you have an overbite or overjet. First, open your mouth as wide as you can. If it’s difficult for you to do so, then your lower jaw is probably positioned in front of your upper jaw. Second, put a ruler in front of your teeth so that you’re able to see how much space there is between each tooth when they’re lined up normally. If there is significantly more than 0.5 mm of space, then it may be time for a trip to see an orthodontist—especially if other symptoms (such as frequent pain in your gums) accompany it.
Use Invisalign When Necessary
In some cases, it’s impossible to correct an overbite or an overjet using braces alone. In these situations, Invisalign might be a better option. If you have a pronounced overbite, you’ll likely need more than three months of treatment; if your under-bite is significant, you may also need more than three months of treatment. Over time, your teeth will move into place with regular treatments.
