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Overjet vs Overbite: Which One Do You Have and How to Fix It? 

Published on

April 15
2025

Introduction

Often, you seek teeth braces as a solution to cure dental problems. But there are situations when such issues result from your bites or how your upper and lower teeth are lined up. Overjet and overbites are the two most common types of poor bites. Even though they seem to be challenging, they are highly treatable. Understanding overjet vs overbite conditions will help you figure out the best treatment plan to achieve a confident and straight smile.
When it comes to dental health, learning the differences between numerous bite problems to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. In this blog post, you will learn all about overjet vs overbite, how to recognize which one you have, and how to cure it. Therefore, without further ado, let’s dive in!

What is Overbite?

Before understanding the differences between overjet vs overbite, let’s understand what an overbite is. Also referred to as a deep bite, overbite is a condition where the upper front teeth vertically protrude from the lower teeth at the front. It is the vertical non-alignment of the upper and lower teeth. A normal overbite problem occurs when the upper front teeth overrun the lower teeth by approximately 1 to 2 millimeters. However, a severe condition can result in many challenges, like jaw pain, wear and tear on the teeth, etc.

What is Overjet?

An overjet is the horizontal distance between the upper and lower teeth at the front. As per the University of Michigan Health Library, overjet occurs when your upper teeth are pushed outward. In such a dental condition, the upper teeth at the front overlap significantly beyond the lower one. While a minor overjet condition is normal, a major condition can impact your bite’s function and aesthetics.

Overjet vs Overbite: Key Differences

Now that you have learned what overbite and overjet are, let’s quickly look at the differences between these two dental conditions.
overjet vs overbite

Alignment and Appearance

An overbite is mainly a vertical overrun of the upper and lower teeth. The dental condition is often visible when you look at someone smiling from the front. In contrast, overjet includes a horizontal distance between the upper and lower teeth at the front. It is more noticeable from the side.

Impact on Dental Health

A major overbite condition can result in excessive wear and tear on the lower front teeth, discomfort in the jaw, and TMJ issues. On the other hand, a deep overjet can result in challenges when biting and chewing, speaking, and a high risk of dental trauma to the overlapping teeth.

Causes

Overbite condition is caused due to various factors, including prolonged thumb sucking, genetics, teeth grinding, or differences in jaw development. Even though hereditary factors and thumb-sucking cause overjets, just like overbites, the other causes of this condition are prolonged use of pacifiers, incorrect swallowing patterns, and a mismatch in the upper and lower jaws.

Symptoms of Overjet vs Overbite?

Let’s understand the symptoms of these dental conditions, now that you are aware of the difference between overbite and overjet. Overjet and overbite symptoms can be appearance-based, but they can lead to severe problems with oral health if not treated on time. So, consult an orthodontist even if you face a minor dental problem. Symptoms of these bite problems include the following:
  • Abnormal alignment of the teeth or appearance of the face
  • Crooked teeth that might stick out, also called “buck teeth”
  • When chewing or biting causes discomfort and becomes challenging
  • When speaking becomes challenging
  • Mouth breathing

What Happens When You Encounter Overjet vs Overbite?

Overjets and overbites can cause many oral issues, including the following:
  • Jaw Pain: As a result of teeth and jaw misalignment, uneven pressure on the jaw joint is created. This causes discomfort, popping sounds, and headaches.
  • Problem While Speaking or Chewing: Major overbite and overjet conditions make it challenging for you to bite or chew properly. This leads to eating specific foods and speaking a daunting task.
  • Fractured Teeth: As the teeth shift to the wrong position, they become more susceptible to trauma and injury. This results in fractured or chipped teeth, which can cause pain and need dental treatment.
  • Gum Damage: Uneven pressure on teeth and gums leads to gum damage. This creates gum recession, resulting in pain and tooth loss if not treated on time.
  • Sleep Disorders: Overjet vs Overbite can lead to sleep apnea in major cases. It is a condition where the airways get partially or totally blocked, resulting in disrupted sleep and breathing issues.
  • Rise in Wear and Tear: When you encounter any of these conditions, infected teeth often hit each other during rest and function. This leads to enamel wear and tear and reduces the length of your front teeth.
overjet vs overbite

How to Recognize Overjet vs Overbite?

If you suffer from a bite problem, you can know which condition is responsible for your problem. Overbite and overjet are recognizable. If you suffer from overbite, the main sign is the vertical overlapping of your teeth. As far as overjet bites are concerned, they are horizontal. There are also cases where people encountered both these dental conditions simultaneously. If you find any such symptoms, schedule an appointment with an orthodontist to learn about treatment options.

How to Fix Overjet vs Overbite?

Based on the condition’s severity, the treatment options for overbite and overjet will vary. Overjet is more challenging than an overbite but both conditions are treatable in maximum cases. Listed below are non-invasive treatments for both of these conditions:
  • Braces: Conventional teeth braces are efficient in correcting these dental conditions by slowly moving teeth into the right positions. They constantly pressurize the teeth which gradually shift to their correct position.
  • Invisalign: Orthodontists use clear aligners such as Invisalign to correct overbite and overjet, providing you with a more reasonable and removable treatment option.
  • Bite Adjustment: In some minor cases, dental bonding and selective enamel reshaping can address the conditions.
  • Specialized Appliances: Orthodontists may use specialized appliances like headgear or expanders based on the severity of the condition. Such dental appliances can correct the placement of teeth.
overjet vs overbite

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between overbite and overjet is vital for selecting the right cure and achieving a pleasing, confident smile. Although both conditions can impact dental health, aesthetics, and quality of life, effective treatments are there to curb the challenge. When you suspect a bite problem like overjet vs overbite, schedule an appointment with an orthodontist to find the best cure based on your needs. The Right Bite Sleep and TMJ Pain Care is one such orthodontic clinic. It houses the best orthodontists who recommend the best cure for your dental problems via non-invasive methods. Whether you need braces, invisalign, or more advanced solutions to cure overbite and overjet, addressing these conditions can result in enhanced oral health and a pleasant smile.
For both situations, the jaw position is the primary concern. Wearing a neuromuscular orthotic to reprogram and reposition the jaws have to be the priority before finishing with braces/aligners.
To treat the most complex of TMJ problems, contact us at TMJ India and get your appointment with our TMJ experts today! 

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