Overview
Overjet is a common dental condition where the upper front teeth protrude horizontally beyond the lower front teeth. It affects bite function and facial aesthetics and may contribute to speech difficulties and increased risk of dental trauma. In Korea, orthodontic treatments and corrective dental procedures are widely available to address overjet and improve oral health.
What is Overjet?
Overjet describes the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth when the jaws are closed. Unlike overbite, which is a vertical overlap, overjet specifically refers to the forward projection of upper teeth beyond the lower teeth. It can be caused by dental or skeletal factors.
Symptoms
Symptoms of overjet may include:
- Noticeable protrusion of upper front teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing certain foods
- Speech problems such as lisping
- Increased risk of injury to protruding teeth
- Self-consciousness about dental appearance
Causes
Causes of overjet include:
- Genetics and jawbone development discrepancies
- Childhood habits like thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use
- Mouth breathing and tongue thrusting
- Misaligned teeth or improper dental restorations
Risk Factors
Risk factors for overjet include:
- Family history of dental malocclusion
- Early childhood habits affecting dental development
- Delayed loss of baby teeth or abnormal eruption of permanent teeth
- Certain medical conditions affecting facial muscles
Complications
If untreated, overjet can lead to:
- Increased risk of dental trauma due to exposed teeth
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders causing jaw pain
- Difficulty with proper chewing and speech
- Cosmetic concerns impacting self-esteem
Prevention
Preventive measures include:
- Avoiding prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use in children
- Early dental visits to monitor and guide jaw development
- Addressing mouth breathing or tongue thrusting habits early
- Orthodontic evaluation during childhood
Treatment Options in Korea
In Korea, treatment for overjet includes:
- Orthodontic braces or clear aligners to gradually correct tooth and jaw alignment
- Orthognathic surgery in severe skeletal cases to reposition the jaws
- Behavioral therapies to correct tongue posture and swallowing patterns
- Early intervention with pediatric orthodontics for best outcomes
- Comprehensive dental care combining orthodontics and restorative procedures
Korean dental clinics employ advanced 3D imaging and digital orthodontics technology to provide precise diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for overjet correction.