5 Ways to Tell the Difference Between Overjet and Overbite

There are two terms that sound similar, but mean very different things when it comes to your teeth and mouth: overjet and overbite. They’re often used interchangeably, but they’re actually very different. Overjet refers to the amount of space between your upper teeth and lower lip, while overbite describes the relative positioning of your top and bottom teeth when you bite down on something. So why are these important distinctions?

1) Types of overjets

Your orthodontist near me can also help you identify your overjet type by measuring its severity. The least severe form of overjet is known as a Class I, in which upper teeth don’t sit too far past their lower counterparts. A slightly more severe form is known as a Class II, in which upper teeth sit slightly behind their lower counterparts but still do not overlap. And then there are severe cases that fall under Class III: In these cases, your upper incisors actually overlap your lower incisors. People with overjets may benefit from undergoing orthodontic treatment by an experienced practitioner.

2) Types of overbites

There are two main types of overbites: a posterior overbite, which is where your back teeth (molars) overlap your front teeth, and an anterior overbite, where your front teeth overlaps your back teeth. Determining what type of overbite you have is extremely important when it comes to treating it as well as selecting a method for treatment. Some kinds of orthodontic braces work better on one kind of bite than another. Anterior overbites may be easier or harder to correct than posterior ones depending on whether they’re malocclusions. Just because you have an anterior overbite doesn’t mean you can’t have a malocclusion!

3) Things dentists look for in an overjet or overbite case

In an orthodontist near me, three things we look for in an overbite case are 1) upper anterior crowding; 2) mandibular setback; 3) Class II malocclusion. Crowding on top indicates that there is not enough space for your teeth to come down without causing a problem with your bite. A mandibular setback could mean that you need a chin surgery or genioplasty if your jaw has been pushed back too far. And a Class II malocclusion could mean you have more work done than just having braces put on.

4) Telling the difference between an overbite and an overjet

An overbite is a condition where your upper teeth are too far forward relative to your lower teeth. This is not an inherited trait; it happens after teeth start growing in, sometime during early childhood. As you chew, you will likely notice your top teeth rubbing up against or knocking into your bottom front teeth, when they should just be brushing by them. This can cause problems with eating as well as permanent dental damage. The only way to correct an overbite is with braces or Invisalign. Even if you have severe symptoms, there's still time for treatment! While patients don't often need extractions for just an overbite alone, our orthodontist near me recommends that all teens see their doctor for at least a complete cleaning every six months.