Overjet

Class II Overjet

Overjet is also known as protrusion. In this case, the lower teeth are too far behind the upper front teeth. This can be caused by an improper alignment of the molars (Class II relationship), a skeletal imbalance of the upper and lower jaw; flared upper incisors, missing lower teeth or a combination of all the above. In addition, oral habits such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or tongue thrusting can exacerbate the condition.

Overjet should be corrected because it can:

• prevent proper functioning of the front teeth
• lead to premature wear
• lead to posturing the jaw forward and stretching the TMJ joint ligaments
• make your smile less attractive

How can overjet be orthodontically corrected?

Overjet in children can be corrected through growth modification using a functional appliance and/or elastics to reduce the skeletal imbalance. Extraction of teeth may be necessary if there is significant crowding or protrusion. In non-growing patients, severe overjet is corrected though either extraction of teeth or jaw surgery to advance the lower jaw.