What Is an Overjet Bite? Causes and Treatment Options

Key Takeaways

• Overjet is the horizontal distance where the upper front teeth overlap or extend beyond the lower front teeth. A small, mild overjet is considered normal, but an excessive one can cause issues with chewing, speaking, and an increased risk of dental trauma, and it may require orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners.
• What it is

  Definition: The horizontal distance between the front edges of the upper and lower incisors, where the top teeth are pushed forward.

  Normal vs. Excessive: A small amount, about a few millimeters, is considered normal.

  Cause: It can be caused by the upper teeth being positioned too far forward, a receding lower jaw, or a combination of both.

  Other name: It is sometimes referred to as "buck teeth".

• Potential problems with excessive overjet

  Oral function: Can make chewing and speaking difficult.

  Dental health: Increases the risk of chipping or fracturing front teeth from an injury or fall.

  Jaw and TMJ issues: May lead to jaw pain and headaches due to misalignment.

  Aesthetics: It can be a cosmetic concern for many people.

• Treatment options

  Orthodontics: Braces or clear aligners are common treatments.

  Other interventions: For very severe cases, more intensive treatment, such as jaw surgery, may be necessary.

  Timing: An orthodontist can assess when the best time for treatment is, often during childhood for early intervention or around puberty for more established bites.

The top front teeth stick out a bit too far. That’s what dentists call an overjet.

It’s one of those dental terms that sounds more technical than it is. Simply put, an overjet means your upper front teeth extend forward horizontally past your lower teeth when your mouth is closed. Some people call them “buck teeth.” Others say “protruding teeth.”

Now, a little overjet is completely normal. In fact, a small horizontal overlap helps your teeth fit comfortably together when you bite. But when that space grows, 4 mm, 6 mm, even 10 mm or more, it starts to affect how you eat, talk, and smile.

So, how do you solve it? This guide dives into what causes overjet teeth, how it differs from other bite issues, and the ways you can fix it.

What Is an Overjet?

An overjet describes the horizontal overlap between your upper and lower front teeth. Imagine looking at your teeth from the side. If your top teeth jut out noticeably beyond your lower ones, that’s an overjet.

Dentists typically measure overjet in millimeters. A normal overjet is around 2–3 mm. Small enough to look natural and function properly. But once it passes 4 mm, it becomes excessive. Some severe cases can exceed 10 mm, where the upper teeth noticeably project forward, even when the lips are relaxed.

This protrusion doesn’t just affect appearance. It can change the way your teeth meet, influence your speech, and make biting into certain foods awkward. It’s not always painful, but it’s often frustrating.

Overjet vs. Overbite: Clearing the Confusion

People mix these two up all the time — understandably so. They both deal with upper and lower teeth relationships, just in different directions.

Think of it this way:

• Overjet: How far forward the top teeth sit.
• Overbite: How far the top teeth cover the bottom ones vertically.

You can even have both at once, an excessive overbite and an excessive overjet. That’s when the upper teeth not only stick out but also cover too much of the lower ones. A dentist can easily tell the difference with a quick bite examination or X-ray, but to the untrained eye, both just look like “crooked teeth.”

To learn more about the difference, check out our in-depth discussion on overjet vs overbite .

What’s the Difference between Normal and Excessive Overjet?

Let’s visualize:

• A normal overjet gives your bite some room to move. It’s healthy, comfortable, and looks fine.
• An excessive overjet, on the other hand, makes your teeth appear pushed forward, like they’re trying to escape.

When it’s excessive, it can cause:

• Biting issues (you can’t tear food easily)
• Jaw strain
• Speech problems like a slight lisp
• Confidence issues when smiling

While it’s easy to think of it as a “cosmetic” quirk, dentists see it as a functional misalignment. Something that can get worse with time if untreated.

What Causes an Overjet?

The reasons behind overjet can vary widely. From genetics to habits we pick up as kids. Sometimes, it’s just how your bones grew. Other times, it’s something you unconsciously trained your mouth to do.

Let’s break down the main culprits.

Genetics

Just like eye color or height, jaw structure is inherited. That means jaw issues like open bite , crossbite , and overjet can be linked to genetics.

So, if one or both parents had an overjet, you might, too. Maybe your upper jaw developed larger or your lower jaw smaller. That mismatch naturally causes the top teeth to stick forward. Even tooth size and shape matter. For instance, small lower teeth paired with larger upper teeth can exaggerate the overlap.

In most genetic cases, you can’t “prevent” the overjet, but you can correct it through orthodontic treatment.

Childhood Habits

Habits formed early can shape how teeth grow and settle. Common ones include:

• Thumb sucking: A classic cause. When kids suck their thumbs beyond age 4 or 5, the constant pressure on the upper front teeth pushes them forward.
• Pacifier use: Same principle. Prolonged use (especially after baby teeth erupt) can alter the developing bite.
• Tongue thrusting: When swallowing or speaking, some people push their tongue against the front teeth. Over time, that gentle pressure shifts the teeth outward.
• Mouth breathing: Often caused by nasal blockages or allergies, it changes tongue posture and jaw development. Indirectly encouraging overjet formation.

What starts as a childhood habit can turn into a lifelong dental concern if not corrected early.

Jaw or Tooth Positioning Issues

Sometimes, it’s less about habits and more about skeletal growth.

The upper jaw (maxilla) might grow too far forward, or the lower jaw (mandible) might lag. This mismatch is called a Class II malocclusion, and overjet is one of its common signs.

But it’s not always skeletal. Sometimes, it’s dental. Maybe your upper teeth tilted forward due to crowding or space issues, while your lower teeth tilted inward. Both make the overjet look more pronounced.

Other contributing factors can include:

• Premature loss of baby teeth causes the remaining teeth to drift.
• Improper dental work, like crowns or fillings, subtly changes your bite alignment.
• Facial growth discrepancies, where one jaw outpaces the other during development.

The interesting part? Overjet can appear mild when you’re younger, but becomes more noticeable with age. Especially as bone structure changes or teeth shift.

Trauma or Injury

An accident in childhood or adolescence can affect how the jaws develop. For example, if an injury pushes the lower jaw backward or damages developing tooth roots, it can cause the teeth to settle in a forward position later.

This isn’t as common, but it does happen. Particularly in sports injuries or falls.

Developmental or Medical Conditions

Certain conditions, like skeletal dysplasia or cleft palate, can also lead to jaw discrepancies resulting in overjet. Even arthritis in the jaw joint (TMJ) can shift alignment over time.

Some people notice their protruding teeth early in life, while others only realize it as adults when their bite starts feeling “off.” Either way, identifying the root cause is crucial because treatment depends on why the overjet happened in the first place.

Signs and Symptoms of Overjet Teeth

Overjet isn’t always obvious at first glance. At least, not to the person who has it. Some people live years thinking they just have “slightly forward teeth” without realizing it’s an actual bite misalignment. But the signs become clearer once you know what to look for.

Appearance: Teeth That “Stick Out”

The most visible symptom is, well, visibility itself. The upper front teeth project forward, sometimes resting on or even over the lower lip. In casual conversation, this might look like the teeth are “poking out.”

It’s often nicknamed buck teeth, a term that sounds harsh but simply describes that outward tilt. In photos, overjet can make the upper lip seem more pronounced or slightly lifted. People with overjet sometimes close their lips consciously to hide their teeth, even if they don’t realize they’re doing it. Over time, that can affect facial expression and self-confidence.

Functional Difficulties

Overjet doesn’t just change how your teeth look. It affects how they work.

You might struggle to:

• Bite into foods like apples, sandwiches, or corn on the cob.
• Chew efficiently because the front teeth don’t meet properly.
• Pronounce certain sounds, leading to mild speech issues like lisps.

Some describe it as feeling like their bite “doesn’t line up.” Others notice jaw tension or discomfort after long periods of talking or eating. These small inconveniences can become chronic if left untreated. And they often worsen with time.

Dental Health Risks

Overjet teeth face more wear and tear than normal. Since they protrude, they’re more exposed to injury and friction.

Common issues include:

• Chipping or cracking the front teeth more easily.
• Increased plaque buildup on exposed surfaces.
• Gum recession due to uneven pressure when biting.
• Tooth decay occurs in hard-to-clean areas where the bite doesn’t close properly.

Essentially, your teeth are doing double duty. Protecting your mouth, but at an awkward angle that leaves them more vulnerable.

Other Complications

Sometimes, the side effects aren’t about teeth at all. Overjet can lead to:

• Jaw strain or clicking sounds due to uneven bite forces.
• Trouble fully closing the mouth, leading to chronic dry mouth.
• Mouth breathing which increases the risk of bad breath and gum issues.
• In kids, this can even affect facial growth patterns if left unchecked.

So while overjet might start as an aesthetic issue, it can easily grow into a functional one. That makes early treatment a smart move.

How to Fix Overjet Teeth

Treatment depends on why the overjet exists and how severe it is. The good news? It’s fixable. Always has been. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, though; different methods target different causes.

Braces and Clear Aligners

Traditional overjet braces remain a tried-and-true method for correcting overjet. They apply continuous, gentle pressure that gradually moves teeth into alignment.

• Braces: Ideal for severe overjet, especially if jaw adjustments are needed. They can realign both upper and lower teeth precisely.
• Clear aligners: Perfect for mild to moderate cases. These custom-made plastic trays nudge teeth into position without the metal brackets and wires.

Aligners for teeth straightening are almost invisible and removable, which means you can eat normally and clean your teeth easily. The convenience alone makes them a popular choice for adults. What’s really interesting is that aligners don’t just move teeth. Rather, they can also slightly adjust your bite relationship, depending on how they’re programmed by your orthodontist.

Functional Appliances (For Children and Teens)

When kids develop an overjet early, interceptive orthodontics can guide jaw growth before it’s fully set. Functional appliances like Twin Blocks or Herbst appliances encourage the lower jaw to grow forward while controlling the upper jaw’s position.

It’s like gently training the jaw to develop in the right direction. This approach is most effective between ages 8 and 14, when bones are still growing. Treating overjet early often prevents the need for surgery later on.

Orthognathic Surgery (For Severe Cases)

In some adults, the overjet isn’t just dental. It’s skeletal. Meaning the jaws themselves are misaligned.

In such cases, jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) may be required. It repositions the upper or lower jaw to achieve proper alignment. This might sound intense, but for people with severe Class II malocclusions, it’s often the only way to correct the foundation before orthodontic treatment fine-tunes the bite.

Luckily, most cases don’t reach this stage. Aligners or braces do the trick.

Restorative or Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Sometimes, after alignment, additional cosmetic adjustments help fine-tune the smile. These can include:

• Composite bonding to fix chipped overjet teeth.
• Veneers for shape correction after movement.
• Whitening treatments to complete the transformation.

A small touch-up after realignment can make a big aesthetic difference.

Can Aligner32 Fix Overjet?

Yes. Absolutely, yes.

Aligner32 can correct mild to moderate overjet effectively. And without the hassle of frequent clinic visits. Here’s how it works:

• 3D Teeth Scan at Home: A trained technician visits your home to take a precise digital scan of your teeth.
• Customized Treatment Plan: Orthodontists analyze your scan and create a digital simulation showing how your teeth will move over time.
• Series of Clear Aligners: You’ll receive a full set of aligners designed to gradually shift your upper and lower teeth into proper alignment.
• Regular Remote Check-ins: Instead of clinic appointments, progress is tracked online. You just wear each aligner for about 22 hours a day and switch to the next one every two weeks or so.

Aligner32 aligners are transparent, comfortable, and removable. Thus, making them perfect for adults who prefer subtlety and convenience. They’re not designed for major skeletal corrections, though. So if your overjet stems from jaw discrepancies rather than tooth positioning, surgery or traditional braces might be better.

But for most people with mild to moderate protruding teeth, Aligner32 is a game-changer. Straight teeth, no wires, no fuss.

Is It Worth Fixing Overjet?

Now that we’ve explored the treatments, let’s answer a commonly asked question. Is it even worth fixing an overjet?

Short answer: Yes, without a doubt. Overjet affects more than just your smile. It influences function, health, and even confidence. Correcting it:

• Improves biting and chewing efficiency.
• Reduces risk of tooth damage.
• Enhances speech clarity.
• Balances facial aesthetics.

Many patients say fixing their overjet didn’t just change their smile, it changed how they felt in social situations. Eating in public, talking, smiling for photos, suddenly effortless.

It’s not vanity. It is functionality.

What Happens if Overjet Is Left Untreated?

Ignoring an overjet can set off a chain reaction of dental issues. Over time, untreated buck teeth can lead to:

• Tooth wear and fractures, since they take more pressure during biting.
• Jaw pain or TMJ discomfort occurs when your bite compensates unevenly.
• Gum disease, due to trapped food and cleaning difficulties.
• Speech difficulties that persist or worsen.
• Aesthetic changes in the facial profile occur as the imbalance continues.

And sometimes, it’s the psychological part that hits harder. The constant awareness of “my teeth stick out” can chip away at confidence, especially in social or professional environments.

The Importance of Early Treatment

Here’s something many people overlook: Overjet is easier to fix while the jaw is still developing. Early orthodontic intervention, usually between 7–12 years old, can:

• Guide jaw growth before bones fully harden.
• Prevent teeth from drifting into worse positions.
• Avoid speech or breathing issues later on.

However, it’s never too late. Adults can and do fix overjet successfully. It just takes a bit longer because bones are set. Aligners like Aligner32 make that process simpler, more discreet, and less intrusive than ever.

When Is It Too Late to Fix an Overjet?

Technically? Never.

But the approach changes with age. Children’s treatments focus on guiding growth; adult treatments focus on repositioning teeth within existing bone structures.

The only limitation is the severity of the overjet. If it’s skeletal, adults might need surgery alongside orthodontics. But if it’s purely dental, which most are, aligners or braces can fix it beautifully.

So no matter when you start, improvement is possible.

Bringing Your Overjet Back into Line

Let’s rewind for a second.

An overjet isn’t just about looks. It’s a horizontal bite misalignment that can affect how you eat, speak, and even breathe. From genetics and childhood habits to jaw growth and trauma, several factors can push your upper teeth forward. But almost all are treatable.

Braces, functional appliances, and modern clear aligners like Aligner32 make correction more accessible and comfortable than ever before.

If you’ve been noticing your protruding teeth or struggling to bite properly, it might be time to act. Early diagnosis and treatment don’t just protect your smile. They protect your confidence.