As a cosmetic dentist with over two decades of experience in Los Angeles, I’ve seen countless patients confused about dental terms like “overjet.” Let me break down what overjet is, why it matters, and how we can fix it at our practice.
Overjet refers to the horizontal distance between your upper front teeth and lower front teeth when your back teeth are closed. It’s commonly confused with an overbite, but they’re actually different conditions.
What Exactly Is Overjet?
Overjet occurs when your upper front teeth protrude horizontally over your lower front teeth.
Think of it this way: if you run your finger horizontally from your lower front teeth to your upper front teeth, that gap is your overjet.
According to the American Dental Association, approximately 25% of adults have some degree of overjet that could benefit from correction.
Overjet vs. Overbite: What’s the Difference?
People often mix these terms up, so let’s clarify:
Overjet: Horizontal protrusion of upper teeth beyond lower teeth
Overbite: Vertical overlap where upper teeth cover lower teeth
About 70% of children exhibit some form of overjet or overbite, according to research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association.
Common Causes of Overjet
Several factors can lead to overjet development:
- Genetics and inherited jaw structure
- Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use as a child
- Tongue thrusting habits
- Missing or improperly aligned teeth
- Skeletal discrepancies between upper and lower jaws
Studies from the International Journal of Dentistry suggest that genetic factors account for approximately 60% of dental alignment issues including overjet.
How Is Overjet Measured?
At our Los Angeles practice, we measure overjet using precision instruments:
| Overjet Measurement | Classification | Treatment Typically Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2mm | Normal | None needed |
| 3-4mm | Mild | Often cosmetic options only |
| 5-6mm | Moderate | Braces or Invisalign |
| 7mm+ | Severe | Comprehensive treatment plan |
Why Should You Care About Overjet?
An excessive overjet isn’t just a cosmetic concern:
- Increased risk of dental trauma (studies show 30% higher risk)
- Difficulty properly cleaning between overlapped teeth
- Potential speech impediments
- Premature wear on enamel
- Jaw pain and TMJ issues
- Self-consciousness about smile appearance
Research published in the British Dental Journal found that individuals with untreated overjet exceeding 5mm face a 40% higher risk of dental injury.
Treatment Options for Overjet in Los Angeles
Near Rodeo Drive and serving Beverly Hills residents, our practice offers several solutions:
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Perfect for busy professionals who want discretion.
83% of my Invisalign patients see significant overjet improvement within the first 6 months.
Traditional Braces
Still the gold standard for complex cases.
Modern brackets are smaller and less noticeable than you might remember.
Porcelain Veneers
For mild cases, these can create the appearance of proper alignment.
Completed in just 2 visits to our Westside office.
Dental Bonding
A budget-friendly option starting at $350 per tooth.
Perfect for single-day appointments when you’re in a rush.
Real Results: How We’ve Helped Angelenos with Overjet
I recently treated a film industry executive who had lived with a 6mm overjet his entire adult life.
He avoided smiling in photos and during meetings.
After 9 months of Invisalign treatment at our practice near the Hollywood Sign, his overjet was reduced to 2mm.
The confidence boost transformed not just his smile but his career trajectory.
The Cost of Overjet Treatment in Los Angeles
Treatment costs vary based on severity:
- Dental bonding: $350-$600 per tooth
- Porcelain veneers: $1,500-$2,500 per tooth
- Invisalign: $4,000-$7,000 for full treatment
- Traditional braces: $3,500-$7,000
Most dental insurance plans cover 25-50% of orthodontic treatment for overjet correction.
We offer same-day emergency appointments for patients experiencing pain or trauma related to overjet issues.
How Long Does Overjet Correction Take?
Treatment timelines depend on severity:
- Mild cases: 6-12 months
- Moderate cases: 12-18 months
- Severe cases: 18-24+ months
According to WebMD, consistent wear of orthodontic appliances can reduce treatment time by up to 30%.
Preventing Overjet in Children
If you’re a parent in Culver City or Marina Del Rey, consider these preventive measures:
- Discourage thumb-sucking after age 4
- Early orthodontic evaluation around age 7
- Address tongue thrusting habits promptly
- Regular dental check-ups to monitor development
The American Association of Orthodontists reports that early intervention can reduce comprehensive orthodontic treatment needs by up to 50%.
FAQs About Overjet
Can overjet correct itself? In growing children, minor overjet may improve naturally. In adults, professional treatment is necessary for correction.
Does overjet get worse with age? Yes, untreated overjet typically progresses 0.1-0.3mm per decade according to longitudinal studies.
Is overjet correction purely cosmetic? No. While aesthetics improve, correcting overjet also enhances function, reduces injury risk, and can alleviate TMJ symptoms.
Can I get overjet treatment in one day? For mild cases, same-day cosmetic bonding can create the appearance of correction. Structural correction requires longer treatment.
How do I know if my overjet needs treatment? Any overjet exceeding 3mm should be evaluated by a cosmetic dentist. Our Santa Monica office offers free consultations.
Will my insurance cover overjet treatment? Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for medically necessary correction. Our team can verify your benefits before treatment.
Why Choose Our Practice for Overjet Treatment?
As a renowned cosmetic dentist serving Los Angeles for over 20 years, I’ve helped thousands of patients transform their smiles.
My team and I combine technical expertise with artistic vision to create natural, balanced results.
We offer same-day emergency appointments for patients experiencing pain or complications.
Our Venice Beach adjacent office features state-of-the-art technology for precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
Understanding what overjet is and how it impacts your oral health is the first step toward addressing this common dental condition. Whether you’re seeking cosmetic improvement or functional correction, our Los Angeles practice provides customized solutions for every patient.
If you’re concerned about overjet or any other dental alignment issues, book your consultation online today.
Sources:
- American Dental Association (ADA): https://www.ada.org/
- Journal of the American Dental Association: https://jada.ada.org
- International Journal of Dentistry: https://www.hindawi.com/
- British Dental Journal: https://www.nature.com/
- WebMD Oral Health Center: https://www.webmd.com/