What’s the Best Way to Correct an Overjet?
Grayslake, IL – A beautiful smile is a valuable tool – it not only boosts your self-esteem, but it also projects kindness and confidence to those around you. If you have a malocclusion, you may feel self-conscious about your smile and try to hide it. But orthodontic treatment is here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams, no matter what type of malocclusion you may have.
“Overjets, sometimes referred to as buck teeth, occur when the upper teeth protrude outward and sit over the bottom teeth at an angle,” says Dr. Michael Stosich, an orthodontist in Round Lake area. “An overjet can make it difficult to chew and bite properly, close your lips all the way, and speak properly. Some people with overjets also frequently bite into the insides of their cheeks or their tongue.”
Overjets can be hereditary, meaning if a parent has one you may also. But they can also be caused by habits you develop when you are young, such as thumb sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrust.
Overjets, just like any malocclusion, can be treated in different ways, depending on the individual needs of the patient.
Standard braces offer an excellent way to correct overjets predictably and efficiently. Dr. Stosich’s patented low-profile iD braces offer the most personalized and efficient treatment to correct even the most difficult malocclusions.
If you are looking for a more discreet treatment option, clear aligners may be an option for you. Invisalign is the most commonly heard of clear aligner option, and Dr. Stosich is highly experienced in successfully using Invisalign to treat a variety of malocclusions. However, he is also proud to offer iD Clear Aligners through Sure Smile that offer the most efficient and precise treatment in aligner therapy.
When it comes to treating your overjet, one of the most important things to keep in mind is the skill of the provider you choose. Any orthodontic treatment is only a tool in the hands of the orthodontist, so that means you need to choose an experienced, well-trained orthodontist who has a track record of providing excellent results.
“Treating an overjet, and treating it properly, is important for several reasons,” says Dr. Stosich. “Overjets can cause problems with biting, chewing and swallowing, and cause discomfort when eating. They also can cause speech issues such as lips and slurs.”
But the list of issues an untreated overjet can cause doesn’t end there. Overjets can also cause dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, causing pain which can lead to trouble sleeping. Patients are also more prone to chipped or broken front teeth because of the way the teeth protrude. You may also be more likely to have gum disease and tooth decay due to plaque build-up.
Overjets will generally continue to increase over time, getting even worse with age. While the American Association of Orthodontists recommends seeing an orthodontist for the first time at the age of seven, you are never too old to seek out treatment. Teenagers and adults with overjets can also improve their smiles and oral health through orthodontic treatment.
The best way to treat an overjet is to schedule an appointment with a board-certified orthodontist who can provide lasting results. The key to properly treating any malocclusion is to find a well-trained orthodontist who has the knowledge and skill to create a customized treatment plan that will address your specific needs in the most effective way possible.
Dr. Stosich has years of experience treating malocclusions of all kinds and of all severities, using personalized, effective and efficient treatment options. Call (847) 548-4200 (Grayslake) or(224) 408-2200 (Kenilworth) today to schedule your consultation.
