Do your top teeth stick out?
If your top teeth stick out or you’ve been told you have an overjet, don’t worry. This simply means your upper front teeth sit further forward than your lower ones. This is very common in adults and is something we assess regularly at Smileworks. Overjets are treated with braces, and our dentists and orthodontists help patients achieve balanced, natural-looking smiles every day.
Should I be worried about an overjet?
Overjets are usually straightforward to treat, but if left unmanaged they can be associated with certain aesthetic and clinical concerns. These are things your dentist will discuss with you during a consultation.
Aesthetic concerns (confidence and smiling)
People whose teeth stick out often feel self-conscious about their smile. Many avoid smiling in photos or feel uncomfortable relaxing their lips. Patients frequently describe braces treatment for an overjet as life-changing because these concerns often disappear once the teeth are brought into balance. Dr Eduardo says, “many patients say their teeth make them feel awkward. So they come in for an assessment and we help them.”
Clinical concerns (trauma, oral health, speech and chewing)
Patients with an overjet of more than 4mm are at a higher risk of dental trauma, as protruding front teeth are easier to knock or chip. In more pronounced cases, closing the lips comfortably can be difficult, which may lead to a dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in protecting teeth and gums, so this can increase the risk of decay or gum problems over time.
In some patients, a larger overjet can affect speech. Sounds that rely on the front teeth and lips may be less clear, and a mild lisp can develop. This is common and entirely treatable with orthodontic care.
A pronounced overjet can also make biting and chewing less efficient because the front teeth do not meet as they should. This can place extra strain on the teeth and jaw and may lead to discomfort when eating.
Not all overjets require treatment. Whether braces are recommended depends on the size of the overjet, how your teeth meet, and whether it is affecting appearance, function, or long-term tooth health. All of this is discussed during a braces assessment, book yours here. And finally get an expert to tell you precisely what you need.
Overjet definition (the science part)
An overjet is the horizontal overlap of the teeth, meaning the top teeth protrude forward in relation to the bottom teeth. It is often confused with an overbite, which describes a vertical overlap. A simple way to remember the difference is that overjet refers to front-to-back, while overbite refers to up-and-down.
If you’ve been told you have an overbite rather than an overjet, you can read more in our overbite article. Overjets are measured in millimetres, so you may hear your dentist say something like, “you have an 8mm overjet”.
Between 2 and 4mm is considered within a normal range. Larger overjets can usually be treated with braces, but treatment is always based on the individual rather than a single measurement.
What causes an overjet?
An increased overjet can develop for a few different reasons and is often the result of a combination rather than a single cause. Most commonly, it relates to the position of the jaws. The upper jaw may sit further forward than average, or the lower jaw may sit slightly further back.
The number and position of the teeth can also play a role. Missing teeth, particularly in the lower jaw, or differences in the length of the dental arch can allow the upper teeth to move forwards over time.
In some cases, the angle of the upper front teeth contributes to the appearance of an overjet. Teeth that tilt forwards naturally can increase both the look and measurement of an overjet. This may be linked to childhood habits such as thumb sucking, or simply how the teeth developed.
How is an overjet treated?
In adults, an increased overjet is usually treated with braces to bring the teeth into a healthier, more balanced position. The approach depends on how pronounced the overjet is and whether there is crowding or spacing elsewhere in the mouth.
In some cases, creating space is part of achieving a stable result. This may involve removing specific teeth as part of orthodontic treatment. This is a well-established and routine approach when appropriate, and the aim is always a natural-looking, functional bite that is stable long term.
During a consultation, we assess your teeth, bite and jaw relationship before recommending any treatment. Not everyone with an overjet needs the same approach, and some people may not need treatment at all.
If you’re still unsure which orthodontic system is right for you, you can view an overview of the braces options we offer in Liverpool on our
Braces Liverpool page.
If you’ve been told you have an overjet or are concerned about the way your teeth sit, the next step is simply a braces assessment.
You’re welcome to call the practice on
0151 236 5166
or book a consultation at Smileworks Liverpool. If you’d prefer to explore things first, you can also view an overview of our
braces options here.
You can book a braces assessment online right now and come in to have an expert tell you precisely what you need. .
