Your child’s smile is one of their best features, but when their teeth aren’t lining up quite right, you might find yourself wondering: Is this an overbite or overjet? And what does that mean for their future dental health?
If you’re a parent in Calgary navigating the world of orthodontics, especially for kids between 5 and 15, this guide is for you. We’re breaking down the difference between overjet and overbite, what causes them, and how we treat both right here at Impact Orthodontics.
What’s the Difference Between an Overjet and an Overbite?
Let’s clear up the confusion.
An overjet is when the upper front teeth protrude outward past the bottom teeth, creating a significant horizontal overlap. Kids with overjet teeth often get labeled with “buck teeth,” though we think every smile is beautiful in its own way.
An overbite, on the other hand, is when the upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth – a deep bite that’s more vertical in nature. Normally, the upper front teeth should rest slightly in front of the lower teeth, covering about one-third. When the teeth overlap too much, it can lead to a host of dental problems.
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you tell the difference between the two:
Feature | Overjet | Overbite |
|---|---|---|
Direction of misalignment | Horizontal (teeth stick out forward) | Vertical (teeth bite down too far) |
Looks like | Buck teeth | Deep bite |
Teeth affected | Upper front teeth protrude | Upper teeth cover more of bottom teeth |
Often caused by | Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting habit | Genetics, jaw alignment |
Jaw involved | Upper jaw | Lower jaw or both |
Treated with | Braces, aligners, appliances | Braces, aligners, expanders |
Think of an overjet as your upper teeth pushing forward, while an overbite is more about teeth sitting downward too far.
What Causes an Overjet or Overbite?
There are several reasons why your child might develop an overjet or overbite, and most are related to early development.
Genetic factors: If you or your partner had misaligned teeth or jaw issues, your child might too.
Childhood habits: Thumb sucking, finger or thumb sucking, or a tongue thrusting habit can push the upper teeth to protrude.
Jaw growth problems: When the upper jaw grows faster than the lower jaw, or vice versa, it can throw off the balance.
Trauma: An injury to the jaw or teeth can shift alignment.
Mouth breathing: When the lips can’t close completely, the teeth might shift outward over time.
Early detection is key. We recommend visiting around age 7 when adult teeth begin to come in.
Common Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
If you’re unsure whether your child has an overjet vs overbite, look for these clues:
Upper front teeth protrude or look too far ahead
Difficulty biting or chewing (especially with upper side teeth)
Jaw clicking or jaw pain
Trouble closing lips completely
Speech problems (like a lisp)
Mouth breathing or dry mouth
Gums that show too much or too little (more gum or gum recession)
Sometimes it’s barely noticeable, other times it’s very obvious. Either way, orthodontic treatment can help.
Why Treat Overjets and Overbites?
You might be tempted to wait, especially if your child’s teeth “don’t seem too bad.” But overbites and overjets can lead to:
Teeth creating wear on each other, leading to chipped enamel
Pressure on the gum tissue
Poor alignment causing long-term bite issues
Risk of injury when teeth protrude
Problems with chewing, speech, and breathing
Treatment Options for Overjet vs Overbite
At Impact Orthodontics, we build a custom treatment plan for every patient. Depending on your child’s needs, we might recommend:
Braces: These apply gradual pressure to move teeth into place.
Clear aligners: A great choice for kids who want a low-profile option. Aligners are swapped out approximately every two weeks.
Palatal expanders: Especially helpful when adult teeth are still coming in and we need to make more space.
Functional appliances: Great for guiding forward growth of the lower jaw in younger kids.
Jaw surgery: In more severe cases where skeletal issues exist.
All of these treatments work to help the teeth remain straight, aligned, and healthy.
Can Clear Aligners Fix an Overjet or Overbite?
Yes, and they’re popular for a reason! Clear aligners like Invisalign can work wonders – involve wearing a series of trays that progressively shift the teeth into place.
They’re best for mild to moderate cases. If your child has more complex issues involving the upper jaw or lower incisors, traditional braces or appliances may be a better fit.
It’s important to get a proper evaluation to understand the difference and can clear aligners really work for your child’s case.
Read More:
At What Age Should You Correct Overjet and Overbite?
The earlier we see them, the better! Get your child in for early treatment as soon as possible.
Ages 7–10: Ideal for spotting and correcting bite issues before they worsen.
Tweens & Teens: Still very effective time for treatment with braces or aligners.
Adults: Yes, we treat parents too! You’re never too old for a healthier smile.
When adult teeth begin coming in, it gives us the clearest picture of how things are shaping up.
Overjet vs Overbite FAQs
Can my child have both an overjet and an overbite?
Yes, many kids have a combination of both. Overjet refers to horizontal tooth protrusion, while overbite is a deep vertical overlap. An orthodontist can assess and recommend the best treatment approach.
Is one more serious than the other?
It depends on how much the upper teeth stick out or cover the lower teeth. Both need attention.
Will insurance cover treatment?
In many cases, yes. We’re happy to check coverage for you.
How long does treatment take?
Most orthodontic plans last 12–24 months depending on severity and treatment type.
Ready for a Healthier, Straighter Smile? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’re in SE Calgary, SW Calgary, or nearby, we’d love to meet your family. At Impact Orthodontics, we believe every child deserves a smile that works as great as it looks.
Our team builds personalized, gentle care plans that make the journey easy for parents and fun for kids.
Let’s make that first step together – book a consultation today. Your child’s confident, healthy smile is waiting!
