Overjet: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 03:56, 13 February 2025

Overjet

Overjet refers to the horizontal distance between the upper front teeth (maxillary incisors) and the lower front teeth (mandibular incisors). It is a common dental measurement used to assess the alignment and occlusion of teeth.

Definition

In dental terms, overjet is the extent of horizontal (anterior-posterior) overlap of the maxillary central incisors over the mandibular central incisors. It is typically measured in millimeters using a periodontal probe or a ruler.

Normal Overjet

A normal overjet is considered to be around 2 to 3 millimeters. This allows for proper function and aesthetics of the teeth. A normal overjet ensures that the teeth can effectively cut and chew food, and it also contributes to the overall appearance of the smile.

Increased Overjet

An increased overjet, often referred to as "protrusion," occurs when the maxillary incisors are significantly forward of the mandibular incisors. This condition can be caused by:

Increased overjet can lead to functional problems such as difficulty in biting and increased risk of trauma to the protruded teeth.

Decreased Overjet

A decreased overjet, sometimes called "reverse overjet" or "anterior crossbite," occurs when the mandibular incisors are positioned in front of the maxillary incisors. This condition can be associated with:

Decreased overjet can affect the aesthetics of the smile and may lead to functional issues such as improper incisal guidance.

Clinical Significance

Assessing overjet is crucial in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. It helps in determining the type of malocclusion and the appropriate treatment approach, which may include:

Related Pages

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-'''Overjet''' is a term used in [[Orthodontics|orthodontics]] to describe the horizontal overlap of the [[Incisor|incisors]]. It is often confused with [[Overbite|overbite]], which refers to the vertical overlap of the teeth. Overjet is measured in millimeters and is typically assessed using a [[Periodontal probe|periodontal probe]] during a dental examination.
+== Overjet ==
-==Definition==
+[[File:Overjet-overbite.png|thumb|right|Diagram illustrating overjet and overbite]]
-Overjet is defined as the extent of horizontal (anterior-posterior) overlap of the maxillary central incisors over the mandibular central incisors. In a normal dental arrangement, the upper incisors should slightly overlap the lower incisors horizontally. An increased overjet can be a sign of several dental and skeletal abnormalities, such as [[Malocclusion|malocclusion]] or [[Prognathism|prognathism]].
-==Causes==
+'''Overjet''' refers to the horizontal distance between the upper front teeth (maxillary incisors) and the lower front teeth (mandibular incisors). It is a common dental measurement used to assess the alignment and occlusion of teeth.
-Overjet can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, habits such as [[Thumb sucking|thumb sucking]], and skeletal discrepancies between the upper and lower jaw. It can also be a result of the loss of posterior teeth, which can cause the anterior teeth to protrude forward.
-==Treatment==
+== Definition ==
-The treatment for overjet often involves orthodontic intervention. This can include the use of [[Dental braces|braces]], [[Invisalign]], or other orthodontic appliances to move the teeth into the correct position. In severe cases, [[Orthognathic Surgery|orthognathic surgery]] may be required to correct the skeletal discrepancies causing the overjet.
+In dental terms, overjet is the extent of horizontal (anterior-posterior) overlap of the maxillary central incisors over the mandibular central incisors. It is typically measured in millimeters using a periodontal probe or a ruler.
+== Normal Overjet ==
+A normal overjet is considered to be around 2 to 3 millimeters. This allows for proper function and aesthetics of the teeth. A normal overjet ensures that the teeth can effectively cut and chew food, and it also contributes to the overall appearance of the smile.
+== Increased Overjet ==
+An increased overjet, often referred to as "protrusion," occurs when the maxillary incisors are significantly forward of the mandibular incisors. This condition can be caused by:
+* [[Genetics]]
+* [[Thumb sucking]]
+* [[Tongue thrusting]]
+* [[Skeletal discrepancies]]
+Increased overjet can lead to functional problems such as difficulty in biting and increased risk of trauma to the protruded teeth.
+== Decreased Overjet ==
+A decreased overjet, sometimes called "reverse overjet" or "anterior crossbite," occurs when the mandibular incisors are positioned in front of the maxillary incisors. This condition can be associated with:
+* [[Class III malocclusion]]
+* [[Mandibular prognathism]]
+* [[Maxillary retrusion]]
+Decreased overjet can affect the aesthetics of the smile and may lead to functional issues such as improper incisal guidance.
+== Clinical Significance ==
+Assessing overjet is crucial in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. It helps in determining the type of malocclusion and the appropriate treatment approach, which may include:
+* [[Orthodontic braces]]
+* [[Functional appliances]]
+* [[Orthognathic surgery]]
+== Related Pages ==
-==See also==
 * [[Overbite]]
 * [[Malocclusion]]
 * [[Orthodontics]]
-* [[Dental braces]]
+* [[Dental occlusion]]
 [[Category:Dentistry]]
 [[Category:Orthodontics]]
-{{dentistry-stub}}