An overjet, often called buck teeth, is when the upper front teeth stick out forward past the lower teeth. It is treated with early orthodontic treatment in children, and with braces or aligners in teens and adults.
What is an overjet?
Our common orthodontic issues page describes a protrusion, also known as an overjet or buck teeth, as front teeth that protrude outward. Look at the teeth from the side: in an overjet, there is a horizontal gap between the edges of the upper front teeth and the lower front teeth when you bite down.
A small amount of overjet is normal, because the upper teeth are meant to sit slightly in front of the lower ones. It becomes a problem when the distance is large enough to affect how the lips close, how the front teeth bite, or how exposed the upper teeth are to injury.
Is an overjet the same as an overbite?
No, although the two are often confused and often appear together. An overbite is about vertical overlap: how far the upper front teeth cover the lower ones. An overjet is about horizontal distance: how far the upper teeth stick out in front. Someone can have a deep overbite with little overjet, or a large overjet with a normal overbite. Our guide to overbite vs. open bite covers the vertical side of the picture.
What causes an overjet?
Our practice page notes that an overjet generally results from underdeveloped jaw bones or thumb sucking. In many cases the lower jaw is set back relative to the upper jaw, which makes the upper teeth look further forward than they are. Long-term habits such as thumb or finger sucking, or pacifier use well past the toddler years, can push the upper front teeth outward and tip the lower ones back. Our post on how to stop thumb sucking has practical tips for parents.
Why treat an overjet?
Appearance is one reason, and a valid one: protruding front teeth are something many children and adults feel self-conscious about. There are practical reasons too. Teeth that stick out are more likely to be chipped or broken in a fall or a sports accident, which is also why a mouthguard matters for kids who play sports. A large overjet can make it hard to close the lips comfortably and can affect how the front teeth bite into food.
How is an overjet treated?
Our page notes that early orthodontic treatment is an especially effective and efficient option for protrusions, and that, depending on severity, a full course of braces may be used. The approach changes with age.
| Age | Typical approach | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Around 7 to 10 | Early (Phase 1) treatment, habit help, growth-guiding appliances | Improve the jaw relationship while growth can still be guided |
| Teens | Braces or clear aligners, often with elastics | Move the front teeth back and correct the bite |
| Adults | Braces or clear aligners; surgical orthodontics for severe skeletal cases | Reposition the teeth, or correct the jaw position when teeth alone cannot |
Elastics, the small rubber bands that connect upper and lower braces, are often part of correcting an overjet because they help shift the bite. Whether you need them is decided at your consultation. In severe adult cases where the jaws themselves are out of position, orthodontics may be combined with corrective jaw surgery.
When should a child be checked for buck teeth?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic screening by age 7. For overjets, timing matters. While the jaws are still growing, early treatment can improve how they relate to each other and reduce the risk of injury to protruding teeth, which can minimize the need for more complex treatment later. Our early intervention page explains what that first visit involves.
At the exam, Dr. Battle uses digital x-rays and, where 3D detail is needed, PreXion cone beam CBCT imaging to see how much of the overjet comes from tooth position and how much from jaw growth. That distinction drives the plan.
What are the signs of an overjet?
A large overjet is easy to see in profile. A milder one is often noticed first in photos, or by a dentist at a routine visit.
- Upper front teeth that sit well forward of the lower front teeth
- Lips that do not close easily over the front teeth at rest
- A chin that looks set back in profile
- Difficulty biting into food such as sandwiches with the front teeth
- A history of thumb, finger or prolonged pacifier sucking
- Chipped or worn upper front teeth
If you notice any of these in your child, a screening is the simplest way to find out whether it is something to treat now or simply watch as they grow.
What happens at an overjet consultation?
Your first visit is a complimentary consultation. Dr. Battle examines the teeth, bite and jaw relationship, and we take the records needed to plan treatment, including a TRIOS digital scan that replaces messy putty impressions. The TRIOS outcome simulator can show a preview of how the smile could look once the front teeth are brought back into line.
You will leave with a personalized treatment plan, a time estimate and a custom financial plan. Braces and clear aligners are offered at the same price with no down payment, so the choice between them can be based on what suits you. If you are ready to start, Same Day Braces means treatment can begin at that first appointment.
Frequently asked questions about overjet
Can an overjet be fixed without braces?
Mild cases in adults are often treated with clear aligners instead of braces. Either way, the teeth need to be moved orthodontically to correct the protrusion.
Can an overjet come back after treatment?
Teeth can drift if retainers are not worn. Following your retainer schedule is what keeps the correction in place.
Is buck teeth correction only for kids?
No. Adults correct overjets with braces or aligners, and there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment.
How long does it take to fix an overjet?
It depends on severity and age. Full treatment generally takes 12 to 36 months, and you will get a personal estimate at your consultation.
Concerned about protruding front teeth, yours or your child’s? Request a complimentary consultation and get a clear answer from Dr. Battle.
