Protruded teeth, also called increased overjet, happen when the upper front teeth sit too far forward compared to the lower teeth. This can affect how the teeth bite together, how the smile looks, and how confident a person feels. Orthodontists choose treatment based on whether a patient is still growing and on the dental and skeletal causes of the problem.
All treatments aim to improve the bite, but each option can change facial appearance in different ways. For this reason, orthodontic treatment should always be personalised.
In children and teenagers, orthodontists can use natural growth to help correct an increased overjet.
Functional appliances, such as the Twin Block, MARA (Mandibular Aneterior Repositioning Appliance) or Herbst appliance, guide the lower jaw forward and help improve the bite. These appliances work best during the pubertal growth phase. While they can influence jaw growth, much of their effect comes from tooth movement.
Some clear aligner systems include features that advance the lower jaw. These aligners suit mild to moderate overjet cases and appeal to patients who want a more discreet treatment option.
Orthodontists can combine a Herbst appliance with customised lingual braces. The Herbst moves the lower jaw forward, while lingual braces straighten the teeth from the inside surfaces. This approach corrects the bite and aligns the teeth while keeping treatment nearly invisible.
In adults, growth has finished. Treatment focuses on tooth movement, bite correction, and, in some cases, surgery.
Orthodontists often use elastic bands with fixed braces to correct the bite. Elastics guide the upper and lower teeth into better alignment. This method works well but depends on good patient compliance.
The Carriere Motion appliance corrects the bite before braces or aligners start. It uses elastics to move the upper teeth backwards and works best for moderate Class II problems.
Fixed bite correctors, such as Forsus or MARA, attach to braces and move the lower jaw forward. These appliances help patients who struggle to wear elastics consistently.
Adults can also benefit from a Herbst appliance combined with customised lingual braces. Although jaw growth does not change in adults, this combination improves bite position and aligns teeth discreetly.
In some cases, orthodontists remove selected teeth to create space and reduce overjet, especially when crowding is present or when the upper front teeth lean too far forward. This approach requires careful planning to maintain facial balance, preserve lip support, and avoid reducing tongue space.
Mini-screws (TADs) allow orthodontists to move upper teeth backwards without relying on patient cooperation. This technique may reduces the need for pre-molars extractions (although may require wisdom teeth extractions) and provides precise control.
When a severe jaw mismatch causes the overjet, orthodontic treatment alone may not be enough. Jaw surgery repositions the jaws and can significantly improve both bite function and facial appearance. Orthodontists usually reserve surgery for the most severe cases or for patients with airway concerns and breathing problems, where advancing the lower jaw can provide meaningful benefits.
Each treatment option can affect facial appearance differently. For example:
Orthodontists consider several factors when planning treatment, including:
Orthodontists can successfully treat increased overjet at any age. Modern options range from functional appliances and clear aligners to customised lingual braces, mini-screws, and jaw surgery.
The best results come from a personalised treatment plan that improves both bite function and facial harmony. A consultation with an experienced specialist orthodontist helps determine the safest and most effective approach for each individual patient.
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I recommend and prescribe orthodontic treatments to my patients as if they were my own family and I value meaningful relationships based on communication, confidence and trust.
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